Blog/Drain Cleaning

What Causes Drain Flies and How to Stop Them for Good

November 10, 20254 min read
What Causes Drain Flies and How to Stop Them for Good
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Have you ever seen tiny flies near your sink? These small bugs are called drain flies. They like to stay near water and leave stains on the walls. They might also present a risk of food contamination.

It is good to know why these flies come. When you know the cause, you can stop them the right way. Clean drains mean fewer flies and a nicer home. 

In this blog Lew Plumbing will help you learn what causes drain flies and how to avoid drain flies in bathroom.

What Causes Drain Flies

Drain flies like wet and dirty places. They hide in drains that stay wet all the time. When soap, hair and oil collect in the drain it makes a soft layer inside. This layer becomes a home for tiny bugs. The flies lay their eggs there and new flies come out soon after.

plumber unclogging blocked shower drain

Still water in the pipe also helps them grow. If the water does not move it gives them a place to live. A bathroom that stays damp can make it worse. When there is no fresh air the smell and dirt stay longer and flies do too. 

Keeping drains clean and dry helps stop them from coming back. Here is how you can fix a clog in the pipe.

Are Drain Flies Harmful?

No they do not bite or make people sick. They live in dirty water so they are not good to have in your home. When they fly near the sink it looks awful. These tiny bugs can carry germs because they come from unclean places.

If you keep seeing them your drain may have dirt or water stuck inside. After some time it can start to smell bad. You can wash the drain with care to avoid water contamination.

In case you are uncomfortable to clean you can ask Lew Plumbing to help. Our professionals can help you keep the home fresh.

How Do I Permanently Get Rid of Drain Flies?

Follow the steps below for immediate results. 

Clean the drain

Take a small brush and clean inside the drain. Move it up and down to remove dirt. The brush helps take out the soft layer that the flies like. Do this slowly so the drain stays safe.

Plumber Unclogging A Kitchen Sink Drain With Pipe Cleaning Machine

Add hot water 

Pour a cup of hot water into the drain. It helps remove soap or oil that sticks to the sides. You can also use vinegar. It kills the eggs that the flies leave inside.

Try natural mix

You have to add some baking soda in the drain. Then pour vinegar over it. You will see bubbles. They clean the pipe and take away bad smells.

Keep the drain dry

After use try to keep the drain dry. When the drain is dry the flies have no place to live.

Tips to Avoid Flies

The following tip can be helpful.

  • Pour warm water once a week to keep the drain clear.
  • A small cover stops hair or food from going in. It also keeps bugs out.
  • If water does not go down fast there may be a clog. Fixing it early helps stop the flies.
  • Wipe the sink and floor after use. When everything stays dry flies do not come back.

If you still see flies after cleaning call Lew Plumbing. We offer drain cleaning services that can clean that keeps the flies from coming back.

FAQs

What causes drain flies?

They come from wet and dirty spots in drains. They live where old water and soap stay for a long time.

Are these flies harmful?

No but still they can cause trouble. Your food and hygiene can be compromised and walls get stained as well. 

Why do I see flies in the bathroom?

They like wet spots such as tubs or floor drains. When the pipe is not clean they lay eggs there. Keeping the drain dry and tidy will stop them.

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