Drain flies can quickly become a big problem for any homeowner. You might notice them hovering around your sinks, showers, or floor drains. These are signs that organic buildup is lurking in your pipes.
If you’re tired of seeing them buzzing around your bathroom or kitchen, it’s time to take action. Best plumbers in Gold Coast and Tweed Heads explain how to get rid of drain flies using DIY drain cleaning recipes.
What are Drain Flies?
Sewer flies, drain moths, and bathroom flies are all names for the same annoying pest. These tiny, fuzzy insects are easy to identify as they hover around sinks and drains. The main challenge is figuring out how to get rid of them.
Drain flies thrive on the decaying organic matter that builds up inside drain pipes. If conditions are suitable, they can lay 200 to 300 eggs at a time.
Common Household Conditions That Encourage Drain Flies
So what exactly have you done to attract the sort of drain flies Australia has been grappling with for decades? If those drains have had a bit of time to stagnate, drain flies love feasting on the material that’s had a little time to stew. With a bit of luck, resuming your normal household activities should give the drain flies a clear sign that it’s time to clear off.
But if you haven’t been away, ask yourself if any of these scenarios apply:
- Is the drain in question used infrequently? If so, run the taps a bit more often, and try pouring a kettle or two of boiling water down there, too.
- Could it be the air conditioner? Drain flies love anything moist and dank, and an infestation can indicate a problem with the air conditioner, such as a broken pipe.
- Is the toilet the culprit? If you’re spotting drain flies around your toilet, it’s possible they’re getting in that way via a faulty seal.
- Do you deal with compost? Yes, drain flies love your dank, moist pipes, but they also absolutely love moist compost. If you’re into composting, see if your stash is attracting this critter.
- Any stagnant water anywhere? Drains and pipes are not the only things involving stagnant water. Have a look around your property to see whether any standing water is causing the issue.
How to get rid of drain flies – the DIY way
If, after checking all of that, you’re still grappling with a drain fly headache, below are some advice from your trusted Gold Coast and Tweed Heads drainage plumbers on how to knock them on the head:
1. Clean the pipes
Now it’s time to get proactive. The first step on how to get rid of drain flies is to unblock your sink drains thoroughly and regularly. Determine the problem drain, and do your best to get rid of that tasty organic material. An easy way is to pour a kettle of boiling water down there and finish off with some effort with a wire brush or the all-powerful drain snake. Then, wash down your effort with another kettle full.
2. Try vinegar
Vinegar works as a natural cleaning and disinfecting agent. It helps break down the organic matter and slime that drain flies feed on and where they lay their eggs. The acidity in vinegar disrupts the flies’ breeding environment.
To use this method, pour about a cup of white vinegar down the affected drain. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow it to dissolve residue and kill any larvae present. You can follow up with hot water to flush away loosened debris.
3. Use baking soda
Start by adding a generous amount of baking soda directly into the drain. Then pour in a cup of vinegar and allow the mixture to react.
The fizzing action you hear is the result of a chemical reaction that helps break down organic matter, slime, and residue lining the pipe walls. This reaction cleans the inside of the drain, disrupts the environment that drain flies rely on to breed, and helps dislodge debris.
Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to give it time to work thoroughly.
Call the Drain Masters for a real drain fly solution
Will your drain fly problem simply not budge? You may not need a pest exterminator – you may need a drain master.
Here at Drain Masters Plumbing, we’ve been dealing with the sort of drain issues that attract problems like drain flies for so many years that it’s just second nature to us now. Whether it’s a blocked stormwater drain, something broken, installation issues, a sewer drainage problem or something else entirely, every drain is healthy once Drain Masters Plumbing has paid you a visit.
Get in touch with the friendly team today. We cover Varsity Lakes, Upper Coomera, Surfers Paradise, Coombabah on the Gold Coast, Banora Point, Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff in Northern NSW and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are shower flies, and why do they appear?
Shower flies, also known as drain flies, appear when organic matter builds up in shower drains. They are attracted to the moist, stagnant environment where they can feed and lay eggs.
What are drain worms in Australia, and should I be concerned?
Drain worms in Australia are the larvae of drain flies. While they are not harmful to humans, their presence indicates a buildup of organic sludge in your pipes and can lead to a larger infestation if not addressed.
Our plumbing and drainage Gold Coast team will diagnose the problem using CCTV drain inspections to locate sludge buildup and larvae nests, then apply treatments such as high-pressure water jetting or bio-enzyme cleaners to clear the pipes.
How do I get rid of drain flies in my shower?
To remove drain flies in your shower, clean the drain to remove organic residue and slime. Use a combination of a drain brush, baking soda, and vinegar treatments, and hot water flushing to break down buildup and eliminate breeding areas.
