Finding signs to having rats in your drain pipes can be your worst nightmare. Maintain Drains have years of experience with a range of drainage problems, including animal infestation in drain pipes. The most common animal to be found in your drains are usually rats or mice. If you are unsure if you have an animal in your drains, check our blog post for all the common signs you should look out for. If you think you have rats in your drains, here’s what to do:
Step 1 – Find out where the animals are coming from
The first step is to assess the potential entry points to find out exactly where the rats in your drainage system are coming from. Once we have found this, we can see how big the issue is to discover the next steps. To find this out, we would recommend undertaking a CCTV survey of your drain. This allows you to see everything that is going on underneath your home so we can find the exact location the animals may be entering and evaluate the severity of the problem. The CCTV footage will be able to show the exact entry point for the rats in your drain pipes. Maintain Drains have found that it is usually the last manhole on your property before your home but the footage will be able to give us definitive proof. We will also need to investigate any holes or cracks in your drains to see if the rats can escape into your home.
Step 2 – Fixing the entry points
From conducting a CCTV survey, we will be able to find the rats route into the property. Once we have found this issue, we can work with you to find a solution that best fits your needs and ensures your drains are repaired so rats cannot re-enter the system. Each situation will have a different solution due to the amount of damage or the location of the entry point. This highlights the importance of seeking advice from a drainage professional, as in most cases, home-fixes are short-term and will not permanently keep the animals out of your pipes. Our team of drainage experts will be able to advise and suggest the best repair for your home or commercial drainage system. One of the most common ways to fix a crack in the drain is relining. It is a cost effective way to fix any problems in your drains without having to excavate and dig up the ground or replace the entire drain pipe. This is also one of the quickest ways to fix any drain issues. Once the lining has sealed, you will be able to go back to using your drains as normal. Once the drain has been relined, the rats cannot gain access to your house through the cracks as they will have no way of entry through the flexible resin.
Step 3 – Future preventative measures
One of the best measures to stop rats from entering your drains is to add a protective guard over any openings on your external drains. This means rats cannot squees their way into the pipes as they are blocked. This can be in the form of a sewage drain flap, which allows for waste to leave the drain but nothing will be able to enter due to the flap. You could also try a protective guard over any large drain openings, which will block the animals from being able to enter the system. Our drain experts will be able to advise you with the best preventative measures for your drainagy system to help you keep rats out for good. Ensure you do not use pet food outdoors, as the rats will be able to smell this easily and it can lead them to entering your drains to look for more food. Human food rubbish and waste can also create this issue. You can minimise the risk of rats entering your drains by keeping food in containers and ensuring there is no waste around outdoor food bins as the animals can smell this and be attracted to your home.
How Maintain Drains Can Help
Maintain Drains are experts on all drainage issues. Our team will be able to assist any rat problems in your drains using a range of services including CCTV surveys, smoke tests and drain relining. All our work is fully guaranteed and we will ensure we choose the best option for your drainage system. We operate cost-effectively and ensure we minimize any disruption to your property or business. Contact Maintain Drains today or call us on 01202 300040 to find out how we can help you with rats in your drains.
FAQs
What is a drain rat blocker, and how does it work?
A drain rat blocker is a device installed in drainage systems to prevent rats and other rodents from entering properties through sewer pipes. These blockers are typically made of stainless steel or other durable materials and feature a one-way flap design that allows wastewater and debris to flow out of the property while preventing rodents from entering. Drain rat blockers are installed at strategic points along the drainage network, such as drain outlets or inspection chambers, to effectively block rodent entry points.
What should I do if I suspect there’s a rat in my drain pipe?
If you suspect there’s a rat in your drain pipe, it’s essential to take immediate action to address the issue and prevent further problems. Here are some steps you can take:
- Avoid contact: Do not attempt to handle or approach the rat directly, as rodents can carry diseases and may bite if threatened.
- Block access: Install drain rat blockers or other rodent prevention devices to block access points and prevent rats from entering your property through sewer pipes.
By taking these steps, you can effectively address a rat infestation in your drain pipe and prevent future rodent problems on your property.
What are the risks associated with rats in the sewer?
Rats in the sewer pose several risks to both property owners and public health. These risks include:
- Property damage: Rats can chew through pipes, wires, and other structures, causing damage to plumbing systems, electrical wiring, and structural components of buildings.
- Health hazards: Rats carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and pets through contact with their urine, faeces, or saliva.