Some of our greatest assets can be right under our nose. Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Charlotte, NC knows that one of these assets is a good garage floor drain. It’s one of those things we often don’t notice, unless it’s not working properly. If you’ve just noticed you don’t have one, you might find some good reasons to install one. If you already have one, let’s get to know it better.
Benefits of a garage floor drain
Moisture in your garage can cause all sorts of trouble. Standing water can damage anything you may have stored in your garage. Puddles can be a slip hazard. Prolonged exposure can crack the floor itself. Stagnant water can even become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Moisture can come from many sources. Obviously, rain is the biggest culprit. If your overhead garage door bottom seal is not watertight, rain will seep under it. The same is true of snow and ice. Both can pile up against your garage door and cause even more damage than rain because it sits longer.
You may not think about other sources, though. For example, a ruptured hot-water heater or other burst pipe. Run-off from your car can also add up quickly. When you come in from rain, snow, or ice conditions, the water will collect under you car. The car itself can also leak all kinds of fluids:
- Water from the A/C condensation
- Anti-freeze
- Oil
- Brake fluid
Floor drain options
There are two main option for garage floor drains: trench, or square/round. Trench drains are much more effective. You can install one small section, or join a whole line of them to really keep the fluids moving. You want to make sure that the grates are galvanized metal for longer life. You also need a polymer concrete that’s already appropriately pitched. While trench drains are more efficient and effective, they are also the more expensive option.
Simple square or round drains are less costly and much easier to install. Unless you expect heavy water flow on a regular basis, this option should be able to handle your needs. Make sure your floor is slightly pitched towards your square or round drain, preferably in the middle of your garage.
Do’s and don’t’s
Make sure you plan properly for installation. Map out where everything is going to be installed. Check for proper pitching in the floor. Contact a plumber if needed.
Once the drain is installed, make sure to keep it maintained. Keep it swept and make sure no debris collects on or around it. Occasionally you’ll need to really clean it out with drain cleaner or a pipe snake if needed.
Be sure that you aren’t pouring any harmful chemicals down your new drain either. Some may leak from your vehicle with regular use, but don’t add to it for sure.
If you don’t have a drain already in place, you may be having problems with weather or flood damage to your garage door. If so, give Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Charlotte, North Carolina a call right away. We can schedule an appointment to come out and inspect any damage. We can repair any and all parts of your door. If there is extensive damage, we can even order you a new door and install it. Don’t delay, call us as soon as possible.
