Drain flies reproduce in the organic biofilm that is inside drains and moist areas. While they only live approximately two weeks, they lay 30 to 300 eggs per day. It doesn’t take long to see a large amount of drain flies near your sink and flying around your kitchen. Being proactive about drain care can prevent drain flies. Recurring drain issues should be handled by a knowledgeable professional from our team at Chesapeake Home Services, LLC.
Why Drain Flies Show Up
Drain flies show up when moisture and decaying debris build up inside drains and pipes. Hair, oil, grease, soap scum, and food particles are common types of decaying buildup found in plumbing systems.
You may first notice drain flies near sinks, tubs, showers, or laundry drains. Their presence is cause for concern, as it often indicates a drainage problem inside your plumbing system. It can also be one of the biggest signs you need clogged drain help. Failure to act can result in an infestation of drain flies in your home.
Drain flies lay eggs inside the sticky buildup that collects along pipe walls. That wet sludge gives larvae the moisture and organic material necessary to thrive. Once the eggs hatch, the infestation can spread. Professional drain cleaning clears out built up residue and stops the problem at its source.
How Slow Drains and Buildup Are Connected
Over time, a buildup of soap residue, grease, hair, skin cells, and other organic material can form inside your pipes. That material narrows the diameter of a pipe and results in slow drainage. Slow drainage can cause more material to build up and block a pipe completely.
- Soap scum
- Grease inside kitchen pipes
- Hair in bathroom drains
- Food debris
- Partial pipe blockages
Your first inclination may be to tackle drain flies with sprays or traps. These methods may seem to work at first, but they often reduce the number of visible insects. Instead, consider addressing the root of the problem, which is drain and pipe buildup. Without drain cleaning, drain flies will continue to come back.
Safe Ways to Clean Drain Gunk
Chemical drain cleaners contain caustic ingredients that can damage pipes. These products can also release harmful fumes that irritate your eyes and your respiratory system. There are safe DIY drain cleaning methods that remove buildup without damaging your plumbing system.
One method involves hot water and dish soap. Dish soap helps break apart grease and oily residue inside kitchen drains. Running hot water afterward helps flush softened debris through the pipes.
Baking soda and white vinegar also help clean mild drain buildup. Pour baking soda into the drain first, then add an equal amount of vinegar. As the mixture bubbles, buildup on pipe walls will start to loosen. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes before flushing the drain with hot water. This process should push debris and buildup through your plumbing system and out of your home.
If you’re dealing with a hair clog, you’ll need more than hot water to clean the drain. Tools like drain snakes and augers remove hair safely.
When to Call for Drain Cleaning
Flushing drains reduces the chances of severe clogs. Your situation may need something more powerful than a DIY solution. Professional plumbing services are beneficial when you have recurring clogs, strong odors, or standing water. Experts have equipment that cleans drains thoroughly and safely.
In between routine drain cleanings, consider methods of preventing buildup. Drain strainers help protect pipes from things like hair and food particles. Be careful what you put into garbage disposals. Large scraps of food and grease, fats, and oils should go into your garbage can instead of your drain.
Trust Chesapeake Home Services, LLC for Expert Drain Cleaning in Delaware
Chesapeake Home Services, LLC is a top choice for drain cleaning services in Delaware. Our professional plumbers know how to address drain flies quickly and safely. Our cleaning methods remove grease, sludge, hair, soap residue, and other debris that cause drainage problems.
Contact a plumber from Chesapeake Home Services, LLC today to ensure clean drains and to prevent an infestation of drain flies.
