If a floor drain starts overflowing, stop using water in the building, keep people and pets away from the water and get prompt help from a plumber. The water coming up may contain wastewater, so avoid touching it and stay clear of any electrical equipment nearby.
Floor drains are often found in basements, laundry rooms, boiler rooms and garages. They are meant to carry water away, so water rising out of one is a sign that something farther along the drain is not moving. That kind of problem usually should not wait until it is convenient.
Why a Floor Drain May Overflow
A floor drain often sits at one of the lowest points in a building. When water cannot flow out through the drain line, it may come back up at that low spot first. Possible reasons include:
- a blockage in the floor drain or the line it connects to
- a clog in the main building drain that other fixtures also use
- a large amount of water entering at once, such as from a washer or water heater
- very heavy rain or a problem in the city sewer, in some cases
An overflowing floor drain does not prove that the sewer line is damaged. The cause can only be found by checking the drain system itself.
Steps to Take Right Away
Ask everyone in the home or building to stop running water, flushing toilets and using washers or dishwashers. Every bit of water sent down the drains may end up at the floor drain.
Keep children and pets out of the area. Do not walk through the water if you can avoid it, and do not touch it with bare hands. If water is near outlets, extension cords or appliances, stay away and do not try to unplug anything while standing in water.
If you have accidental contact with the water, wash your skin with soap and clean water. Move belongings out of the path of the water only if you can do so without touching it.
What Not to Do
Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners into a floor drain that is backing up. They may not reach the blockage, and they can make the water more dangerous to be near. Do not remove drain covers, open cleanouts or push tools into the line, since that can release more wastewater into the room.
When Several People Share the Drain
In Bronx apartment and mixed-use buildings, a basement floor drain may connect to lines that serve many units. Tell the super or property manager right away so they can ask residents to limit water use. Building staff may also need to provide access to the basement and any shared drain areas.
An overflowing floor drain is the kind of situation our emergency drain cleaning is meant for, and we are available 24/7, including nights, Sundays and holidays. Call (929) 209-6183 to tell us what you are seeing.
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