Having an exposed sewer drain in your basement can be an eyesore, emit foul odors, and allow harmful sewer gases to enter your home. If you’re looking for an easy DIY project that can help you improve the look and air quality of your basement, covering the drain is a great place to start. With the right tools and some basic knowledge, you can transform your basement into a more comfortable and inviting space. Here’s everything you need to know to get started on this simple yet effective project.
Why Cover a Basement Sewer Drain?
An open sewer drain allows the smells and gases from the sewer system to waft right into your living space. This can make your basement smell unpleasant and allow potentially harmful gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide to accumulate. Covering the drain contains these odors and gases, while also improving the aesthetics of your basement.
Covering the drain also prevents random items like toys or debris from falling in. Discover how to hide sewer cleanout in basement. Small objects that get lodged in the drain can clog pipes and lead to sewer backups. Blocking off the opening helps keep the drain clear and flowing properly.
How to Prepare the Drain for Covering
Before you cover up a basement floor drain, you’ll need to do a bit of preparation:
- Clean out the drain – Use a drain snake or plumber’s auger to remove any debris, hair, or grease that may have accumulated in the drain pipe. This prevents clogs when you enclose the drain.
- Check the drain pipe condition – Run a camera down the drain line to check for any cracks or obstructions in the pipe. Repair any issues before enclosing the drain so you don’t have to rip up your finished floor later.
- Consider a drain cap – Installing a removable cap over the drain before you cover it makes it easier to access the drain for future maintenance. Just be sure the cap can handle the weight of your finished floor.
- Install a backwater valve – Backwater valves prevent sewage backups by only allowing water to flow out of the drain. This added protection is recommended if covering a floor drain located below street level.
Options for Covering a Basement Sewer Drain
There are a few different ways to cover up an exposed basement drain:
1. Build a Wooden Box Around the Drain
One of the easiest options is to build a box around the drain from 2×4 lumber. Cut four pieces the size you want the box to be and fasten them together with wood screws right over the drain opening. You can stain or paint the wood to match your décor.
Be sure to leave access for drain maintenance – install a removable panel or use carriage bolts to fasten the box together. The box frame will support the weight of your finished floor.
2. Use a Prefabricated Drain Cover
For a quick coverup, opt for a premade drain cover available at hardware stores. These plastic covers fit right over the drain opening and many have ventilation slots to allow air flow while containing odors. The lightweight plastic won’t support flooring, so this is best for unfinished basements.
3. Install a Tile Drain Cover
For a built-in finished look, install a tile drain cover. These covers are designed to support the weight of tile or laminate flooring installed right on top. The aluminum or stainless steel covers have a tile-able lip around the edge and a removable lid or grate.
4. Pour a Concrete Drain Cover
Another built-in option is to pour a concrete cover for the drain. Build a wood frame the size you want, moisten the concrete patch area, pour pre-mixed concrete into the frame, and trowel it smooth once dried. Be sure to slope the concrete slightly to allow drainage.
5. Use a Floor Register Cover
If you want a floor drain cover that will blend in seamlessly with your finished floor, install a floor register cover. These heavy duty covers are made of cast iron or plastic and have vents to allow air circulation. Choose a register cover that matches your flooring.
How to Install Flooring Over the Drain Cover
Once you’ve covered the drain opening, you can install your choice of basement flooring over the cover:
- With tile, use a notch trowel to spread thinset mortar over the cover, then press tiles into the thinset and grout as normal.
- For vinyl or laminate flooring, lay the flooring over the cover, using trim pieces or terminating the flooring shy of the drain edges.
- With carpet, wrap the carpet pad and carpet around the edges of the cover. Use liquid seam adhesive to bond the carpet around the cover.
- For floating floors, lay panels over the cover, leaving a small gap at the edges for expansion. Be sure not to fasten floating floors through the cover.
Finishing Touches
To complete your basement drain coverup:
- Seal flooring edges with silicone caulk to prevent moisture from seeping underneath.
- Consider installing a dehumidifier and/or radon mitigation system if you don’t already have them. Enclosing the drain can lead to moisture or radon buildup.
- Paint the walls and add baseboards to give your basement a clean, finished look.
- Add storage, a workbench, appliances or anything else you need to make your basement space functional.
Covering up that old eyesore of an open sewer drain is one of the best ways to instantly improve the look, smell, and safety of your basement. With the right materials and preparation, you can conceal the drain under any type of finished flooring for a seamless look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it okay to fully seal off a floor drain with no vent?
A: It’s generally not recommended to completely seal off a floor drain, as this can allow sewer gases to build up under the floor. Installing some type of vented cover is ideal to allow air circulation. A removable access panel also provides ventilation when opened.
Q: What’s the best way to cover a drain in a concrete basement floor?
A: For concrete basement floors, the best option is to build a wood frame the size you want, then fill it with fresh concrete sloped slightly toward the drain. Another option is using a pre-made tile drain cover designed for concrete installation.
Q: Can I install my basement bathroom or laundry over the floor drain?
A: Yes, floor drains are often located under bathrooms or laundry rooms in basements. Be sure to use a sturdy drain cover rated for these weight loads. Avoid anchoring fixtures directly through the drain cover.
Q: How do I clean out a drain that is covered by a finished floor?
A: With removable drain covers, you can access the drain to snake out debris. For permanently covered drains, you may have to cut an access point in the flooring to get to the drain – one reason removable covers are recommended.
Q: What if I need to pump water out of a covered basement drain during a flood?
A: You can pump water out of a covered floor drain by removing any access caps and placing the pump hose directly into the exposed drain pipe. Just be ready for potential sewer odors when uncovering the drain.
In Summary
Covering an exposed basement sewer drain improves safety, aesthetics, and air quality by containing odors and gases. With proper preparation and the right materials, you can conceal drains under any type of finished flooring. When learning how to remove a tub drain, it’s crucial to prioritize maintaining access for drain maintenance and pumping if needed; a covered drain not only facilitates these tasks but also ensures you can fully utilize your basement without the eyesore of an open sewer.
