If you have basement egress stairs with a drain leading to a sump pump, there is a high likelihood that this pipe has clogged a time or two. Basement egress stairwells will typically see a significant amount of dirt and debris over their lifetime, leading to clogs between the drain grate and the sump pump discharge.
To unclog a a sump pump drain line, start by removing the drain grate. Next, remove any dirt and debris that has accumulated near the drain grate opening. Next, insert a plumbing snake drain auger into the sump drain until the clog is reached. Turn the spinner knob on the plumbing snake drain auger to loosen the clog and then remove the snake cable (and clog). This will clear the clog in the sump pump drain line.
Unclogging a basement egress drain line yourself, DIY style, is an easy way to save some money and improve the overall look of your basement egress stairwell. Clearing a sump pump drain clog will also help to prevent your basement egress stairwell from flooding.
1. Remove Any Dirt and Debris From the Basement Egress Drain Grate
Before clearing any clog that might be located in the pipe between the basement egress drain and the sump pump, remove the drain grate and start cleaning out any dirt and debris that has accumulated in and around the drain grate – since this is what likely contributed to the clog in the first place.
Additionally, I recommend that you take some time to remove any leaves, dirt, dust, etc. from the Basement egress stairwell. These contaminants, if not removed, will eventually make their way into the sump pump drain line.
2. Use a Plumbing Snake Drain Auger to Clear the Clog
After removing all of the dirt and debris from the surface of the basement egress drain grate, you can begin working to remove any dirt and debris that my be lodged in the line that connects the basement egress drain to the sump pump discharge.
In order to remove clogs within the pipe that connects the sump pump to the basement egress drain, you will need a plumbing snake drain augur.
To remove a clog using a plumbing snake drain drain auger, follow these steps:
- Loosen the thumbscrew on the auger. This thumbscrew is used to lock down on the steel snake and spiral head of the plumbing snake drain auger.
- Pull the spiral head out of the storage drum and insert it into your basement egress drain until you feel that the clog has been reached.
- With the spiral head in contact with the clog, tighten the thumbscrew and turn the storage drum clockwise by rotating the spinner knob with one hand and holding the grip handle with the other. This will cause the spiral head to travel further into the drain line, causing a cleaning and clearing action in the line.
- Finally, loosen the thumbscrew, and pull the drum back from the drain while the spiral head is still inserted into your drain.
After performing the steps above, I recommend pouring some water down the basement egress drain to ensure that the water is reaching the sump pump. If so, you have cleared the clog. If not, repeat the steps above until the clog is cleared.
3. Re-install the Basement Egress Drain Grate
After clearing the clog in the basement egress drain pipe, re-install your drain grate to prevent large contaminates (leaves, sticks, etc.) from making their way into the drain pipe.
In my case, there was never a drain grate installed – which is why I had a clog in the first place. I ordered a new Basement Egress Drain grate and then installed it within the basement egress drain grate housing.
4. Periodically Clean Your Basement Egress Drain to Prevent Clogs in the Future
Now that you have cleared the clog between your basement egress drain and your sump pump, it is highly recommended that you periodically clean the basement egress stairwell to prevent additional contaminants from clogging the drain line in the future.
But for now, enjoy your unclogged basement egress / sump pump drain line.
Thanks so much for checking out ATImprovements! If you learned something from this project, you might also like these other DIY Projects:
- How to Install a Basement Exterior Door: https://atimprovements.com/basement-exterior-door-installation/
- How to Build a Fence: How to Build a Fence (DIY Guide) – AT Improvements
- How to Build a Fence Gate: How to Build a Fence Gate (7 Steps with Pictures & Video) – AT Improvements
- How to Install a DIY deck Wire Railing: DIY Cable Railing – How to Install Cable Railing Step-by-Step – (atimprovements.com)
- How to Build a Concrete Paver Patio: DIY PAVER PATIO – Easy DIY Paver Patio Ideas – (atimprovements.com)
Thanks!
DISCLAIMER: This is a reference guide only. Links included in this article might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting ATimprovements so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!