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When Water Attacks: A Homeowner's Guide to FloodproofingPart I : Flooding Part III.a : Sewer Backup Prevention - Floor Drain Plug Sewer Backup Prevention - Floor Drain Plug The great advantage of a plug is its low cost and ease of installation. A standard floor drain plug can be purchased at most local hardware stores for $5-10. A plug stops water from flowing in either direction. Therefore, if the laundry tub overflows or other spillage occurs, it will stay in the basement unless the plug is removed. Because of this, it may be best to leave the plug out under normal circumstances and put it in place only during heavy rains. One variation is a plug with a float. It allows water to drain out of the basement. When the sewer backs up, the float rises and plugs the drain. A float plug permanently installed will not interfere with the floor drains normal operation. Precautions A floor drain plug does not stop backup from coming out of the next lower opening, like a laundry tub or basement toilet. Sealing the base of the toilet will protect you until the water backs up higher than the top of the bowl. A plug does not tell you if there is a problem in your sewer service line. If the plug is not tight enough, pressure can eject it. In older houses, the sewer lines under the basement floor may be clay tiles. A buildup of pressure can break them. In newer houses, they are cast iron under the floor and less likely to break. Part III.b : Sewer
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