Basement Floor Drains in Tight Houses
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| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
Hey There Fellow Tradesman,
Wondering if anyone out there has discovered a good trick for dealing with basement floor drains in airtight homes. Typically, a standard P trap isn’t recommended for floor drains as they’re prone to filling with floor sweepings and difficult to clean out.
I hate the idea of air pouring into the basement every time the wind blows, or the range hood is used. Anyone found a good product or strategy for dealing with this?
Thanks!
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Replies
Dylan,
Conventional floor drains usually include a trap. If the water in the trap isn't allowed to evaporate -- if you pour a little water down the drain occasionally -- then the drain shouldn't allow air to enter the house.
A company called Dranjer sells a variety of floor drains designed for basements with active radon mitigation systems; they are designed for airtight installations, so you may want to call Dranjer to see if they have something that suits you. Here is a link to a relevant web page: Dranjer floor drains.
Dranjer Corporation
9 - 10 McGillivray Place
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 1N4
Canada
204-474-0451
Hi, What makes one good for airtight installations with active radon mitigation systems, as opposed to something like an https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-2-in-Seal-Drain-for-Showers-and-General-Purpose-43745/315169787 or a Green Grain or Sureseal?
Dranjer actually told us theirs are hard to install and suggested the SureSeal, but we have been unable to get any response from the SureSeal company about how their pressure relief valve works. We are concerned it would defect the purpose in an airtight application. https://skipthewarehouse.com/rectorseal-97041-2-sureseal-drain-trap-seal
Thanks!
Martin,
Agreed. A trap would be fine and would likely stay hydrated by a condensate line from a heat pump water heater. Should be enough water.
I'll check out the link. Thanks for the heads-up!
Look for a Bell Trap floor drain. These have a circular moat in the base and the strainer has a circular flange that sits into this moat. Just lift the strainer to clean the bell trap. A plumber we used many years ago said they poured vegetable oil into the trap in commercial buildings if they were seldom used and the water was evaporating. There are also check valves to prevent back flow.
That's probably what I'll end up doing. I'd been holding out for some really groovy new product that performs a little better, but alas....simple is better. Thanks Rich!