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Gnats in Your Sink Drain? Why They’re There—and How to Get Rid of Them

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Gnats in Your Sink Drain? Why They’re There—and How to Get Rid of Them

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Get rid of gnats in sink drain

If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen or bathroom and noticed tiny gnats buzzing around the sink, you’re not alone. These little pests are more than just annoying—they’re often a sign that something is going on inside your drains. Understanding why gnats are attracted to drains (and how to get rid of them) can help you keep your home clean, healthy, and pest-free.

Why Do Gnats Live in Drains?

Gnats, often called drain flies or fruit flies, thrive in areas with moisture and organic material. Your sink and shower drains provide the perfect environment for them:

  • Moisture: Drains are dark, damp, and humid—exactly what gnats need to survive.
  • Food Source: Soap scum, grease, hair, and food particles can build up in drains. This slimy layer of organic buildup is the gnats’ food.
  • Breeding Grounds: Gnats lay eggs in the slimy film lining your pipes. A single female can lay dozens of eggs at a time, leading to a rapid infestation.

If you see gnats around your sink, it doesn’t mean your home is dirty-it simply means your drains are offering them a cozy place to live. That is why keeping drains clean and clear is so important.

How to Get Rid of Gnats in Drains

If you’re searching “how to get rid of drain gnats in my sink,” here are proven methods you can try at home:

1. Scrub the Drain

  • Use a small drain brush to scrub the inside of the pipe and remove organic buildup.
  • Flush with boiling water and dish soap to wash away slime.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

  • Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain.
  • Add 1 cup vinegar and let it fizz for 15–30 minutes.
  • Rinse with hot water.
  • This eco-friendly method kills larvae and deodorizes your drain.

3. Enzyme Drain Cleaners

For stubborn infestations, use a bio-enzyme drain cleaner. These natural cleaners eat away the organic matter gnats feed on.

4. Trap the Adults

While treating the drain, catch adult gnats by setting a small bowl of apple cider vinegar mixed with a drop of dish soap near the sink.

5. Prevent Gnats from Coming Back

  • Rinse drains weekly with hot water.
  • Never pour grease or oil down the sink.
  • Schedule routine plumbing maintenance to keep your pipes clear.

When to Call a Professional Dallas Area Plumber

If gnats return even after cleaning, you may have a bigger plumbing issue such as:

  • A clogged or damaged sewer line
  • Leaking pipes that create extra moisture
  • Heavy organic buildup deeper in your plumbing system

A professional plumber can perform a camera inspection to identify the source of the problem and permanently eliminate the infestation.

At CW Service Pros, we specialize in drain cleaning, sewer line inspections, and leak detection in Dallas and surrounding areas. Our licensed plumbers can clear the root cause of gnats and restore your drains to top condition. Gnats in your drains are not only annoying, but they’re also an early warning sign. By cleaning your drains and calling a professional when needed, you can prevent unwelcomed pests in your home and protect your plumbing system.

Have drain gnats taken over sinks in your home and you need help getting rid of them? Contact CW Service Pros today and let us help you enjoy a clean, pest-free home-your solution experts. At CW Service Pros, we’ve helped countless Dallas homeowners get rid of stubborn drain gnats by addressing the plumbing issues that caused them in the first place.