If you’ve spotted tiny, moth-like insects hovering around your sink or shower drain, you’re likely dealing with drain flies—a common but frustrating household nuisance. Many homeowners wonder: Can a plumber get rid of drain flies? The short answer is yes, and often more effectively than DIY methods. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how plumbers identify, treat, and prevent drain fly infestations—so you can reclaim your clean, bug-free space.
What Are Drain Flies—and Why Do They Keep Coming Back?
Drain flies (Psychodidae family) are small, fuzzy-winged insects about 1/8 inch long. They thrive in moist, organic-rich environments like sink, shower, and floor drains—especially where a gelatinous biofilm (a slimy layer of bacteria and decaying matter) has built up.
According to the University of Florida’s Entomology Department , drain flies don’t bite or spread disease, but their presence signals poor drainage hygiene or hidden plumbing issues. Worse, they reproduce rapidly: a single female can lay up to 300 eggs in her lifetime, often within 48 hours of emerging as an adult.
This rapid lifecycle explains why store-bought sprays rarely solve the problem—they kill adults but ignore the root cause: the organic buildup in your pipes.
Can a Plumber Get Rid of Drain Flies? Absolutely—Here’s Why
Yes, a licensed plumber can not only eliminate drain flies but also prevent their return. Unlike general pest control services that focus on surface-level spraying, plumbers target the source: the clogged, biofilm-coated pipes where drain flies breed.
Why Plumbers Are Uniquely Qualified
Access to professional-grade tools: Hydro-jetting, drain cameras, and enzyme-based cleaners.
Knowledge of pipe systems: They can locate hidden buildup in P-traps, vent stacks, or rarely used floor drains.
Long-term solutions: Not just removal—but prevention through maintenance advice and minor repairs.
“Most homeowners don’t realize drain flies aren’t a pest problem—they’re a plumbing problem,” says Marcus Lee, a master plumber with 18 years of experience in Chicago. “Once you clean the drain properly, the flies vanish within days.”
How Plumbers Eliminate Drain Flies: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Professional drain fly removal isn’t guesswork—it’s a systematic process:
Step 1: Inspection with a Drain Camera
Plumbers use a small, flexible camera to inspect pipes up to 100+ feet deep. This reveals biofilm, hair clogs, or cracked pipes that trap organic debris.
Step 2: Mechanical Cleaning
Using a drain auger or hydro-jetter (high-pressure water at 3,000–4,000 PSI), they blast away the slimy buildup where eggs and larvae live.
Step 3: Enzyme Treatment
After mechanical cleaning, plumbers flush the drain with enzyme-based cleaners (not harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage pipes and fail to dissolve biofilm). These enzymes digest organic matter over 24–48 hours.
Pro Tip: For DIYers, a safe home alternative is mixing ½ cup baking soda + ½ cup white vinegar, followed by 2 liters of hot (not boiling) water at 50–60°C (122–140°F) after 30 minutes. But this rarely matches professional results for severe infestations.
According to the EPA, improper chemical use in drains contributes to indoor air quality issues and pipe degradation—making enzyme or mechanical solutions safer and more sustainable.
A: No. Drain flies don’t bite, sting, or transmit diseases. However, in rare cases, heavy infestations may trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals due to airborne particles from their wings or debris.
Q2: How long does it take to get rid of drain flies?
A: With professional plumbing treatment, adult flies disappear in 2–5 days as larvae die off. Full elimination typically takes 7–10 days. DIY methods may take 2–4 weeks—if they work at all.
Q3: Can drain flies come from the toilet?
A: Yes—but it’s uncommon. If they do, it usually indicates a broken wax seal under the toilet or a cracked sewer line. A plumber can diagnose this with a smoke test or camera inspection.
Q4: Do drain flies mean I have a sewage leak?
A: Not necessarily. Most infestations stem from routine organic buildup in sink or shower drains. However, if flies appear near floor drains or emit a sewage smell, call a plumber immediately—it could signal a sewer backup.
Q5: Will boiling water kill drain flies?
A: Boiling water may kill some adults and larvae, but it won’t dissolve biofilm—and can crack PVC pipes if used repeatedly. Stick to warm (not boiling) water combined with enzymatic cleaners.
Q6: How can I prevent drain flies from returning?
A: Flush all drains weekly with hot water. Use a monthly enzyme cleaner. Fix leaks promptly. Keep garbage disposals clean by running them with ice cubes and citrus peels monthly.
Conclusion: Yes—A Plumber Is Your Best Bet Against Drain Flies
So, can a plumber get rid of drain flies? Without a doubt. While DIY tricks offer temporary relief, only a professional can fully eliminate the slimy breeding grounds deep inside your pipes—and stop the cycle for good.
Don’t let these tiny pests linger. A single plumbing visit can restore your peace of mind, improve indoor hygiene, and even uncover hidden drainage issues before they become costly repairs.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend who’s battling bathroom bugs! 🐛🚰 Tag them on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter—because clean drains are worth spreading the word about.
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