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- The basement floor slopes towards the floor drain or drains. Under the drain is a trap or U-shaped piece of pipe that holds water, which prevents sewer gas from backing up the pipe and entering the home through the drain. From the trap a horizontal pipe runs under the concrete basement floor towards the sewer main hookup. Other sewer hookups, commonly called stacks, connect to the sewer line at various points between the floor drain and the public sewer main.
- The water in the sewer trap is the only thing that stands between the sewer gases in the pipe and the living quarters of the home. Add water to the trap at least once a week to replace any water that may have evaporated
- The basement drain, the lowest opening in the home sewer system, is vulnerable to sewer backups. This can occur if the pipe beyond the stacks becomes clogged or if the municipal sewer system fails and backs up. A plug, usually a rubber stopper that expands to fit the drain, prevents backups. A plug also prevents water from draining away from the basement. Screens over the drain prevent the inadvertent loss of objects down the drain.
- Some home designs place the basement floor drain in the utility room where it also serves as a receptacle for water from a vented water heater or softener. Some homeowners drain washing machines directly to the floor drain. More common uses include emergency drainage in case of plumbing failures and washing larger objects, or the occasional pet, indoors.
Drain Design
Safety Measures
Plugs and Screens
Drain Uses
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