Do I Have Pests in My Plumbing?
When your pipes are making odd sounds as if they’re alive, this is generally the sign of particularly old pipes–or in some cases, even clogs–but sometimes, the clanging and rattling you hear can be an indicator of a pest finding its way into your home’s plumbing.
While it sounds gross, it’s important to prevent these pests from making their home in your plumbing and causing subsequent problems. Let’s talk a little more about that, so you can stay in the know.
Attraction
Believe it or not, having existing problems in your plumbing can attract pests. Pipe leaks, for example, create a water source for pests to feed or reproduce from–so not only do you have to worry about mold and water damage, you’ve also got to worry about these, too!
A common question in regards to having pests inside your plumbing is how they get there in the first place. In most cases, pests will find their way into your plumbing by entering your home through cracks in windows or right through your front door if it’s improperly sealed or is left open frequently, but insects like roaches can make their way to your plumbing by way of the outside through cracks in your pipes or fixtures that aren’t sealed properly.
We recommend checking these problem areas for entry points and either sealing them if you’re able, or in the case of plumbing, hiring a professional to do so. For windows and doors, consider the protection of screens.
Damage
One of the first worries a homeowner will have when taking pests in their plumbing into consideration is if they 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–over long periods of time.
They can cause a huge headache when flies or roaches settle in your plumbing and start breeding there, as their buildup can cause clogs, which subsequently lead to even bigger problems.
And, whether they’re preceded by smaller pests like insects or not, the presence of rats or mice in your home’s plumbing (usually attracted by leaking pipes) will understandably cause even bigger problems than the small pests. Rodents 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 Plumbing Pests Away
So, how do you keep pests out of your pipes? The first step is to have any cracks or leaks sealed, as getting rid of a water source for feeding and breeding will immediately cut down on the presence or the likelihood of pests gathering.
Secondly, good, routine plumbing care is a necessity. Avoid creating clogs that can damage your pipes and cause leaks by refraining from pouring oil into them, as well as anything else that can get stuck in your pipes like bathroom wipes–even if they promise they’re flushable, there is never any guarantee.
Clean your drains and the surfaces around them regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria, and resist the temptation to reach for chemical cleaners; these can damage your pipes too, especially when used improperly. Stick to vinegar and baking soda.
Have maintenance done regularly to cut down on potential issues you can’t see, and prevent them from occurring altogether.
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