How to Get Rid of Drain Flies (Fast & For Good)
3 min readAll Around Cooling & HeatingWest Jordan, UT
December 4, 2025
Your Guide from All Around Cooling & Heating – West Jordan’s Trusted Home Experts
If you’ve noticed tiny flying bugs around your sink, shower, or floor drain, you’re probably dealing with drain flies—also known as sink flies, sewer flies, or moth flies. They’re harmless… but annoying, persistent, and a sign that something inside your plumbing needs attention.
The good news? You can get rid of drain flies for good with the right approach. Here’s everything homeowners in West Jordan and Salt Lake County should know.
What Are Drain Flies?
Drain flies are small, fuzzy insects (about the size of a fruit fly) that breed in moist, organic buildup inside drains. They lay eggs in the gunk lining your pipes—so if you see them hovering around sinks, tubs, or basement drains, that buildup is where they’re coming from.
They don’t bite, but ignoring them will only make them multiply.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
1. Identify the Source
Drain flies usually come from:
- ● Kitchen sink drains
- ● Bathroom sinks
- ● Shower or tub drains
- ● Floor drains (common in basements & utility rooms)
- ● Overflows in sinks
Tip: Place tape sticky-side down over the drain overnight. If you see flies stuck to it the next morning, you’ve found the source.
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2. Flush the Drain With Boiling Water
Pour boiling water down the affected drain once or twice a day for a few days. This helps loosen the organic buildup where flies lay eggs.
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3. Clean the Drain Thoroughly
This step is key. Drain flies won’t go away until you remove what they’re feeding on.
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Use this cleaning method:
- Remove the drain stopper.
- Scrub the drain walls with a long brush.
- Use a drain-safe cleaner (enzymatic is best) to break down buildup.
Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners—they can damage pipes and often don’t solve the root problem.
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4. Use Enzyme Cleaners (Most Effective)
Enzyme-based drain cleaners break down organic buildup naturally. They’re safe for:
- ● Pipes
- ● Septic systems
- ● Kids & pets
Use them daily for 5–7 days to fully dissolve what flies breed in.
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5. Seal & Dry the Area
Drain flies thrive in moisture. Reduce damp areas by:
- ● Running bathroom fans
- ● Fixing slow or clogged drains
- ● Wiping down wet surfaces
- ● Addressing leaks under sinks
If a drain isn’t used often (like a basement floor drain), pour in a little water weekly to maintain the trap and prevent flies from coming up from the sewer line.
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6. Trap Adult Drain Flies (Optional but Helpful)
You can reduce adult flies quickly using:
- ● Apple cider vinegar traps
- ● Sticky traps
- ● Covering drains overnight
This won’t fix the root issue, but it helps cut down the population while you treat the source.
When You Should Call a Professional
If drain flies keep returning after a week of cleaning, the issue may be deeper, such as:
- ● A clogged or collapsed drain line
- ● A slow leak under flooring
- ● A failing P-trap
- ● Hidden sludge buildup your tools can’t reach
Our team at All Around Cooling & Heating can diagnose and treat the problem quickly—both residential and commercial.
How to Prevent Drain Flies Long-Term
Keep your drains clean and moving:
✅ Clean drains monthly with enzyme cleaner ✅ Don’t let hair, grease, or food sit in the sink ✅ Fix slow drains ASAP ✅ Keep bathroom fans running after showers ✅ Use your garbage disposal properly
A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home pest-free.
Drain Flies Won’t Go Away on Their Own — Let Us Help
If you’re tired of drain flies or noticing slow drains, unusual smells, or recurring pests, it may indicate a bigger plumbing issue.
📞 Call All Around Cooling & Heating at (385) 899-2576 We’ll clear the drain, clean the line, and make sure everything flows the way it should.
Serving West Jordan, South Jordan, Herriman, Salt Lake County & Utah County.
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