Floor drains work quietly until they don’t — a clog, a backup, a smell that won’t quit. Smedley Plumbing fixes them across Kansas City, from a slow drain to a sewer line problem.
Common Floor Drain Problems
Floor drains keep water out of your home. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Slow Drains
Water pooling around the drain, or draining slow, means something’s blocking it.
2. Foul Odors
A bad smell usually means decaying debris, or sewer gas leaking into your space.
3. Recurring Clogs
A drain that clogs again and again points to something deeper — buildup, or tree roots in the line.
4. Water Backups
Water overflowing means a serious blockage, or trouble in your main sewer line.
5. Gurgling Noises
Gurgling in the pipes is trapped air — and trapped air means a clog.
Our Complete Floor Drain Repair Services
Floor drain problems are frustrating. We’ve got the tools to fix them right, from a simple clog to a full repair.
Drain Cleaning We clear blockages from grease, dirt, hair, and debris — fast.
Sewer Line Repairs Floor drain trouble often starts at the sewer line. We fix it, so the backups and the smell go away for good.
Trenchless Pipe Repair Fixing a damaged pipe doesn’t mean tearing up your yard — leaks and cracks fixed with minimal disruption.
Video Camera Inspections Before we fix anything, we find it — a video camera pinpoints clogs, cracks, and other issues.
Smoke Testing When a leak or blockage is hard to locate, we run non-toxic smoke through the system to flag it fast.
Emergency Repairs Burst pipe, backup, bad clog — call us any time, day or night.
10,000-Hour GuaranteeEvery plumber we send has at least 10,000 hours on the tools. If it isn't fixed right, we come back at no charge.
Why Choose Smedley Plumbing for Floor Drain Repairs
Quick and Reliable Help
A blocked floor drain throws your day off. We move fast — call and we’ll take care of it.
Local Knowledge You Can Trust
Kansas City homes and businesses count on us because we know this area’s plumbing — old systems, new construction, all of it.
Repairs That Stick
We don’t do quick fixes that don’t last. When we fix a drain, it stays fixed.
Your Satisfaction is Our Priority
If something’s not right after we leave, we’ll come back and fix it — no extra fees, no excuses.
Licensed and Trusted Professionals
Our plumbers are licensed, insured, and trained, and we treat your property with respect.
How We Handle Floor Drain Repairs
Floor drain problems are stressful. We keep it straightforward, first call to final fix.
Step 1: Reach Out to Us
When you call, we ask a few questions, then schedule a visit at a time that works for you. Our two-hour arrival window means you’re not stuck waiting all day.
Step 2: We Show Up Ready to Work
Our trucks carry thousands of tools and supplies — drain snakes, sewer cameras, and the parts most jobs need. Simple or tricky, we’ve got the gear.
Step 3: Fixing the Problem for Good
We clear the clog and check for deeper problems. Find a damaged pipe, we fix that too — a floor drain that stays working.
Our Promise: Honest and Straightforward Pricing
A floor drain issue can disrupt your day. We keep pricing simple — no hidden charges, no confusion.
No Hidden Costs A clear, detailed estimate before any work begins. No surprise fees, no add-ons.
Fair Pricing Fixing your floor drain shouldn’t drain your wallet — lasting repairs at a fair price.
Transparent Estimates Every estimate breaks down parts, labor, and time. Ask us anything.
Military Discounts We offer discounts to military members as a way to say thanks.
Financing Options Facing an unexpected repair? We offer flexible financing to ease the cost.
What People Are Saying About Us
700+ five-star Google reviews, and counting.
Our Plumbing Services in Kansas City, MO
Water Heater Replacement Shower running cold? We’ll swap out that old water heater.
Sump Pump Install, maintain, and repair — keeping your basement dry.
Tankless Water Heater Installation Endless hot water, energy-efficient, built to last.
Bathroom Plumbing Services Repairs, installations, and upgrades for your bathroom.
Pipe Repairs and Leaks Leaky pipes cost you in water and damage. We fix them fast.
Toilet Repair From stubborn clogs to leaky seals, we get it running right.
Emergency Plumber 24/7 emergency service for leaks, clogs, and burst pipes.
Drain and Sewer Repair Clogs and backups don’t stand a chance. We keep drains and sewer lines flowing clean.
Sewer Piping Service Sewer drain line repairs and replacement, done right.
Trenchless Pipe Relining Restore damaged pipes without digging up your yard.
Sewer Line Repair Leaks, cracks, and blockages fixed — fast and affordable.
Trenchless Pipe Repair Save time and skip the digging.
Clogged Drain We clear blocked drains fast so your sinks and showers run clear.
Drain Cleaning Residential or commercial, we clear clogged drains quickly.
