Floor Drain

A floor drain is a plumbing fixture built into the ground that channels water away from your home, preventing flooding in basements, laundry rooms, garages, and bathrooms. These drains require occasional cleaning to prevent clogs and unpleasant odors from sewer gases. Whether you're dealing with a slow drain or need a new installation, Angi connects you with local pros and helpful guides to keep water flowing where it should.

Related to Floor Drain Service

Floor Drain Service Articles and Advice
Kate Fann  •  Apr 10, 2026
What to Know About Your Garage Floor Drain Diagram
Exploring the garage floor drain diagram is a valuable resource for homeowners looking to optimize their garage space and keep it dry and odor-free.
Heather Ayer  •  Apr 6, 2026
How to Snake a Basement Floor Drain in 9 Steps
Knowing how to snake a basement floor drain is an important DIY skill for homeowners. Our guide gives a step-by-step process to clean your basement drain.
Find Plumbers near you
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
Common Floor Drain Service Questions

There are a few reasons your snake won’t go down the floor drain. One common reason is a large obstruction in the drain that is causing a blockage. You can remove any debris you see in the drain before trying to snake it. In addition, the snake might not be long enough to reach the clog, or it might be the wrong diameter. 

Water leaking through your basement floor is a good sign of a clogged drain, but another sign of a clogged basement floor drain can include unpleasant odors coming from the drain. Also, hearing gurgling noises when water drains from the basement or having other plumbing fixtures (like toilets or other drains) backing up is a good indicator.

Yes, sewage smells can originate from a floor drain. If the P-Trap in the floor drain dries out or if there's a clog or other issue in the plumbing system, sewer gasses can escape through the drain, causing nasty odors. Regularly pouring water into the drain helps maintain the water seal and prevent those smells, but if the smell persists, you should have a plumbing professional inspect the drain for potential problems.

There are many things that could cause your basement floor drain to back up. One significant cause of a drainage backup is flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes, paper towels, and facial tissue. Other causes of a backed-up basement floor drain include tree roots impeding the drain pipe or an accumulation of hair, oil, and grease.