July 10, 2025
Have you noticed tiny, moth-like bugs hovering near your sink or shower? Drain flies, also known as sink flies or drain gnats, are a common household nuisance. They tend to show up in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and anywhere there's stagnant water or decaying organic material inside your drains. Learning how to get rid of drain flies is essential for maintaining a clean, odor-free home.
What Are Drain Flies?
Drain flies are tiny insects that thrive in moist environments. Adult drain flies are usually about 1/8 inch long with fuzzy, gray or black bodies and wings. Despite their small size, they can be a big annoyance, especially when they start multiplying.
These flies breed in the organic gunk that builds up inside drains and pipes. They feed on bacteria and decaying matter in the sludge lining the inside of your plumbing. If you see drain flies in the bathroom or kitchen, they're likely coming from a drain that needs attention.
How to Identify a Drain Fly Problem
Before starting any drain fly treatment, it's important to confirm that's what you're dealing with. Drain gnats are most active during the evening and night, often resting on walls or around sink basins.
A simple test:
Place a piece of clear tape, sticky side down, over the drain at night. Leave a small gap for airflow. Check it in the morning. If you see flies stuck to the tape, you've found your source.
Common signs of drain flies include:
Clusters of small flies around sinks, tubs, or floor drains
Tiny dark insects on walls or near drains
Musty or sewer-like odors coming from the drain
Why Do Drain Flies Appear?
Understanding why drain flies appear is the first step toward eliminating them. These pests show up when organic buildup inside your pipes becomes a food source and breeding ground. Bathrooms, kitchen sinks, basement drains, utility sinks, and even sump pump pits can all be culprits.
Things that attract drain flies include:
Hair, soap scum, and sludge in bathroom drains
Food particles and grease in kitchen sinks
Standing water in unused or rarely cleaned drains
The good news is that once you eliminate their breeding source, drain flies usually disappear quickly.
How to Kill Drain Flies at the Source
When it comes to getting rid of drain flies, the key is thorough drain cleaning. While sprays and traps can kill adult drain flies, they won't stop the next batch from hatching unless you clean out the breeding site inside the drain.
Clean Your Drains
The most effective way to kill drain flies is to scrub out the organic matter where they lay their eggs. Here's how:
Remove debris: Use a drain snake or pipe brush to clear out hair, grime, and sludge near the surface.
Boil and flush: Pour boiling water down the drain once or twice a day for several days.
Use enzyme cleaners: Commercial enzyme-based drain cleaners break down organic material without harming your pipes. This is a safe and eco-friendly drain fly treatment option.
Scrub with a brush: If accessible, scrub the sides of the drainpipe or trap to remove buildup that boiling water may not reach.
Avoid using bleach or harsh chemical drain cleaners. These can temporarily reduce odor but may not eliminate the biological material where flies breed, and they can damage plumbing over time.
For professional drain cleaning in Atlanta, contact Total Mechanical Care.
What Kills Drain Flies Instantly?
If you're dealing with a major infestation, you'll want to know what kills drain flies on contact. While cleaning the drains is the long-term solution, here are some ways to kill adult flies quickly:
Aerosol fly sprays work temporarily to knock out visible flies.
DIY vinegar traps (apple cider vinegar + dish soap in a bowl) can catch some of the adult population.
Sticky traps or flypaper placed near drains will reduce the number of adults while you clean the drain itself.
Remember, these methods are only surface-level. If you don't address the source inside your pipes, the flies will return.
Drain Flies in Bathrooms and Showers
Drain flies in the bathroom are especially common due to the frequent use of showers, tubs, and sinks. If your shower isn't draining properly or you have a slow sink, that buildup is likely what's attracting them.
To get rid of drain flies in the bathroom:
Focus on your shower and sink drains.
Clean the overflow hole in your sink (this area often gets missed).
Run hot water or use enzyme treatments regularly to prevent future infestations.
For persistent problems, the issue could be deeper in the system, such as a partially clogged trap or poorly vented drain line.
Drain Flies in Commercial Plumbing
If you manage a business in Atlanta, especially a restaurant, bar, or commercial kitchen, drain flies can create health code concerns. Regular professional drain cleaning is essential in these settings to prevent infestations.
At Total Mechanical Care, we offer commercial plumbing services, including hydro jetting and drain inspections to eliminate buildup and help your plumbing stay fly-free.
Can You Prevent Drain Flies?
Yes, drain fly prevention is absolutely possible with regular maintenance. Once you've eliminated the current issue, follow these tips to keep drain gnats from coming back:
Run water through rarely used drains weekly.
Use enzyme cleaners in kitchen and bathroom drains once a month.
Install strainers in sinks and tubs to catch hair and debris.
Avoid pouring grease down the drain.
Address slow drains promptly to prevent sludge buildup.
When to Call a Plumber for Drain Flies
If DIY efforts aren't solving the problem, it may be time to bring in a professional. Drain flies that keep returning, even after cleaning, can be a sign of:
Deeper clogs or biofilm inside pipes
Hidden leaks causing standing water
Sewer line issues
Damaged or poorly designed traps
At Total Mechanical Care, we provide expert drain inspection, cleaning, and repair services in the Atlanta area. Whether you're dealing with sink flies, drain gnats, or other persistent plumbing issues, we'll get to the root of the problem and eliminate it fast.
Why Atlanta Homeowners Trust Total Mechanical Care
Total Mechanical Care is a locally owned plumbing company serving homes and businesses throughout Metro Atlanta. Our licensed plumbers know how to address the drain problems that Atlanta homes encounter, particularly in the warm, humid climate.
From one-time drain cleanings to whole-house plumbing solutions, we're here to help with reliable service, transparent pricing, and a commitment to doing the job right.
Schedule Professional Drain Service Today
Dealing with drain flies in your Atlanta home? Don't wait for the problem to get worse. Call Total Mechanical Care today or book your service online. We'll inspect your drains, remove any buildup, and ensure your plumbing is clean, clear, and fly-free.