Basement plumbing questions

Question from Theresa: I have two questions regarding finishing our basement. 1. We have a floor drain in the center of the room, we would like to cover it altogether, is necessary to have a floor drain? 2. The basement already has the plumbing for a bathroom. Will it still be extra expensive to install it, or since the plumbing already exists is it more realistic? 

Jake’s Answer: Theresa, I feel that it is very necessary to have some sort of drain in the basement. In the event of a leak, without a drain you could create a rather deep swimming pool in your lower level. You can cover up the drain and install a drain in another location in the basement if the current location interferes with your finishing plans. This new drain could be in the form of a sump pit with a pump that is activated when the water reaches a certain level in the pit. This pump would drain to the exterior through the rim joist. Be aware that when the concrete floor was placed it was sloped to the drain – the lowest point in the basement. The new sump pit most likely will not be the lowest point but it still will take care of the bulk of the water in the event of a leak. Since your basement is already “ruffed in” for a bathroom, it should help in reducing the cost of installing the bathroom. You will avoid the cost of removing and replacing the concrete and the cost of installing the in-ground plumbing - a savings of over $1000.00.