Will Bleach Kill Drain Flies?

Many homeowners pour bleach down the drain when they notice drain flies. But does bleach kill drain flies? Bleach may kill the drain flies it comes in contact with, but it will not resolve a drain fly infestation.

Bleach may kill the drain flies it comes in contact with, but it will not resolve a drain fly infestation. When you pour the liquid down the drain, it passes so quickly down the drain that it doesn’t have time to penetrate the thick buildup where the eggs are deposited. With the eggs left untouched, they will hatch, and you’ll be stuck in an endless cycle of killing newly matured drain flies. Furthermore, excessive use of bleach to kill drain flies can harm your plumbing in many ways.

What Does Bleach Do To The Drain Pipes?

Bleach, when used excessively or too frequently, can corrode certain types of pipes, particularly older ones made of metal. It may weaken the pipes over time, leading to leaks or even pipe failure. Moreover, bleach can harm the environment when it enters sewage systems, disrupting the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems.

If I Can’t Use Bleach, How Do I Get Rid of Drain Flies?

Here are some of the natural remedies that are recommended for getting rid of drain flies:

• Boiling water

This is one of the simplest and most natural methods to eliminate drain flies. Just boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the infested drain. The hot water will kill the larvae and flush out any organic matter that may be attracting the flies.

• Vinegar and baking soda

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda. Pour this mixture down the drain, and you'll notice a fizzing reaction. Cover the drain for about 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water. The vinegar helps to break down the organic matter in the drain that attracts the flies.

• Apple cider vinegar, dish soap, and water

Fill a jar or small container with a few inches of apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke small holes in it. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar, get trapped in the soap, and drown.

• Professional drain cleaning

If your drain fly infestation persists despite trying these home remedies, it might be time to call in a plumbing service for professional drain cleaning. They have specialized tools and chemicals that can effectively remove the source of the infestation, ensuring a long-term solution.

Need Professional Drain Cleaning? Call the Team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing

If you’re in need of professional drain cleaning, get in touch with the skilled and experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are equipped with state-of-the-art drain cleaning equipment, including hydro jetting machines and pipe inspection cameras to tackle a wide range of drain and sewer line issues efficiently.