I want to plug the basement floor drain with a backwater plug.. but as removing the cast iron gate (actually broke it off) I am a bit puzzled as to the mechanics of the drain, It looks like there is a rusted pipe that is inside lying there, and it looks as is there is a threaded opening right under the cast iron gate, the 2inch plug didn't fit, and I measured the drain opening and find that it's about 1.75 inches.. so not sure if I should grind the opening, but don't want to do so and then find out I messed the thing up, or is that another removable cover? Iv'e looked for a similar drain but can't find one anywhere.. please can someone give me some info.
Here is a picture:
http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o597/ororuben/drain.jpg (http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/ororuben/media/drain.jpg.html)

Hi Ororuben

Can you tell if that center part is actually threaded? If it is then it may be that you can rent/purchase a TAP and chase the old threads back to brandy new... ;)

Tell me, exactly why do you want to plug this drain off? Are you seeking short or long-term solutions? Finally, when you say a, "backwater plug" what exact device are we talking about... is it a flood-guard, is it a sure-seal?

An exact diameter across the "threads" would be very helpful.

Back to you...

Mark

Hi Mark,
Thanks for your reply,
It looks as if it is threaded, but barely noticeable, I can definitely try to tap new threads in there, but I don't want to permanently plug it so want to put a flood guard, so block backflow water, but allow water to drain..
I found this one on Menards but it's 2" and is too big for the opening, also, I notice there is a pipe that is in there, I'm not sure if someone dropped it in or was it originally connected to the threaded opening and fell in after it rusted, its about a 12" long pipe. What do you suggest? What kind of drain is this called?
http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o597/ororuben/plug.jpg (http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/ororuben/media/plug.jpg.html)

Forgot to mention, the exact opening is 1.75"

1.5" NPT (national pipe thread) requires a 1 47/64" drill (1.73"), so I'm thinkin' you may have an 1.5" thread there. You could try retapping the threads using a 1.5" black iron PLUG to start (cheap)...use an 1.5" tap after that to finish.

The 12" long pipe should be the pipe attaching the floor drain to the PTRAP underground, so that at least sounds normal. With that being said, the pipe looks corroded/broken so you really are in a tough spot!

Since know one makes a flood-guard or a sure seal in 1.5" anyway, and with the pipe being broken then as a plumber I say you bite the bullet, dig the floor drain up, attach to good piping, extend to a new 2" floor drain and make this all right!

Your thoughts?

Mark

Thanks for your help!
So the 12" pipe ( looks like a 1.5" x 12" water pipe pipe) that's inside the drain is supposed to be threaded onto the opening of the drain? and also holding on to the ptrap? is this meant to keep it assembled? or what is the purpose of it?
by the looks of it it's just laying there on it's side I tried to remove it but its rusted and seems to have bonded to the side of the drain wall, and don't want to budge it too hard and end up breaking the drain wall.
Also, I did notice what looks like a small crack on the drain wall close to the Iron drain part at the top area, not sure if this causes water to go into the soil when overflows. At this time I'd like to find a permanent solution but for now I'd like to plug it until the rainy days subside.
What's your opinion If I grind the opening to fit the 2" flood guard meanwhile? If I re thread it and plug it, I won't be able to drain water.
Also, what types of new parts should I prepare on purchasing? Is PVC a better option than cast iron? I'd like to make a good repair the first time to never deal with it again.
Thanks for your help! Much appreciated.
Ruben.

Unless you can post a picture of the 12" pipe I am assuming it is the pipe that attaches the floor drain to the PTRAP... if not, post a pic. if you can.

Otherwise, grinding doesn't seem worth the effort and will give a poor fit. I'd rather see you spend that time chipping out the concrete and replacing the entire floor drain.

To replace the drain, chip out around the piping until you come to good solid pipe. Cut the pipe and then use a 2" cast iron x 2" PVC shielded clamp (see image) to join some 2" PVC pipe to the old cast iron pipe and a new PVC floor drain. Go to a local plumbing supply house (not a home improvement store) for best floor drain options. Backfill and recement the hole and install the flood-guard.

If the PTRAP itself turns out to be bad (you'll know as you go) then you would replace the PTRAP, too.

Use a grinder with a metal cutting wheel (safety goggles) or a sawzall with a lennox diamond sawzall blade to make quick work of cutting the pipe.

Should be as simple as your labor, a shielded clamp, PVC pipe, PVC cement and PVC primer and a new floor drain... ;)

Mark

Very good info,
I decided to follow your advice and It wasn't as difficult a task as I imagined, Made I've already broken the floor and there was indeed a crack on the wall of the pipe connecting to the floor drain, had a bit of trouble cutting it though so went at it with a diamond blade grinder.

Thanks for the great insight / help!
Ruben.

Hi Ruben! Thank you for taking the time to update the thread... always appreciated!