It’s that time of the year again: spring cleaning has arrived. For many families, that involves sweeping and hosing down the garage to get it ready for the summer ahead. But what happens if you hit a snag as you’re washing out the garage because there is a clog in your garage floor drain?

A garage floor drain can become clogged just like your shower, sink, and any other drain in your home. We’ll guide you through why this happens and what you can do to fix it.

What Causes a Clogged Garage Floor Drain?

A garage floor drain can actually become clogged very easily because there are several potential culprits. Your drain can be blocked by all the debris you would expect like leaves, sticks, and other outdoor debris, as well as oil and trash. But it can also be blocked by ice that is deep inside the pipe if you’re in an area that’s still experiencing very cold nights.

Another potential cause for a blocked garage floor drain is a clogged sewer line, which could back up the system including the garage floor drain. You could also have crystallization in your pipes from sediments that are deposited onto the inside of the pipe over the course of years.

How to Fix a Clog in Your Garage Floor Drain

Whether or not you know why your garage drain is clogged, there’s a good chance you can clear it on your own. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Remove the Grate

You’ll need to get to the drain pipe, so remove the grate to give yourself a way in. You might need a screwdriver for this step depending on how your grate is secured to the drain.

Step 2: Remove Debris Manually

Put on a pair of rubber gloves and start clearing the clog the old-fashioned way: manually grabbing and removing any debris you can see and reach. Toss it in a trash bag or bucket so you don’t risk it washing back into the drain. You could use a garden trowel to help you with this too. If there’s debris you can see but not reach, you can also use a plunger on the drain, just like you would plunge a toilet, to loosen the debris.

Step 3: Flush with Hot Water

Heat up about a quart of water so it’s hot but not boiling and pour it into the pipe. This may be enough to flush out the remaining debris, so watch how smoothly it flows. If the water is still flowing slowly, go on to step four.

Step 4: Break Through with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar cause a fizzing reaction that is excellent for breaking up drain clogs. To do this:

• Wait 10 minutes after you’ve poured the hot water down the drain
• Pour one pound of baking soda into the drain
• After pouring the baking soda, pour 32 ounces of white vinegar into the drain
• Wait 10 minutes as the baking soda and vinegar work their magic
• Pour another quart of hot water down the drain to flush it out

Watch how quickly that hot water drains. If it’s flowing smoothly, you’ve been successful.

What If This DIY Fix Doesn’t Work?

In many cases, baking soda and vinegar will do the trick. If this doesn’t work, though, it could mean you have a clog that’s too deep into the pipe, the clog is too severe, or the blockage is caused by another issue.

In this case, don’t stress, just call a professional for help. We’re proud to serve customers throughout the Birmingham area and have a flexible schedule, including 24/7 service for emergencies. Our team will be able to get to the bottom of your drain clog and clear it out so you can get your spring cleaning back on track. Contact Plumb One to get the help you need.