What do you do if your basement floods with sewage?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Apr 20, 2026
What Should I Do if My Basement is Flooding?
- Shut Off Your Power.
- Act as Soon as Possible.
- Wear Boots and Gloves for Protection.
- Figure Out Where the Water is Coming From.
- Check Your Floor Drain to Ensure it Has Not Become Clogged.
- Begin Removing Water from the Basement.
- Move Damaged Items Out of the Way.
Why would a basement drain back up with water?
If the water is coming up through floor drains or sink drains in the basement, then the problem is often water backing up from the municipal sanitary sewer system. Sewer backups can be caused by individual service lines being plugged by grease, waste, tree roots, breaks in pipes, or saturated ground.
How much does it cost to unclog a basement drain?
Most plumbers offer flat rates on basic drain cleaning, while unclogging severe drains is billed at $45 to $150 per hour plus parts….Plumber Cost To Unclog Drain.
| National Average Cost | $216 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $75 |
| Maximum Cost | $550 |
| Average Range | $100 to $275 |
Can you put Drano in basement drain?
Liquid drain cleaner is not recommended. In the case of clogged floor and basement drains in particular the clog–often household debris or even tree roots invading damaged pipes–won’t even be affected at all by the cleaner. And that is only if you even get the dangerous chemical to the point of the problem.
How do I stop my basement floor drain from backing up?
Fix Sewage Backup in Basement Floor Drains The acidity in Coca-Cola can help clear a sewage backup but may leave a residue itself. A drain snake is a great tool to unclog plumbing fixtures, but if you don’t have one, you could use a hose or plunger to clear a clogged drain.
How do you unclog a basement drain pipe?
Basement Clogged Drain Tips
- Clean your drains regularly.
- To further clean your drain, pour a bucket of boiling water down and wait 15 minutes.
- If you want to attempt clearing a clogged floor drain yourself, rent a power auger with 50 ft or more of cable and follow the instructions for use.
Can I pour bleach down my basement drain?
Bleach is a powerful, toxic substance that should be used carefully and properly, and pouring it down a drain is not a proper use. Bleach can react with other substances in your pipes, potentially release fumes, and further plug up the system. Pouring bleach down them will do much more harm than good.
How do you flood proof a basement?
Here are some obvious and not-so-obvious things you can do to prevent basement flooding.
- Install a Sump Pump.
- Install a Backwater Valve.
- Seal Your Basement.
- Properly Grade Around the Foundation.
- Install a French Drain.
- Check Your Landscaping.
- Use Downspout Extensions.
- Keep Your Gutters Clean.
How do you unclog a basement drain without a snake?
Start by pouring a pot of boiling hot water down the drain, followed by ½ cup baking soda. Let that sit a few minutes, then pour a mixture of one cup of vinegar and one cup of very hot water on top of the baking soda. Let it sit for five to ten minutes, then flush it one last time with another pot of boiling water.
Why is my basement drain not draining?
Therefore, it’s a main sewer line clog that almost almost always causes the floor drain to back up. Because the basement floor drain is the lowest opening in the home’s drainage system, sewage and water coming up from the basement floor drain backup is a sign that your home has a main sewer line clog.
