Frequently Asked Questions
About the Drain and Fruit Fly Video
Q. I treated all my drains as shown in the video, but I am still getting drain flies. Why isn't this working?
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A. If you have treated the sinks, tubs, showers, laundry room drains, and so forth the way that is shown in the video, and that does not solve the problem, then you most likely have a leaky closet seal under a toilet. This seal is what connects the toilet to the drainpipe. They are normally made out of wax, and if the toilet moves at all, or it gets clogged and is over plunged, the seal can be compromised. If there is no seal around the outside of the toilet, where the toilet meets the floor, then this will allow drain flies that are in the drainpipe to pass by the seal and then out from under the toilet. That seal should be replaced if that is the problem, but there is a temporary fix. If you do this fix, and the problem goes away, then you know that was it. Go to any of the big box stores like Lowe's or Home Depot, and purchase plumbers' putty. You will find it in the plumbing section. It is very inexpensive and easy to work with. It looks and feels a lot like Play-Doh. You can mold it into any shape you like, and it does not stain or harden. Simply roll it up kind of like a snake shape, and then push it into the gap between the bottom of the toilet and the floor. Make sure that you seal this gap all the way around the entire toilet. Just scrape off the excess with a putty knife and smooth it out with your finger to make a nice, need a job. This will prevent flies from coming out from under the toilet.
Another problem is if you have a drain that is not being used, such as a shower, bathtub, or sink. The trap can dry out and the flies can get in. So, make sure you pour a cup of water down all unused drains every month to keep water in them.
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Drain flies can also come in from outside, so try to keep doors and windows closed when possible.
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Let Guy know if this still does not solve the problem, and he will help investigate further.