Pipe leakage, excessive rainfall, cracks in walls or floors, etc. cause water damage problems inside the house. Due to this, we may have to face problems like water stagnation in the house, dampness of walls, damage to furniture, slippery roads, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to find a solution to these in time.
Floor Drain plays an important role in preventing water damage. Therefore, floor drains should be properly installed in every house. At present, a large population is using it to solve the problem of water damage in their homes. Stagnant water also causes many health problems, which floor drains prove to be very helpful in preventing.
Here, we will discuss the role of floor drains in preventing water damage, the importance of their proper installation, maintenance tips to avoid drain failure, and the right time to upgrade or replace them in detail.
What is a Floor Drain?
Floor Drain is a plumbing fitting that we install on the floor of our house. This effectively drains the excess water out of the house. They are of different shapes, such as round, square, and rectangle. The diameter of a floor drain is 2-4 inches.
There is a grating present on the floor drain, due to which large particles are not able to enter inside. Due to the trap present below it, harmful gases do not enter the house and we remain safe. It also protects us from structural damage to our house.
Where Are Floor Drains Commonly Installed?
Floor drains are installed in your home so that water does not accumulate on the floor. It should be installed in a place where excess water falls on the floor and needs to be cleaned immediately.
Here are the places you can commonly install floor drains-
1. Bathrooms: Floor drains are more needed in bathrooms because we use a lot of water here. Water coming out of the shower and washbasin can be easily drained out through the floor drain. This keeps the bathroom floor dry.
2. Kitchens: Floor drains are necessary to store water falling from the sink in the kitchen. After washing utensils, washing vegetables, and cleaning the kitchen, it drains out the excess water and prevents incidents like slipping.
3. Laundry rooms: A lot of water comes out from washing machines and dryers in the laundry room. Floor drains are important to drain out of the laundry room. It prevents water accumulation on the floor.
4. Basements: Floor drains are required to prevent water accumulation due to rainwater or pipe leaks in the basement. This can also prevent structural damage.
5. Balconies or utility areas: Balconies or utility areas require floor drains to drain out rainwater. This keeps the floor safe and the water flows out.
How Water Damage Occurs Indoors?
The problem of water damage arises due to accumulation of water indoors. It can occur indoors in many ways, which include the following reasons-
- Sometimes leakage occurs in old or damaged pipes in the house. This causes water leakage. Due to this, the walls and floors of the house get damaged.
- Due to some reason, cracks appear in the walls and floors of the house, water starts accumulating there, which causes problems.
- Sudden waterlogging in the house due to heavy rainfall can damage the furniture or electronic equipment present in the house.
Role of Floor Drains in Preventing Water Damage
Floor drainer plays an important role in preventing water damage. It removes the water accumulated on the floor. This makes it easier to avoid losses caused by water damage.
Here, you will get to know the important role of floor drains in preventing water damage-
1. Efficient Water Removal
The floor drain removes the water accumulated on the floor of the house, due to which the floor dries quickly. It prevents incidents like slipping and keeps us safe. It is an effective method of water drainage, which also prevents diseases caused by waterlogging.
It is easy to remove the water used in the bathroom or kitchen. The Floor Drain immediately removes it through the pipeline. This does not cause water stagnation and there is no foul smell.
2. Backflow Prevention
The risk of diseases increases due to the entry of dirty sewage water and gas into the house. The floor drain has the facility of a backflow prevention system, due to which it prevents dirty sewage water and gas from entering the house. Due to this, pathogenic bacteria do not give birth and we remain safe from diseases.
Due to pipe leakage or excessive rainfall, the problem of backflow is more in the house. Therefore, a floor drain is required. Using floor drain keeps the environment of the house clean. This keeps the whole house clean.
3. Protects Structural Integrity
If water remains stagnant on the floor of the house for a long time, the structural strength of the house becomes unsafe. Due to this, water starts accumulating on the floor as well as the walls and foundation. This weakens the concrete and cracks start appearing in the floor and walls. The furniture of the house also starts rotting after coming in contact with water.
By using a floor drainer, we can protect the structural integrity. Due to this, the entire structure of the house remains in its original condition and there is no damage. This can also prevent additional expenditure on the repair and maintenance of the house.
4. Supports Appliance Functionality
We use many appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, geysers, etc. in the house. The excess water coming out of it gets accumulated in the house by falling here and there. This causes the fear of slipping. Therefore, using floor drains can prevent water accumulation on the floor.
Floor drains remove the water coming out of these appliances, which maintains the efficiency of these appliances. This also makes these appliances last longer and their maintenance cost is also reduced.
Importance of Proper Installation:
Proper installation of floor drains is very important. It facilitates the drainage system in our house. This can prevent problems caused by water leakage. This prevents the growth of bacteria, there is no foul smell and there are no incidents of slipping.
For proper installation of the floor drain, you must consider given factors:
- Select a place where there is more water accumulation.
- Slope the floor towards the drain so that the water flows towards the drain.
- Use a proper trap and backflow preventer to prevent dirty water from entering the house again.
Maintenance Tips to Avoid Drain Failure:
Drain trap clogs during vegetable washing, kitchen cleaning, laundry, and bathing. In these situations, water drains slowly. Drain failure can also occur due to dirt accumulation in the drain or lack of regular maintenance.
Here are the maintenance tips to avoid drain failure-
- Clean the floor drain regularly to avoid drain failure. This prevents garbage from accumulating.
- If the trap of the floor drain dries up, harmful gas can enter your house. Therefore, make sure that the trap is always full and gas cannot enter inside.
- Get the floor drain checked by a professional plumber every 6 months. This can help in diagnosing future problems in the floor drain.
When to Upgrade or Replace Floor Drains?
It is necessary to upgrade or replace floor drains on time, but sometimes problems arise due to not knowing about it. Therefore, you should know when to upgrade the floor drain and when to replace it.
If you are facing the following problems, understand that the floor drainer needs to be upgraded or replaced-
- If the design of the floor drain you have chosen is such that it is not able to drain out the accumulated water effectively, you will have to change the design of the floor drain. You can get the floor drain upgraded by a professional plumber.
- Upgrading the floor drain is necessary due to changes in the local plumbing code. This ensures your safety. In such a situation, not upgrading the floor drain can have a bad effect on the structural integrity.
- Many times, the floor drain gets clogged due to the accumulation of garbage and water does not leak properly. If the floor drain is getting clogged repeatedly, it is necessary to replace it.
- If the floor drain is not cleaned for a long time or is exposed to excessive water, it gets rusted. An old or rusted floor drain leaks more water than necessary. Therefore, it becomes necessary to replace it.
Conclusion:
Floor drains protect our house from water damage. They prevent the leakage of water flowing in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, basement, balcony, and utility areas.
Once installed, you need to do regular maintenance of the floor drain. By upgrading or replacing the floor drain on time, you can protect your house from structural damage.
If you are looking for high-quality floor drains and want to install them properly, contact Floor drain covers specialist. By installing the right floor drain in your home, you ensure the safety of yourself and your family.