We all know how drain blockages cause a lot of upheaval for property owners, but what happens when animals are the problem? Rats in drainage systems are a common issue in the UK, and they are often the origin of rodent infestations around homes and businesses. These pesky animals can cause untold damage, resulting in costly repairs needed for the structurally unsafe drains they leave behind.
If you think rats are causing drain issues at your property, here’s what you need to do.
Can rats come up through drains?
UK pest experts will tell you how often rat infestations are caused by drains. Unfortunately, it’s the ideal environment for rodents to live in. The sewers your drains join to will be bursting with vermin, so it’s important to stop rats from climbing up inside your property’s drain pipes by keeping them in good working order. Otherwise, rats can enter drains through small cracks or where root ingress creates access points.
What plumbing issues do rats cause?
Rats and rodents cause lots of issues in drain systems every year in the UK. Unfortunately, some of the common damage we see includes gnawing on pipes and sewer lines, leading to further cracks and leaks. Their nests can also cause blockages within the system, preventing the free flow of wastewater.
How can you tell if your drains have a rat issue?
So how do you know if you have rats in your drains? One of the first signs of an issue is the impeded flow of wastewater, resulting in backups and overflows. However, this could also be caused by other blockages in the system like fatbergs or even tree root ingress in drains. Therefore, a CCTV survey is the best way to determine the cause of any clogs.
Other signs your drains have a rat problem include rat droppings around the outside of your property and chewed debris or small gnaw marks in walls. Rats that have come up through your drains may also get into your property, making scratching noises inside your roof, walls and floors.
Can CCTV drain surveys find rats?
CCTV drain surveys are the fastest way to confirm the presence of rats in your drains and the associated issues. With clear visuals of the pipe interiors, your surveyor will be able to spot where drain damage has occurred to give the rats entry to your system.
After your drain surveyor has confirmed the location of pests inside your drainage system, they can recommend the best solution. This may include rat flaps to prevent re-entry. Damage can also be repaired by methods like drain relining.
Do you have rats in your drains? Contact us
The Drain Survey Company offers expert CCTV drain assessments and repairs in London and Essex, coming out to Highbury, Islington and surrounding areas. For more advice, call now on 020 4538 4399.
