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How to Cover Basement Floor Drain

Written By

Carmen

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Basement floor drains are an important part of a home’s plumbing system as they help keep water away from the house’s foundation and stop flooding and other water damage. However, uncovered basement floor drains can become clogged with dirt, mud, debris, and other substances. This can lead to unsanitary conditions, foul odors, and even structural damage due to water accumulation.

How to Cover Basement Floor Drain

Covering a basement floor drain can have many advantages. It is an inexpensive way to protect the home from flooding or water damage and can help reduce the risk of moisture buildup in the basement. Covered drains also provide easier access for cleaning and maintenance, reduce drafts, and help maintain consistent temperatures in the basement. In this blog post, You will learn in detail how to cover basement floor drain.

Materials You Will Need

  • Plastic sheeting
  • Plywood
  • Sandpaper
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Utility knife
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Level
  • Caulk gun
  • Concrete sealer (optional)

Step-by-Step Processes for How to Cover Basement Floor Drain

Step 1: Inspect the Inside of the Basement

Before you cover the basement floor drain, it’s important to inspect it for any weak points or other issues. Check for rust on the metal pipes and ensure there are no gaps in the piping where water can seep through. Once you have inspected the basement floor drain, it’s time to prepare it for covering. Start by using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any dirt or debris that may be blocking the pipes.

Step 2: Clean the Basement Floor Drain

Once you have removed all of the debris from the basement floor drain, use a brush and soap solution to scrub off any dirt or grime that may be stuck to the sides. Be sure to rinse off all of the soap residues with clean water before continuing.

Removed All of the Debris

Step 3: Cover the Basement Floor Drain

Once you have cleaned and inspected the basement floor drain, it’s time to cover it. Start by measuring the area around the drain and purchasing a cover that is large enough to fit. Place the cover over the drain when it arrives and secure it with screws or nails if needed.

Step 4: Test the Basement Floor Drain

Once you have covered the basement floor drain, it’s important to ensure that it is properly sealed before leaving it alone. To do this, fill a bucket with a few inches of water and slowly pour it around the edges of the drain cover. If you don’t see any leaks, then your basement floor drain is properly sealed and ready to use.

Following these simple steps, you can easily cover your basement floor drain and keep your basement area dry and debris-free.

Tips for How to Cover Basement Floor Drain

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
  1. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and a dust mask, to prevent inhalation of debris.
  2. Before starting the project, test for any potential gas leaks using a portable detector. Suppose you detect any potentially dangerous gases, exit immediately and call an experienced professional to handle them as soon as possible.
  3. Ensure the floor is properly sealed and waterproofed to prevent water or moisture from entering the basement.
  4. If possible, use a vapor barrier below the floor drain cover to protect against moisture-related damage.
  5. Select a durable and long-lasting material for your coverage, such as concrete or epoxy paint, to ensure longevity.
  6. Use a sealant around the edges of the floor drain cover to prevent water from seeping in, especially if you are using natural materials such as wood.
  7. Take extra precautions when handling hazardous materials like paint or solvents by wearing protective gear and following all safety instructions.
  8. Make sure to use the proper tools for installation and follow any instructions provided with the floor drain cover that you purchase. This will ensure a secure, successful finish to your project.

These simple tips will help cover your basement floor drain easier and safer. With patience and attention to detail, you can complete this job independently without needing to hire a professional.

How Often Should You Inspect and Maintain the Covering?

It is important to inspect and maintain the covering of a basement floor drain regularly. How often this should be done depends on the type of material used in the covering and how heavily it sees use. For example, if you have chosen a metal grate or grille for your cover, it may need to be inspected more frequently than one made from a plastic or rubber material.

In any case, it is recommended to inspect and maintain the covering of your basement floor drain at least once a year to ensure that it is properly sealed and not leaking. This can be done by checking for signs of wear and tear, rusting, or damage and ensuring that the cover is securely affixed to the floor drain.

Additionally, any debris or obstructions should be cleared from the cover and surrounding area to ensure that it can function properly. If there are any issues with the covering, these should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage or water leakage.

How Can You Tell if the Covering Has Been Damaged or Needs to Be Replaced?

If the covering of your basement floor drain has been damaged or is not working as effectively as it should, there are a few things you can look out for. First, check to ensure the cover fits securely and is in good condition. If there is any rust on the cover or the sealant around it appears to be cracked or damaged, this should be replaced.

Additionally, if the covering begins to leak or overflow, it is time to replace it. If you cannot determine whether or not your basement floor drain needs to be covered, you can consult a professional plumber for advice and assistance. A qualified plumber can inspect your drainage system and advise you on the best course of action.

Ensure the Cover Fits Securely

How Can You Prevent Water From Leaking Through the Covering?

  • Seal the area around the drain with a waterproof sealant to prevent any water from entering around the edges of the covering.
  • Place a layer of plastic sheeting over the drain before laying down your chosen floor covering. This will help keep any moisture from seeping between the layers, thus preventing mold and mildew from forming.
  • Lay down a vapor barrier over the plastic sheeting before laying your chosen floor covering. This will act as an extra layer of protection against moisture entering between the layers, causing mold or mildew to form.
  • Use an adhesive to secure the edges of the covering around the drain and any seams between pieces of the covering material.
  • Apply a sealant over the edges and seams of your floor covering to ensure that moisture cannot seep in from above or below. This will also help ensure the floor covering lasts longer and is better protected against mold and mildew formation.
  • Finally, add a waterproof coat of paint or varnish over the top of your floor covering to protect it from moisture further and help keep it looking its best.

Following these steps will ensure that you have effectively covered your basement floor drain and kept any water from leaking through the covering.

Do You Need to Call a Professional?

Covering a basement floor drain can be done without hiring a professional, but there are some situations in which you should call one. If any parts of the drain have become broken, damaged, or corroded, it is best to hire a professional plumber to repair them. 

Additionally, a professional can provide helpful guidance if you are unsure about what type of cover to use or how to install it properly. Finally, if the task turns out to be more complex than anticipated or involves replacing the entire drain system, it is best to call in a plumber for help. In these cases, they will also be able to check that your drainage system meets local plumbing codes and regulations.

Hire a Professional Plumber to Repair Them

Conclusion

The primary disadvantage of covering the basement floor drain is that it can cause mold and mildew growth. The damp environment created by covering the drain can be ideal for developing spores that thrive in moist conditions. It also restricts air flow, accumulating dust and other airborne particles, potentially triggering allergies or asthma symptoms.

In conclusion, covering a basement floor drain is an important task to complete to prevent any moisture from entering the area and potentially causing damage. There are several different materials that can be used to cover a floor drain, including concrete, plywood, rubber mats, and plastic sheets. Depending on the type of material you choose, additional steps may need to be taken to ensure a tight seal and prevent any leakage. I hope this article has been beneficial in learning how to cover basement floor drain. Make Sure the precautionary measures are followed chronologically. 

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