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    Jeremy311's Avatar
    Jeremy311 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    May 31, 2006, 10:24 AM
    Slow basement drain
    It started when I went camping over the weekend and left the a/c on, only to come home to a wet basement. Just in the laundry room where the drain is. I realized it was the tube from the a/c blower/furnace. I mopped it up and poured hot water into the drain. That didn't seem to work. The drain itself is cemented in. The house was built in 68. I cleaned the water again and used a product called Drain Care-a green liquid. I used a cup of hot water before and after and followed up with as much hot water as would sit without overflow. After overnight the water was drained but it is still slow. What now. My concern is that maybe it is trees or hopefully just ordinary build up. I did have problems with the kitchen drain upstairs last year. Any advice on what now. I want to avoid any sewage backup. There is also a drain in the garage that never gets used. Thank you for any advice.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    May 31, 2006, 11:39 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Jeremy311
    It started when I went camping over the weekend and left the a/c on, only to come home to a wet basement. Just in the laundry room where the drain is. I realized it was the tube from the a/c blower/furnace. I mopped it up and poured hot water into the drain. That didn't seem to work. The drain itself is cemented in. The house was built in 68. I cleaned the water again and used a product called Drain Care-a green liquid. I used a cup of hot water before and after and followed up with as much hot water as would sit without overflow. After overnight the water was drained but it is still slow. What now. My concern is that maybe it is trees or hopefully just ordinary build up. I did have problems with the kitchen drain upstairs last year. Any advice on what now. I want to avoid any sewage backup. There is also a drain in the garage that never gets used. Thank you for any advice.
    Hi Jeremy,

    We plumbers get blamed whenever there's moisture where it shouldn't be.
    I've been call out lots for a clogged AC condensate line. Rest your mind, It's build-up not roots.
    First I blow the line out from the condensate pan with a compressed air bottle. Then I pour bleach down the drain to clear out what's left. There shouldbe no root problem as a condensate drain terminates without going underground.

    " I did have problems with the kitchen drain upstairs last year. Any advice on what now" So what are you asking?

    There is also a drain in the garage that never gets used."
    Pour 1/2 quart of motor oil down the floordrain so you won't get sewer gas when the water evaporates out of the trap seal.
    Good luck, Tom
    "
    Jeremy311's Avatar
    Jeremy311 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    May 31, 2006, 12:36 PM
    The condensate lines are clear and sitting right on top of the drain but, there is just a lot of water coming out and the drain is too slow. It is better now but, should I put bleach down er anyway? The garage drain already has a metal cover over it and I just thought the kitchen problem was related to the slow basement drain. I also have heard gurgling out of the shower drain upstairs. Is there a good product to use in all of the drains to keep them clear or is Drain Clear or bleach better? Thanks, Jeremy
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #4

    May 31, 2006, 12:46 PM
    "Should I go ahead and put bleach down anyway?" It wouldn't hurt.
    "I also have heard gurgling out of the shower drain upstairs."
    This indicates a clogged vent that's attempting t6o vent through the showers trap.
    To repair this snake out the bathroom lavatory vent from the roof.
    Good luck, tom

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