Flush and Clean Floor Drains
Why It Matters
Neglected floor drains clog with sediment, and when you need them most during a flood or water leak, they will not work.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Bucket. Materials required: Enzyme drain cleaner.
- 2
Perform the flush and clean floor drains
Pour water and enzyme cleaner down all floor drains in basement, laundry, and garage to prevent clogs and odors.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If if drain does not flow freely after cleaning, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Bucket
Materials
- Enzyme drain cleaner
Community Tips
Floor drains accumulate hair, soap scum, and sediment that restrict water flow long before they fully clog; using Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver ($12-18) monthly breaks down organic buildup enzymatically without damaging pipes, which is especially important for older cast iron drains prone to corrosion from chemical cleaners.
Never mix enzyme-based drain cleaners with bleach or commercial drain snakes, as the chemical reaction can release toxic gases and the mechanical action can rupture corroded drain pipes—always flush the line with plain water first and verify pipe material before treating.
A basic wet/dry shop vacuum like the DeWalt DXV20P ($60-90) combined with enzyme treatment costs less than a single service call from a plumber ($200-400), and the vacuum pays dividends for cleaning debris before applying drain cleaner to improve contact time and effectiveness. ---