Plumbing leaks pests and problems go hand in hand because plumbing problems will attract pests and pests can cause plumbing problems.
Moisture Attracts Pests
Rodents and bugs will go wherever there is water. This means that if there is a leak, it will attract pests.
Leaky Faucet or Sink in Kitchen or Bathroom: A leaky faucet can attract flies, cockroaches, and ants. The leak can be caused by a fitting that wasn’t installed correctly or a loose joint or crack in the sealant. This allows food and waste particles to escape, which attracts insects.
Blocked Gutter: If you have a blocked gutter, then water will pool. This type of water will attack spiders, larvae, and mosquitoes, as well as other insects. It’s important not to have pooled water so it does not attract mosquitoes with dangerous diseases.
Dirty Drains: If you are noticing flies around your drains, this could mean you need to have your drains looked at and cleaned. A dirty drain will attract drain flies.
Damp Wood: If leaks are causing wood around your property to be wet, then it can attract termites. Check for leaks in the attic and any leaks that can drop onto the walls.
Where to Find Leaks
Just because you find an insect in your bathroom doesn’t automatically mean that you have a leak. However, if you do have an undiscovered leak, you will continue to find pests in the kitchen or bathroom. Look for any areas that rodents or bugs could be gathering and investigate if there is a nearby source of running water. Common areas for leaks include underneath the bathroom or kitchen sinks, the waterline to any appliances, under the garbage disposal, under the refrigerator, and the water line of the freezer. If you do find a leak, chances are it should be in an accessible location and it can be fixed. Contact Ford’s Plumbing & Heating in order to get a free estimate so you can get rid of unwanted pests and plumbing leaks.
