When Pests Meet Plumbing: How to Address and Prevent Common Issues

When Pests Meet Plumbing: How to Address and Prevent Common Issues

Anyone who has experienced pest problems knows that it is one of the nastiest problems one can ever deal with. Pest infestation, particularly in the plumbing system can extremely problematic. Unwanted guests, such as rats and cockroaches, can crawl through the pipes and drains, causing major damage and risking your family’s health. 

Detecting early warning signs can be crucial in the prevention of pest problems. In this post, we will explore the signs of pest problems and how to keep them out of your plumbing system. 

Signs that You Have a Plumbing Pest Problem

There are 2 things that attract pests to your home: food and water. Leaking pipes, which cause stagnant pools of water, can draw rodents and insects. Apart from regular preventative maintenance, detecting early signs of plumbing pest issues is equally important. 

Watch out for clogged drains, as they could indicate a stuck pest in your drain pipe. If you hear scratching sounds from the pipes, it can be a sign of a pest of something living in there. Lastly, contact pest control in Orillia at the first sign of any animal droppings. 

6 Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Plumbing

1. Schedule Routine Drain Cleaning and Maintenance

Harmful bacteria can gradually accumulate in your drain. Over time, filthy, contaminated drains can attract insects, like flies and bugs. Scheduling professional drain cleaning and maintenance can prevent pest problems and ensure the smooth flow of wastewater through the plumbing system. 

2. Install a Screen on Your Vent Stack

The vent stack, a vertical pipe that runs through the attic and sits on top of the roof, helps ventilate sewer gas.  While it keeps harmful sewer gases from discharging through the drains, it can also be an entry point for pests. To prevent pests from entering, be sure to secure a screen on your vent stack. When pests infiltrate the pipe, they can enter the sewer and cause major damage, which may require septic repair in your Sleswick home. It can also prevent debris from clogging the stack. 

3. Inspect Leaky Areas

Since moisture and humidity attract rodents and insects, be sure to inspect leaky pipes in your crawlspace, basement, garage, laundry room, shed, attic, or other storage closets and utility spaces. Call a skilled plumbing company, such as Tom Day Plumbing, to inspect leaks to prevent pests from entering the pipes before it will turn into an infestation. 

4. Seal Openings Around Pipes

Some pests can easily squeeze their bodies into the tiniest cracks in your pipes. Mice can fit their bodies into a hole as small as a nickel. Cracks and holes in pipes and utility lines make a potential entry point for pests. Consider sealing openings around pipes to stop pests from entering and increase energy efficiency in your home. 

5. Install a Multi-Flap in Your Toilet

Pests, such as cockroaches, rats, mice, and even snakes, can enter the plumbing system through drain pipes. To prevent harmful pests from crawling out of the drains, install a multi-flap in your toilet. 

6. Seek Professional Plumbing Services

No matter how much we hate pests in our homes, these creepy critters can potentially invade our drain pipes. Be sure to hire a licensed plumber to conduct a thorough inspection of your plumbing system. This will ensure that no pests can enter through cracks or holes, as well as be aware if you are in need of repairs to stop potential pest issues in your plumbing system. 

Protecting your plumbing pipes from pests can take a bit of effort. However, once you have successfully covered all the bases, you do not need to worry about interruptions.