Floor drain in kitchen backing up

[Gardenboy]

I have a floor drain in my kitchen, and sometimes it backs up when I use the kitchen sink. Does anyone know what could be causing this?

[TinyTool]

Have you attempted to use a plunger or drain snake to clear the drain? If so, did you notice any improvement, or did the backup continue? Additionally, if you've used a snake, was there resistance when you tried to push it through, or did it move freely?

[Gardenboy]

Sorry for not explaining in more detail earlier. We have opened it a few times, but the issue only gets fixed temporarily, and it keeps reoccurring. I believe the line from the kitchen to the gutter in the garage is narrow, which might be causing frequent blockages. That’s just my guess, but what do you think?

Additionally, if you've used a snake, was there resistance when you tried to push it through, or did it move freely?

Don't remember exactly.

[TinyTool]

No problem, thanks for clarifying! If the line from the kitchen to the gutter is narrow, that could definitely be a contributing factor to recurring blockages. Narrow pipes have less capacity for waste to flow through, and over time, grease, food particles, or soap scum can build up more easily, leading to frequent clogs. Even if you're clearing it temporarily, the narrow pipe might not allow for a thorough enough cleaning, or the debris could be too tough to remove with basic snaking.

Regarding the use of a snake, you should feel some resistance if it’s encountering a blockage, as the snake works to break up or move the clog. If the snake moves too easily, that might mean it's just passing through a section that's clear, or it might not be reaching the full extent of the blockage. A good approach would be to apply steady pressure and make sure the snake is working through the whole line, not just bypassing the issue. If there's no resistance at all, it might be worth trying again, maybe with a longer or more specialized snake for deeper blockages.

If the line is indeed too narrow and causing persistent issues, it could be worth considering an upgrade to a wider pipe or at least installing a cleanout point to make future maintenance easier. Sometimes, when blockages are recurring, it’s a sign that the setup might need a bit more than just periodic clearing.

[Gardenboy]

Is there anyway I can fix this without widening the pipe? That will be too big of a project for me at this point.

[TinyTool]

It’s definitely possible to manage this without widening the pipe, even though it sounds like the line might be a bit narrow for the amount of water and waste it’s handling. Since the backups keep recurring, it’s probably due to grease or debris slowly building up again over time.

Here are a few suggestions to fix and maintain it:

• Regular Enzyme Drain Cleaners: These are great for breaking down grease and organic matter without damaging the pipes.
• Flush with Hot Water & Dish Soap: This can help clear minor grease buildup weekly.
• Hydro Jetting: If you haven’t already, hiring a plumber to hydro jet the line can clear it thoroughly. It’s more effective than snaking for grease-related clogs.
• Install a Backflow Preventer: If the backup is mostly a mess issue, a check valve on the floor drain can keep the water from coming up there.

It might not be a permanent solution if the pipe size is the root cause, but these steps should help you avoid a bigger project for now. Hope that helps! Let us know how it goes.

[Gardenboy]

• Hydro Jetting: If you haven’t already, hiring a plumber to hydro jet the line can clear it thoroughly. It’s more effective than snaking for grease-related clogs.

Can you please explain in detail the process of Hydro Jetting?

[TinyTool]

Hydro jetting is a cleaning method that uses high-pressure water to clear out clogs and buildup in your pipes. A plumber will insert a hose through a cleanout point and use water at a very high pressure (3,000-4,000 psi) to blast away grease, debris, tree roots, and scale. It’s an effective way to clean pipes thoroughly, preventing future blockages. The process is eco-friendly since it uses just water, and it can provide a long-term solution. However, it’s best for pipes in good condition, as the pressure can be too much for older, fragile pipes. It’s a bit more expensive than snaking but can be worth it for tough or recurring clogs.

[Gardenboy]

Thank you for explaining this in detail! The house was built just a few years ago, so the pipes should still be in good condition. It does sound a bit expensive, though. For now, the drain is working fine, but if the issue happens again, I’ll definitely consider all options.

Thanks again, Tinytool!

[TinyTool]

You're very welcome! It sounds like you're taking a sensible approach, especially with the pipes still being in good condition. Keeping an eye on the drain is a great idea, and if any issues pop up again, you'll have a solid list of options to explore. I'm happy to help anytime, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more advice in the future.