Why is there standing water in my bathroom floor drain?

Author: Brannon Hane  |  Last update: Friday, April 25, 2025

There are likely roots or maybe even a broken pipe. Hopefully it is just the exit pipe outside otherwise the main drain pipe will have to be cleared or repaired. Even after that you will always see water in the floor drains since there are traps on the pipe to keep sewer smells or bugs out of the living space.

Why is there standing water in my floor drain?

No joke. When water backs up out of a floor drain, it usually means there is a clog in the drain line, not the floor drain itself. When there is a clog in the main building drain and water is run down a drain from an upper fixture, water will back up in the drain line until it finds somewhere else to come out.

Should a bathroom floor drain have water in it?

ALL drains are supposed to have water standing in them at the p-trap. The trap holds water that blocks deadly sewer gasses from entering the building.

How to unclog a bathroom drain with standing water?

Plunge the drain: Place a plunger over the drain, ensuring a tight seal. Push the plunger handle in and out vigorously to create suction and dislodge the clog. Continue plunging until you hear the water start to drain (3).

How do you clear a bathroom floor drain?

How to Unblock a Floor Drain
  1. Remove the P-trap. The P-trap is the curved drain pipe under the drain that traps water. ...
  2. Clear debris in the P-trap. ...
  3. Snaking time. ...
  4. Drain cleaner. ...
  5. Plunge it. ...
  6. Wet vacuum. ...
  7. Repeat if needed. ...
  8. Flush with boiling water.

DON'T LIVE with SLOW DRAINS - Make Your Shower Drain like New In 2 Minutes

Why is my bathroom floor drain overflowing?

The Drain is Blocked: If the drain overflows frequently, or overflows and never drains out, that means there's a clog or blockage in your sewer pipe. If you're lucky, it's just an accumulation of hair and debris, and you can send a plumbing snake down the floor drain to clear it out.

Do floor drains need cleanouts?

Overall, floor cleanouts are an important part of floor drain maintenance. They can increase efficiency in the drainage system and protect your property from costly water damage. Choosing the right floor cleanout system for your drain can ensure it works reliably and efficiently for many years.

How do you fix standing water in a drain?

First, remove all stagnant water from the sink. Replace it with hot water until it is halfway full, and it generates a seal around your drain. Place the sink plunger over the drain and start pumping up and down swiftly. Remove the plunger, observe if the water flows, and repeat the procedure until water flows freely.

Will Drano still work in standing water?

Drano® cuts through standing water and removes clogs, which can be a source of odours and can harbour germs and bacteria.

What is the best drain cleaner for standing water?

Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover

The best drain cleaner overall. A thick gel that descends through standing water to the source of the clog and starts to work melting soap scum, grease, and other gunky obstructions, is safe for plumbing and septic systems.

Why is water coming through my bathroom floor?

When you first notice rising water, there are a few main reasons this could be happening. You might have a plumbing leak, or it could actually be coming through the ceiling. If not, the issue could be anything from a leaky in-floor heating system to groundwater seeping through the foundation of your home.

What is the drain in the bathroom floor called?

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The floor waste, also known as a floor gully, is the grated drain hole in your bathroom floor that lets water escape and prevents flooding. It connects to your sewerage system to whisk the water away.

How often should floor drains be cleaned?

Clean Drains Regularly

Floor drains should be inspected and cleaned roughly every four months to prevent build-ups and clogs. Remove the cover to check for and clear any debris with a brush or a hose, or by hand.

Should there be water in the bathroom floor drain?

The first answer is YES: Your sewer drains should hold water in certain locations. The reason for the water in the drainage fixture is to prevent rodents and smells entering the building. For example a toilet pan has water in its bowl always this is to prevent foul smells entering the building.

How do you fix a floor drain backing up?

How to Fix a Clogged Floor Drain
  1. Hot Water. If a clog is the source of your backed-up floor drain, try pouring hot water down the drain. ...
  2. Common Household Solution. Pour a combination of vinegar and baking soda down the drain line to break up the residue. ...
  3. Plunging.

How often should I fill a p-trap?

P traps are expected to have liquid ran through them at least every 14 days. However, field conditions such as drafts from a fan or furnace can accelerate the evaporation.

How do you unblock a drain with standing water?

How to Unclog a Shower Drain with Standing Water: 5 Methods
  1. Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar. Baking soda, a cup of vinegar, and boiled water are a perfect home remedy for clearing a clog. ...
  2. Use a Plunger. ...
  3. Try a Drain Snake. ...
  4. Use a Coat Hanger. ...
  5. Call Your Local Expert Plumber.

Why do plumbers not like Drano?

Plumbers unanimously encourage homeowners not to use Drano due to its corrosive nature. The chemicals in Drano can erode not only the clogged material causing the blockage but will also quickly eat away at the metal plumbing pipes themselves, causing more harm than good.

Can you pour liquid plumr in standing water?

CAN I USE LIQUID-PLUMR® CLOG DESTROYER PLUS+ HAIR CLOG ELIMINATOR™ IF I HAVE STANDING WATER (WHEN WATER HAS STOPPED FLOWING) INTO MY SINK? Yes, but for best results, we recommend using either Liquid-Plumr® Clog Destroyer Plus+ PipeGuard™ or Liquid-Plumr® Clog Destroyer Plus+ Urgent Clear™ for clogs with standing water.

How to unclog a floor drain with standing water?

Using rubber gloves, reach down into the drain and pull out any debris around the drain. Pour a pot of boiling water down the basement drain and wait 15 minutes. Next, grab a plunger from your bathroom. Put the plunger cup directly over the floor drain and give it a few hard plunges.

Why is water coming up through my floor drain?

A clogged main drain line is among the most common causes of a basement floor drain backup. This backup in your basement arises when the sewer line that connects all the pipes from your home to the city sewer line or septic tank becomes clogged.

Should there be water sitting in floor drain?

Floor drains should contain some water, so don't be worried. Basements are more susceptible than any other areas of your home to absorb water because they are below grade, and standing water is typical for the main drain in the basement.

How do you tell if a floor drain has a trap?

Floor drains are no exception.

The shaded portion shows the trap where water will always sit, which prevents sewer gas from entering the building. When you look at an installed floor drain, all that you typically see is the grill on top; the rest of the drain is always buried in the basement floor.

How do you deep clean a floor drain?

Pour baking soda and white vinegar down the drain; after 10 minutes, flush the drain with boiling water. If the drain is still clogged, use a plumber's snake to snag and remove stubborn clogs. Once the drain is flowing freely again, replace the drain cover.

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