Sewer Video Inspection Accurate video inspections spot leaks, clogs, and damage fast.
Plumbing Smoke Testing We detect hidden leaks and odors fast and safely.
Excavation Precise digging for installations and repairs, minimal disruption.
Gas Water Heater Repair Fast, reliable repair to get your hot water back.
General Plumbing Repairs Repairs, installations, and maintenance done right.
Main Sewer Line Clogs We clear main line clogs fast to prevent backups.
Drain Repairs Slow, clogged, or damaged — we fix drains fast.
Floor Drain Repair Don’t let a clogged floor drain cause flooding. Fast, reliable fixes.
Expert Plumbing Services Fast repairs and reliable installations, home to home.
Pipe Restoration Old, leaking, or damaged pipes — durable repairs.
Clogged Sink Repair Slow or backed-up sink? We get it flowing again, fast.
Why Ignoring Floor Drain Problems Can Be Risky
Small floor drain problems turn into major headaches fast. Here’s what you risk by ignoring one:
Water Damage A floor drain that isn’t working lets water cause chaos — flooded basements, ruined flooring, and over time, a weakened foundation.
Health Hazards Standing water breeds mold and mildew, which affect your breathing and trigger allergies. Sewer gas from a blocked drain adds to the danger.
Expensive Repairs A minor drain problem can snowball into a burst pipe, sewer backup, or structural damage — repairs that cost a fortune and take time to fix.
Easy Tips to Prevent Floor Drain Problems
Keeping your floor drains working doesn’t take much. A few habits go a long way:
Keep Drains Clean Clear out debris regularly, and pour hot water down the drain every so often to clear soap scum and grease before it sticks.
Use Drain Covers Cheap and effective — drain covers catch hair, dirt, and small items before they slip in and cause a clog.
Skip the Grease Grease and cooking oil solidify over time and clog your pipes. Toss them in the trash instead.
Schedule Yearly Check-Ups A plumber can spot small problems before they turn into big ones. A yearly inspection keeps your floor drains — and the rest of your plumbing — working right.
Our Service Areas
Smedley Plumbing handles faucets, toilets, drains, gas pipes, sump pumps, and water heaters across the Kansas City area, including:
- Missouri
- Blue Springs
- Buckner
- Belton
- Grain Valley
- Independence
- Lee’s Summit
- Raymore
- Raytown
- Olathe
- Gladstone
- Shawnee
- Kansas
- Lenexa
- Leawood
- Kansas City
- Mission
- Oak Grove
- Overland Park
- Prairie Village
- Roeland Park
- Leavenworth
- Liberty
- North Kansas City
- Parkville
Wherever you are in the metro, we’ve got you covered.
Straight answers
How often should I inspect my floor drains?
Check your floor drains, especially those in the basement, at least every three months. Regular checks, along with cleaning and upkeep, keep the water flowing freely. This helps to stop sewer backups and drainage problems.
How can I prevent basement floor drain issues?
To prevent issues with your basement floor drain, clean your basement drain regularly to remove debris. Inspect the drain pipe for cracks or wear, and maintain your plumbing system to avoid backups. Flushing your drain system with hot water can help keep everything flowing smoothly. For persistent problems, call a plumber for help.
What causes water to back up in my basement floor drain?
Water backing up in basement floor drains often happens because of clogs in the main drain pipe, problems with the sewer line, or heavy rain that overwhelms the system.
Why does my basement smell like sewer gas?
A sewer gas smell in your basement usually means there’s a dry trap, a blocked drain, or a leak in the plumbing system that’s allowing gas to escape into your home.
Can tree roots damage my floor drain system?
Yes, tree roots can grow into underground drain pipes and sewer lines. This can lead to blockages, cracks, or even collapsed pipes, which can disrupt your drainage.
How do I know if my floor drain is connected to the sewer line?
Most basement floor drains are connected to the main sewer line to direct wastewater away from your property. A plumber can inspect your plumbing to confirm how it’s set up.
What should I do if water doesn’t drain quickly from my floor drain?
If your floor drain is slow, you can try flushing it with hot water or using a plunger. If that doesn’t help, the problem might be deeper in the drain system, and a professional plumber can sort it out.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners on my basement floor drain?
It’s best to avoid harsh chemical cleaners as they can damage your pipes over time. Instead, use enzyme-based cleaners or contact a plumber for a safer solution to clear tough clogs.
How can I tell if my floor drain pipe is damaged?
You might have a damaged drain pipe if you notice frequent clogs, water pooling around the drain, slow drainage, or cracks near the drain opening.
Do floor drains need regular professional maintenance?
Yes, scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year can help catch issues early, remove any buildup, and keep your floor drain working as it should.