Main Sewer Line Cleaning
Clear main drain and sewer lateral blockages that back up several fixtures at once.
Learn MoreDrain service in Whittier, CA
Floor & Laundry Drain Cleaning in Whittier, CA
For laundry standpipes, utility rooms, garages and floor drains
Quick answer
Floor and laundry drains clog from lint, sediment, soap and debris, and they smell when their trap dries out. Because a floor drain is often one of the lowest drains in a building, water coming up through it when other fixtures run is a common sign of a main line blockage rather than a problem with the floor drain itself.
Laundry standpipes and floor drains in utility rooms, garages and commercial spaces handle a mix of lint, soap, dirt and sediment. Washing machines also pump out water quickly, so a partly blocked laundry drain may overflow even though it seems fine with a slower flow.
Floor drains can also be an early warning system. When the main line is blocked, water often appears at the lowest opening first, which is frequently a floor drain or laundry drain.
Floor and laundry drain problems
- The laundry standpipe overflows while the washer drains
- Water pools around a floor drain in a garage, laundry room or commercial space
- Sewer odors from a floor drain that is rarely used
- Water appears at the floor drain when a toilet is flushed or a tub drains
- Slow drainage after washing heavily soiled items
Common causes
Lint and fibers
Washing machine lint collects in the standpipe and trap, especially without a lint trap.
Dirt and sediment
Garage and utility floor drains collect sand, leaves and debris.
Dry trap
Floor drain traps that are not used regularly dry out and let sewer gas through.
Soap buildup
Detergent residue combines with lint and minerals.
Main line backup
A blockage in the main line causes water to rise at the lowest drains first.
Seeing these signs? Call Whittier Drain Specialists to describe the problem.
Call (562) 245-5818How floor and laundry drains are cleared
Strainer and trap cleaning
Removing the grate and clearing debris from the trap.
Drain cable
Clearing lint and sediment from the standpipe and branch line.
Main line cleaning
If the floor drain backs up when other fixtures run, the main line is cleared. See main sewer line cleaning.
Trap priming advice
Ways to keep water in rarely used floor drain traps to block odors.
What to expect when you call
- 1
Describe when it happens
Does it overflow during laundry, or when other fixtures run? That helps locate the clog.
- 2
Inspect the drain
The grate, trap and standpipe are checked for debris.
- 3
Clear the line
The branch or main line is cleared with the appropriate equipment.
- 4
Test with use
Water is run, or the washer is drained, to confirm normal flow.
When to call a professional
- Sewage or dirty water comes up through a floor drain
- The laundry standpipe overflows every wash
- Commercial floor drains back up during normal operation
Tips to help prevent future problems
- Use a lint catcher on the washer discharge hose
- Pour water into rarely used floor drains every few weeks to keep the trap full
- Keep grates in place and sweep debris away from garage drains
- Avoid washing heavily caked mud or sand directly in the washer
Floor & Laundry Drain Cleaning across Whittier
Calls are taken from homes and businesses throughout Whittier, including Uptown Whittier, East Whittier, South Whittier, West Whittier, Whittwood, Michigan Park, The Quad, Friendly Hills, Valla. Call (562) 245-5818 to confirm availability for your address.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my floor drain smell like sewage?
A dry trap is the most common reason. Pouring water into the drain refills the trap. If the odor continues, the drain may be clogged or there may be a venting issue.
Why does my washer drain overflow?
The standpipe or branch line may be partly clogged with lint, or the main line may be blocked. If other fixtures also drain slowly, suspect the main line.
Why is water coming up through my floor drain?
Floor drains are often the lowest drain, so when the main line is blocked, water rises there first. Stop using water and call.
Do commercial floor drains need regular cleaning?
Floor drains in kitchens, garages and service areas often collect grease and debris. Many businesses schedule periodic cleaning; see commercial drain cleaning.
Related drain services
Clogged Drain Repair
Help for slow, fully blocked and recurring clogs, from finding the cause to clearing the line.
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Drain cleaning for restaurants, retail, offices and multi-unit properties in Whittier.
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Call Whittier Drain Specialists to talk through your drainage concern and get connected with a local drain professional serving Whittier.