Question 1

How do I know if my floor drain is clogged or just slow?

Accepted Answer

A slow floor drain will allow water to drain but at a noticeably reduced rate — water may pool around the drain for several minutes before clearing. A fully clogged drain will not pass water at all, or will back up when nearby plumbing is used. Either condition warrants professional cleaning, as partial blockages typically worsen over time and can lead to complete backup or flooding if left unaddressed.

Question 2

Why does my floor drain smell like sewage even though it drains fine?

Accepted Answer

Sewer odor from a floor drain that otherwise drains properly is almost always caused by a dry trap. Floor drain traps — the curved section of pipe beneath the drain that holds water and blocks sewer gases — can evaporate in spaces that aren't regularly exposed to water, such as basements and mechanical rooms. The solution is usually as simple as pouring water into the drain to refill the trap. If the odor returns quickly, your drain may need a trap primer device to keep the trap sealed automatically.

Question 3

What is a trap primer and does my floor drain need one?

Accepted Answer

A trap primer is a device that automatically delivers a small amount of water to a floor drain trap on a periodic basis, keeping the trap seal full and preventing sewer gas infiltration. They are required by plumbing code for floor drains in many commercial and public-access spaces, and are a practical solution for any floor drain that regularly runs dry due to infrequent use. Tandem Mechanical can assess whether your drain requires a trap primer and install or repair one as needed.

Question 4

How often should commercial kitchen floor drains be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Commercial kitchen floor drains should be cleaned professionally at least quarterly in moderate-volume operations, and monthly or more frequently in high-volume restaurants and foodservice facilities. Grease accumulates rapidly in kitchen drain lines and can solidify into hard deposits that are difficult to remove without hydro-jetting. Regular cleaning also reduces the risk of health code violations during inspections. Tandem Mechanical offers scheduled maintenance programs for commercial accounts to ensure drains are serviced at appropriate intervals.

Question 5

Can tree roots get into floor drains?

Accepted Answer

Yes, particularly in older properties where floor drain lines are made of cast iron, clay tile, or concrete — materials that are more susceptible to joint separation and cracking over time. Tree and shrub roots seek out moisture and can infiltrate drain lines through even small cracks or loose joints, eventually causing partial or complete blockage. Camera inspection is the most reliable way to identify root intrusion in a floor drain line. If roots are present, hydro-jetting can remove them, though recurring root intrusion may warrant pipe repair or lining.

Question 6

Is floor drain cleaning different from regular drain cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Floor drains share some characteristics with other drain types but present unique considerations. They typically connect to a building's main drain or sewer line at a lower point, making them susceptible to backflow from the main line in addition to their own localized blockages. Floor drains also have traps that require maintenance, and in commercial settings, may have grease interceptors or sediment buckets that need to be cleaned as part of the service. Our technicians approach floor drain cleaning with the specific tools and techniques appropriate for the drain type and its location in the system.

Question 7

What equipment do you use to clean floor drains?

Accepted Answer

Tandem Mechanical uses a range of professional drain cleaning equipment depending on the type and severity of the blockage. Electric drain snakes and drum augers are effective for breaking apart soft blockages such as grease, hair, and organic debris. For heavy grease accumulation or stubborn sediment — common in commercial kitchens and garages — hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the pipe walls completely clean. For suspected pipe damage or deeper blockages, we use drain camera inspection equipment to visually assess the line before and after cleaning.

Question 8

Do you offer preventive maintenance contracts for floor drains?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tandem Mechanical offers scheduled preventive maintenance programs for commercial and multi-unit residential properties that need regular floor drain service. These programs are customized based on the number and type of drains, usage volume, and applicable code requirements. Preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of emergency drain failures, helps commercial properties stay ahead of health and safety inspections, and is generally more cost-effective than reactive service on a repeatedly blocked drain.

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