Why is there water in my floor drain?
The floor waste is the round grate in the bathroom or laundry floor. A little water sitting just under the grate is normal: it's the water seal that stops sewer smells coming into the room. But water rising up to the grate, bubbling when the washing machine drains, or spilling onto the floor is a sign of a problem further down the pipe. Here's how to tell which you have.
Normal or a problem?
Normal
Still water sitting a little below the grate. That's the trap doing its job. If it ever dries out, you'll smell the sewer, so pour a bucket of water in now and then if the room isn't used much.
Rising water
Water coming up towards the grate when the shower, bath or basin drains means the pipe below is partly blocked and the water has nowhere else to go.
Bubbles from the washing machine
Bubbles or a gurgle in the floor waste when the washing machine empties means air is being pushed back up, usually from a partial blockage or poor venting.
Overflowing
Water or sewage spilling onto the floor needs attention straight away. Stop using water in the house and call a plumber.
Common causes
- Hair, soap and lint building up in the pipe from the shower and washing machine.
- A partial blockage further down in the main sewer line, often from tree roots.
- A blocked or missing vent, so water can't drain freely.
- A dried-out trap, if the problem is smell rather than water.
How we fix it
We find out where the blockage is, clear it with the right equipment, and check the line with a camera if it's likely to come back. You get clear options and a fixed price before any work starts. If the floor waste smells but isn't blocked, it may just need its trap topped up or a new trap seal. See blocked showers and blocked drains.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
In many older homes in Matraville, Pagewood and Botany, the laundry and bathroom floor wastes share pipes with the washing machine, so lint and soap build up fast. A floor waste that bubbles every wash cycle is one of the most common early warnings we see.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Is it normal to have water in a floor drain?
Yes. A little water sitting below the grate is the trap seal that keeps sewer smells out. Rising or overflowing water is not normal.
Why does my floor waste bubble when the washing machine drains?
Air is being pushed back up the pipe, usually because of a partial blockage or poor venting further down.
Why does my floor drain smell?
The water in the trap may have dried out. Pour in a bucket of water. If the smell comes back quickly, the trap or seal may be faulty.
Can I clear a floor waste myself?
You can remove hair from the grate. Anything deeper is best left to a plumber, as chemicals and wire can damage pipes and traps.
Related help: gurgling drains, blocked drains, blocked showers and drain jetting. Local pages: blocked drains Matraville, blocked drains Pagewood, blocked drains Botany and blocked drains Eastgardens.