Leaking floor drains not only affect the occupants downstairs, but can also cause long-term damage to the building structure. Therefore, it is crucial to solve this problem. This article will detail step by step how to fix a floor drain leak.
1. Identify the problem
The extent of the problem needs to be determined. If your downstairs neighbors report water leaks, the problem may be bigger than you think. Check the floor or walls around the floor drain for moisture or mold. If so, then the leaking problem may have been present for a while.
2. Find the source
Finding out the cause of the floor drain leak is very important. Possible causes include a clogged drain, a poorly sealed floor drain, or a leak from an underfloor pipe. Water leaks can be identified by water testing. If the water goes down slowly or doesn’t go down at all, the drain may be clogged. If the floor around the drain is wet, the drain may have a poor seal or a leaking pipe.
3. Solve the problem
1. The drain pipe is blocked
If the drain is clogged, try an all-purpose drain cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call in a professional pipe cleaning company to unclog it. Also consider using a pipe unclog machine, which can effectively remove blockages.
2. The floor drain is poorly sealed
If the floor drain is poorly sealed, it will need to be resealed with waterproof sealant or silicone. Clean off the dust and grime around the floor drain first, then apply the sealant and let it dry before testing.
3. Water pipe leakage
If your underfloor pipe is leaking, you may need to call in a professional plumbing company to fix it. They will locate the leak and repair or replace the leak.
4. Preventive measures
In order to prevent the floor drain from leaking, the floor drain can be cleaned regularly to avoid clogging. At the same time, it is also necessary to regularly check the sealing condition of the floor drain, and carry out sealing treatment if necessary. For water pipes, it can also be checked regularly and repaired in time when problems are found.
