Critters in Your Plumbing

They may not be welcomed guests, but we’ve all seen cockroaches, spiders, mice, and even snakes in our homes. In the moment, our first concern is always getting them out. But the lingering question is: how are pests and critters getting into the home? Some critters and pests can actually find their way into your house through the plumbing system.

Let’s take a look at a few of our worst offenders:

• Insects. There’s nothing quite as unsettling as stepping into the shower or opening a vanity drawing and finding a cockroach inside. But insects aren’t just unsightly, they’re also unhealthy. Some of the insects that dwell in your drains can carry disease and bite.

• Mice and rats. You might be surprised to learn that most rat infestations start in the plumbing. These rodents can squeeze their way into a home through holes as small as a nickel. Aside from the diseases mice and rats carry, these animals cause major damage to your plumbing system. They gnaw and scratch, causing your pipes to corrode and decay at a faster rate than normal.

• Snakes. Opening your toilet bowl to find a snake slithering out might seem like the stuff of movies. But it’s definitely a possibility. Snakes can glide their way up through pipes in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and even your toilet. Worst yet, once they’re in, they use your pipes to move freely from one room to the next, even while water is flowing.

Just like humans, insects, critters, and rodents need three things to survive: water, food, and shelter. Your pipes provide an ample supply of all three. And once they’re in your pipes, it’s only a matter of time until they’re in your home. It’s important to safeguard your pipes and your home against pests. Start by scheduling an inspection of your pipes to check for any cracks and holes. Then, have a professional cover your entry/exit points with wire mesh. It keeps animals out without compromising your plumbing’s functionality.

As always, whether you’re after tips and tricks for frequent plumbing problems or more extensive plumbing insight, be sure to consult our blog for thorough and useful information. After all, Raider Rooter has been helping South Florida maintain and manage its plumbing since 1978. Let us put our expertise to work for you.