Avoiding Plumbing-Related Pest Infestations

It’s spring, and for many homeowners that means it’s time to begin looking out for various pest infestations that might try to invade the home. A simple fact that many are unaware of, however? The possible connection between plumbing and pests.

At Whipple Plumbing, we can help explain this basic causation between residential plumbing issues and pest infestations. Let’s go over the pests you need to worry about here, plus some areas to keep in mind.

Pests and Moisture

There are a number of pests that are drawn to high levels of moisture:

• Ants
• Cockroaches
• Book lice
• Camel crickets
• Silverfish
• Termites
• Rats
• Mice

Areas to Consider

If you’re worried about any of these pests invading your home during this season or the hot summer ahead, consider the following areas for repairs and basic inspections:

• Basements: In many homes, the basements are the riskiest areas for leaks and moisture buildups. Most of the plumbing in the home runs through the basement, typically along the ceiling. Homes with unfinished basements are at a particularly large risk. Check these areas regularly for any leaks or condensation – in finished basements, look for brown-colored stains on the ceiling that might signal a leak.
• Faucets: Faucets like sinks or shower heads can leak in a few ways, including unseen leaks at the pipe connection areas. It’s good to check all parts of the faucet once a month or so.
• Water heater: The water heater is prone to leaking if it isn’t properly maintained. This item should be serviced annually in most cases.
• Other water appliances: Beyond the water heater, appliances like the dishwasher and laundry machine use huge amounts of water. If there are malfunctioning or worn down parts in either of them, this could lead to major leak concerns. If you notice any issues with either of these machines, call a professional for a tune up.

For more on avoiding pest infestations due to leaky plumbing, or to learn about any of our water damage repair or residential plumbing services, speak to the pros at Whipple Plumbing today.