Sewer drain in my basement floor drains very slowly.

Ccc23250689
by Ccc23250689
The floor drain in my basement kitchen drains very very slowly. What could be the problem and how can I fix it without calling a plumber? I don't have a lot of money. When I add water it will take several days to go down. Thanks for any help you may give.

  8 answers
  • Rowgop (Pam) Rowgop (Pam) on Nov 20, 2017

    Might need a place rotor rooter clean it out. Might have plugged

    • See 1 previous
    • Judy Judy on Nov 21, 2017

      I would say the same thing but after doing the vinegar and baking soda but add salt for scrubbing power letting it sit to break things down. Then flush with very hot water from a pot or tea kettle.

      Also Dawn dish soap breaks down grease and sludge very well. The regular blue kind. pour in melt sit and flush with hot water.

      If all else fails bleach also will do the same thing but not good for the bacteria in your septic if you have one.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Nov 20, 2017

    First, let the water run enough to get the pipes wet, pour in a small box of baking soda and then add vinegar, enough to dissolve the soda and then let sit preferably overnight and then rinse in the morning with hot water. This should work if your problem is just soap scum and hair. If this fails then you will probably need an expert with a rooter to clear the clogs. If you have trees close to the house it could be tree roots. Try the cheapest method first. I use this method all of the time on my bathroom sink and it works great. I do not have a dishwasher so every time I do dishes I add about a teaspoon of soda to the dishwater. This helps to cut the grease and also helps to keep the lines clean.

  • Pg Pg on Nov 20, 2017

    It could have tree roots growing in it. I don't know if using a plumber's snake would clear it or not. You may wish to check with someone at Lowe's or Home Depot to get a better answer.

  • Barbara Baldwin Barbara Baldwin on Nov 20, 2017

    When I put baking soda, followed by vinegar, into my drain it erupted greasy slime hair and unclogged the slow running drain. It was pretty cool to watch..

  • Ccc23250689 Ccc23250689 on Nov 20, 2017

    Th0anks, I'll try the baking soda/vinegar solution first.

  • Lisa S. Lisa S. on Nov 21, 2017

    First pour boiling water, then baking soda and vinegar - then boiling water again. May have to do it several times.

  • Ccc23250689 Ccc23250689 on Nov 21, 2017

    Thank you...

  • Lisa S. Lisa S. on Nov 21, 2017

    Could be tree roots that is a big problem.