Floor Drains That Actually Drain

Professional floor drain cleaning across Jacksonville, Onslow County, and the surrounding areas. Basements, garages, laundry rooms, and commercial spaces all depend on floor drains: they protect the space from water damage when they're working, and cause water damage when they're not.

Designed To Handle Water, Until They Can't

Floor drains are designed to handle water before it becomes a problem, but when they start to clog, they can quickly turn into one. You might notice slow drainage, standing water, or a drain that hasn’t been used in a while suddenly backing up when water is introduced into the system. In basements, garages, laundry rooms, or commercial spaces, a blocked floor drain can lead to water spreading where it shouldn’t.

Because floor drains often sit unused for periods of time, debris can build up without being noticed. Dirt, sediment, soap residue, and even small amounts of grease or organic material can settle in the line over time. In some cases, the issue isn’t just at the drain itself but further down the line, especially if the floor drain is connected to other plumbing in the building.

Thorough. Connected To The System.

At Ellis Elite Plumbing & Drains LLC, we take a thorough approach to clearing floor drains so they function the way they’re intended to. Using professional equipment, we remove buildup safely and restore proper flow while also paying attention to how the drain is connected within the system. This helps us determine whether the issue is isolated or part of a larger drainage concern.

For commercial properties with multiple floor drains, or residential properties where the floor drain shares a line with laundry or other fixtures, we may run a sewer camera inspection to identify whether the issue is at the drain or further downstream. For lines with heavy long-running buildup, hydro jetting is often the right answer.

Out Of Sight, But Critical

Floor drains are often out of sight, but they play an important role in protecting your space from water damage. If you’re noticing slow drainage, odors, or water backing up, it’s a sign the line needs attention. Taking care of it early helps ensure the drain is ready to do its job when you need it most.

Common situations where floor drains need attention:

Basement floor drain

backing up during heavy rain or laundry runs

Garage floor drain

holding standing water

Laundry room floor drain

overflowing when the washer drains

Commercial floor drain

with grease, food, or process-water buildup

Mechanical room floor drain

that hasn't been used in months

Sewer or musty smell

from a floor drain that hasn't been run recently (usually a dry P-trap, an easy fix)

Floor Drain Cleaning Across Coastal NC

Ellis Elite Plumbing & Drains handles floor drain cleaning for residential and commercial properties across Jacksonville, Onslow County, and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does floor drain cleaning cost?

Pricing depends on the specific issue and what the work involves, and we always quote on-site, never over the phone. Estimates are free within Onslow County (a service fee may apply in surrounding-county areas). We offer a 10% discount for seniors and a 10% discount for military. If we find something once we take a closer look, we'll talk it through with you before moving forward.

My basement floor drain only backs up during heavy rain: why?

Often this indicates the floor drain is connected to a line that also handles surface water or rain runoff from another part of the system. During heavy rain, the line gets overloaded and water backs up at the lowest point, which is usually the basement floor drain. The fix depends on what's actually connected, so we diagnose first.

Why does my floor drain smell?

Most commonly, it is a dry P-trap. Floor drains that aren't used regularly let the trap water evaporate, which removes the seal between the drain line and the room air. Running a gallon of water into the drain typically resolves the smell within a few minutes.

Can chemical drain cleaners damage floor drains?

Yes. The same warnings apply to floor drains as to any other drain. Store-bought chemical drain cleaners damage pipes, fixtures, and seals over time, and create hazardous conditions for the next person to open the trap. Mechanical methods are safer.

Do you handle commercial floor drains?

Yes. Commercial floor drains often have specific code requirements for grease handling and process-water management. See our Commercial Plumbing Services page for the full commercial scope.

What if my floor drain is connected to the laundry drain?

Many homes share a single drain line between the laundry standpipe and a nearby floor drain. If both back up together, the issue is downstream of both fixtures and needs to be cleared at the actual depth of the buildup. Camera diagnosis usually identifies the problem section.

How fast can you respond to a floor drain backup?

For non-emergency calls, we typically schedule within one to three business days. For active flooding from a backing-up floor drain during our business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), see our Emergency Drain Service page, since we prioritize active water-damage situations for same-day response where possible.

Do you offer a warranty on your services?

Yes. Ellis Elite Plumbing & Drains backs all services with a 30-day warranty. The two exceptions are toilet augering: residential toilet augering carries a 7-day warranty, and commercial toilet augering carries a 1-day warranty. If a covered problem comes back within the warranty period, call us and we will make it right.

How do I schedule service?

Call us at 910-427-1779 or request an appointment online. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Get Your Floor Drain Cleared

Ellis Elite Plumbing & Drains provides professional floor drain cleaning throughout coastal North Carolina using diagnostic-first methods and professional equipment designed to resolve the issue correctly the first time.