How to Stop Drain Flies & Smelly Drains for Good

If you’ve ever noticed tiny flies buzzing around your bathroom or kitchen sink—or caught a whiff of something foul coming from the drain—you’re not alone. Drain flies and smelly drains are common plumbing problems, especially in homes with older pipes or rarely used fixtures.

Thankfully, you can fix these issues with the right combination of cleaning, prevention, and maintenance. Here’s everything you need to know to get rid of drain flies and odors for good.

And if you’re looking for professional help, JT Plumbing is the most trusted name in drain cleaning in Fort Collins, CO, and the surrounding areas.

CALL NOW (970) 818-1613

🪰 What Are Drain Flies?

Drain flies (also known as sewer flies or moth flies) are tiny, fuzzy-winged insects that thrive in moist environments, especially drains with organic buildup.

• They don’t bite or spread disease, but they reproduce quickly and can be extremely annoying.
• You’ll usually spot them hovering around sinks, tubs, or floor drains.

💨 What Causes Drain Flies and Smelly Drains?

Drain flies and odors are typically caused by:

• Buildup of organic matter like hair, grease, soap scum, and food particles.
• Standing water collects in unused drains.
• Bacteria and mold are growing on the walls of pipes or inside P-traps.
• Slow drainage which allows waste to sit and rot in the pipes.

If you’re noticing both smells and insects, you probably have a biofilm (slimy gunk) inside the drain that’s become the perfect breeding ground.

🧽 How to Get Rid of Drain Flies (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a simple process to eliminate drain flies from your home:

1. Scrub the Drain

Use a pipe brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the inside of the drain and remove as much slime as possible. Focus on the walls and the underside of the drain stopper.

2. Flush With Boiling Water

Pour a full kettle of boiling water slowly down the drain to kill larvae and dislodge gunk.

3. Use a Natural Cleaner

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let it fizz for 15–30 minutes, then flush again with hot water.

4. Apply an Enzymatic Drain Cleaner

These are available at most hardware stores and work by breaking down organic matter without damaging your pipes.

5. Trap Remaining Flies

Use a small dish of apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap near the drain to trap and kill lingering flies.

👃 How to Get Rid of Drain Odors

If your drain smells bad even after cleaning, try the following:

• Clean the P-trap under the sink by removing it and rinsing thoroughly.
• Sanitize your drain stoppers with hot, soapy water or vinegar.
• Flush with baking soda and vinegar monthly to prevent buildup.
• Run water through unused drains at least once a week to avoid drying out and bacterial buildup.

🔁 How to Prevent Drain Flies & Odors from Returning

Prevention is the key to keeping your drains—and your home—clean and odor-free:

• Flush your drains weekly with hot water.
• Avoid putting grease, food scraps, and hair down the drain.
• Use sink strainers to catch debris before it enters the pipes.
• Schedule annual professional drain cleaning to prevent buildup.

🛠 Call the Fort Collins Drain Cleaning Experts

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still have issues with drain flies or odors, it might be time for a deeper solution. The pros at JT Plumbing can quickly identify the source of the problem and provide safe, effective drain cleaning services to eliminate it for good.

We proudly serve Fort Collins, CO, and the surrounding areas with top-rated plumbing expertise and friendly service you can trust.

📞 Ready to stop drain flies for good?

Call JT Plumbing—your trusted Fort Collins plumber—for expert drain cleaning today!

CALL NOW (970) 818-1613