Dealing with Pests in Plumbing
If you find that your pipes are making odd sounds like rattling or clanging as if they’re alive, this is generally the sign of particularly old pipes–or in some cases, even clogs–but sometimes, the sounds you hear can be the sign of pests finding their way into your home’s plumbing.
Although it sounds gross, it’s vital to prevent pests from making their homes in your plumbing and causing problems beyond just giving you the heebie-jeebies.
Let’s talk a little more about the causes of pests getting and wanting to get into your plumbing, as well as how to take care of this problem.
Attraction
Existing problems in your plumbing can attract pests. For example, leaky pipes create a water source for pests to feed or reproduce from, so not only do you have to worry about mold and water damage, but they should be on your mind, too.
When we’re talking about having pests inside your plumbing, one of the most commonly asked questions is how they get there in the first place. In most cases, pests can find their way into your plumbing by entering your home through cracks in windows or through your front door if it’s improperly sealed or left open frequently, but insects like roaches especially can get into plumbing by way of the outside, through cracks in your pipes or fixtures that aren’t sealed.
Our recommendation is to scrutinize these problem areas for entry points and hire a professional to seal them. For your windows and doors, consider the additional protection of screens and watch for damage to them where pests may chew through.
Damage
One of your first worries upon hearing about this issue was probably if pipe pests can cause damage, and the answer is yes, even small pests like insects can cause serious damage to your plumbing–and your home if left untreated.
When flies or roaches settle in your plumbing and start breeding there, their buildup can cause clogs, which subsequently lead to even bigger headaches.
And, whether they’re preceded by smaller pests like insects or not, rodents in your home’s plumbing (usually attracted by leaking pipes) will understandably cause even bigger problems than the smaller pests. Rats and mice can eat away at the insulation of your pipes and cause higher and higher water bills.
The more pests you have, the more expensive your repair bill is going to be, so you’ll want to keep them away altogether.
Keeping Pests Away from Plumbing
So, how do you keep pests out of your plumbing?
Step one is to identify any leaks or cracks and have them sealed as soon as possible. Getting rid of a water source for the feeding and breeding of pests will immediately cut down on the presence or the likelihood of them gathering.
Step two is to maintain good plumbing care. Avoid creating clogs that can damage your pipes and cause leaks. Never pour oil into your pipes, and even if a brand promises their bathroom wipes are flushable, do not flush them–nor anything else that can cause clogs in your pipes.
Clean drains and the surfaces around them regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria, and resist the temptation to reach for chemical cleaners, as improper type or usage can damage them. If you’re going to clean your pipes yourself, stick to vinegar and baking soda–otherwise, if you’re still having issues with clogs, call a professional.
Lastly, maintenance done regularly will cut down on potential issues you can’t see, and prevent them from occurring altogether, so regardless of whether you’re having problems with your plumbing or not, it’s never a bad idea to regularly schedule appointments with your plumber to take a look at things. Or, contacting a company like Consolidated Pest Control to get your problems fixed permanently.
