Drain flies are a common issue in New Jersey. These unsightly bugs tend to congregate in kitchens and bathrooms. Although they’re harmless, they’re not pleasant to look at or deal with–especially when you’re trying to prepare food, entertain guests, and eat.
You might be wondering why drain flies have decided to invade your home and if it has anything to do with your home’s cleanliness. Unfortunately, the two aren’t related. Even the most sparkling-clean homes can suffer from drain flies.
If you have drain flies around your kitchen or bathroom drains, here are some DIY methods to try. Drain flies can be a sign of a bigger issue developing in your plumbing. If these tips don’t help, don’t despair. You can always rely on the plumbing technicians at Max Sr and Paul Schoenwalder for drain cleaning in South Orange.
Why Are Drain Flies in My Home?
Knowing how drain flies thrive and where they live is the first step to getting rid of the little varmints. They like to lay their eggs inside drains, sewer lines, drain pans, and septic tanks and find the moisture appealing. They’re also drawn to areas of stagnant, shallow water.
Well, that’s why they love the moist nooks and crannies of kitchen and bathroom drains so much. When drain flies search for a place to lay their eggs, they also seek out decomposing organic debris to make their nests. Organic waste such as food scraps, rotten vegetation, clumps of hair, and sewage are highly appealing to them and these things lie deep in kitchen and bathroom drains.
Although your first thought might be to reach for drain-cleaning chemicals, we don’t advise that you use these. Those caustic chemicals are unlikely to fix the problem and even worse, they can damage your pipes.
DIY Methods to Remove Drain Flies
The first thing you should do is check the surface of the drain. Take a dull knife or spatula and scrape around the edges of the drain. If you find any sludge or debris, dispose of it in the trash and take the garbage out since the sludge may contain larvae and eggs.
To try and get rid of nests further down the drain, try pouring boiling water down the drain. Boil a large kettle of water and pour it down the drain twice a week to see if this eliminates them. If boiling water isn’t working try a mixture of baking soda, salt, and vinegar. Combine 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup baking soda, then add 1 cup of white vinegar. When you’re done using the sink for the day, pour the mixture down the drain and leave it overnight. Follow by flushing with another kettle of boiling water.
The Full Drain Cleaning
If these DIY methods have failed, it’s time to contact our plumbing technicians for professional drain cleaning. We’ll use powerful scouring tools to completely remove all that organic debris from your drains and not only will the drain flies disappear, but you’ll also have cleaner, healthier plumbing that’s unlikely to develop clogs.
Established in 1912, Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. is your trusted resource for professional drain cleaning. Contact us today!