Why Is My Basement Floor Drain Backing Up?

Guides / Sewer Lines

What it usually means

A floor drain rarely clogs on its own; very little goes into it. When water rises out of it, the problem is almost always downstream in the main sewer lateral. Every fixture in the house drains through that one pipe, and when it's restricted, water backs up to the lowest point it can find.

Common causes we find

• Tree roots at clay or cast iron joints — the top cause in older neighborhoods. See why roots get in.
• Grease and wipes collecting at a rough spot or belly in the line.
• A sag or offset joint from soil movement, holding standing water and debris.
• A collapsed section on aging Orangeburg or clay pipe.

What to do right now

1. Stop using water — no laundry, showers, dishwasher, or flushing.
2. Check other fixtures. Slow toilets or gurgling tubs confirm a main line issue.
3. If you have an exterior cleanout, look for water standing in it (carefully loosen the cap).
4. Move valuables off the floor and keep people and pets out of the water.
5. Call for emergency drain service if water is actively rising.

How we fix it

We clear the main line from the cleanout, then run a camera inspection to see why it blocked. Roots or heavy grease usually call for hydro jetting; broken or sagging pipe may need a spot repair. You see the footage before any recommendation.

More on whole-house backups in what to do when every drain backs up. We serve Colorado Springs and surrounding towns 24/7 — request service.

See our sewer lines service in Colorado Springs →

Local Help Near You

We handle this problem every week across the Pikes Peak region: Colorado Springs, Monument, Larkspur, Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Peyton, Woodland Park, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Security-Widefield, Falcon, Black Forest, Palmer Lake, Cimarron Hills, Stratmoor Hills.