The warm and frequently humid climate in Trinity, FL, is a very good thing most of the time. It’s hard to argue with warm weather and sunshine, even if rain and humidity are also part of daily life. However, these conditions can also lead to plumbing issues that may be more of a problem in Florida than other parts of the country. Plumbing tends to be similar regardless of location, but of course, local conditions have an effect on the type and frequency of routine maintenance and potential problems. Local plumbing services are well equipped to help homeowners.
Drain Flies
There are actually specific fly species that thrive in and around drains. They’re commonly known as drain flies, moth flies, or sink flies. Not the most creative names, but they are accurate. Most drain flies have flat wings and gray or tan bodies that may look fuzzy. The insects aren’t really a health threat, although they can potentially contaminate surfaces and food with harmful bacteria.
These flies are attracted to the gunk that builds up inside drains and pipes. The lifespan of such insects is approximately 48 hours. Don’t let the short lifetime fool you. They also reproduce very, very quickly, so an annoyance can become an infestation fast. The best way to prevent drain flies is to keep drains and pipes clean. A clog can cause slow draining and let residue build up continuously. Drain cleaning is an important plumbing service in areas susceptible to drain fly infestations.
Flies are extremely small and mobile, so they can make their way into your home through doors, windows, and other openings. Like most insects, they’re searching for standing water and an adequate supply of food. This makes your drain pipes an excellent destination if standing water, food residue, and bacteria have already established themselves. As long as such insects have standing water, they can reproduce. This is a great reason to take advantage of professional plumbing services to prevent standing water. Flies may take up residence in drains located in rooms that aren’t used often, such as basements, extra bedrooms, and storage areas. However, flies can live anywhere in your home. If you notice flies buzzing around the kitchen or bathroom, they may be coming from drain pipes under the sink.
Risk of Infestation
Trapped waste is the biggest possible draw for insects in Trinity, FL. Even a partially blocked pipe can let water back up inside drains. Waste products and food residue get stuck in that standing water, and the rotting organic material draws insects like a magnet. Contact a plumbing service as soon as possible if you suspect a clog or partial blockage so the problem can be fixed before insects multiply. You can also reduce the risk of an infestation by using caution while flushing items down the drain. Try to avoid coffee grinds, solid foods, fruit and vegetable peels, hair, and other debris that could form a clog or create a framework for residue and insect life.
If an infestation is already established, target breeding sites first. Eradicating flying insects won’t help much because young insects are already growing and reproducing in the drain. Plumbing services may include specific measures to address insect infestations, but drain cleaning and clog removal also disrupt infestations just by removing their breeding sites.
Drain Cleaners
It’s tempting to reach for a chemical drain cleaner when you’re dealing with dirty, clogged drains or foul odors. This may seem like a simple and relatively cheap solution, but it could actually lead to worse problems down the road.
Pipes and fittings, just like almost any other structure, start to deteriorate the second they’re installed. This sounds dramatic, but deteriorating is normally very slow. However, caustic chemicals in drain cleaners can accelerate the corrosion of plumbing fixtures. Oil and grease dumped down the drain can also encourage corrosion. In addition to direct effects, congealed fat and oil also contribute to clogs that may prompt the use of liquid drain cleaners.
Safer Methods
You can always call a plumbing service for routine drain cleaning, but there are some safe ways to clean pipes. There are safe ways to clean out your drains. Some people use baking soda and vinegar. A hot water flush may help as well. This process can be repeated several times. If you don’t see results after multiple cleaning attempts, it’s time to call for plumbing service. Plungers are a common go-to tool for clogged pipes, especially clogged toilets. A plunger can also be used on other drains, such as sink or shower drains.
Plunging may seem self-explanatory, but there are right and wrong ways to plunge a drain. Effective plunging depends on creating a seal around the drain. The plunger then dislodges the clog through suction. Without an intact seal, there’s no force to dislodge a clog. The best type of plunger has some sort of round protrusion on the bottom. This extension lets the main part of the plunger create an effective seal. If a stubborn clog doesn’t seem to be moving, you can try plugging other sink and shower drains. Each drain is connected to the drainage network, so air escaping these exits disrupts your seal. Plugging those holes can give you a more powerful seal. Plunging may dislodge clogs that are near plumbing fixtures, but no plunging method is likely to be effective if a clog is located deeper within your plumbing.
Drain snakes are an effective tool as well, but many homeowners don’t own drain snakes. There’s also a possibility of damaging a pipe or making the problem worse if a blockage is caused by root infiltration or a cracked pipe. The snake could cause further damage. This is another good reason to consult professional plumbing services for clogs. Plumbers have appropriate tools, including tiny cameras that can actually travel through pipes and let plumbers see exactly what the problem is. The licensed plumbers at Holistic Homes, LLC in Trinity, FL, are always ready to help. They can provide plumbing services for all the various problems that may crop up for homeowners.
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