Drain flies + “One Shot” drain cleaner

[Anonymouse007]

Sorry, posting here for traffic. Hoping anyone with knowledge of plumbing/etc issues will be able to give some much-needed advice!!

Our flat has been covered in drain flies for the past few weeks now. They’re everywhere and it’s disgusting. We didn’t even know what they were until a few days ago.

Our flat has had drainage issues in the past. The landlord got them fixed (toilet flooding, water not draining from the bath tub properly) but I’m starting to see the same issues come back. The drain flies around the house also indicate drainage contamination issues.

We spoke to the landlord and he dropped off a bottle of One Stop drain cleaner. It’s 91% sulphuric acid and I’ve read some stuff online about how dangerous (obviously) it can be when used incorrectly. We have a toddler and baby in the house too so I don’t want to take risks.

Should we use the drain cleaner? Has anyone used it successfully? How did you use it and what for?

Also, will it work on these godforsaken drain flies???? Anyone who has experienced these tiny menaces, do you have any other helpful advice?

Just not sure what to do

I'd try a less nuclear option first. Do you have any toilet duck lying around? Or thick bleach? I'd drizzle a bit down each plug hole, leave for about 20 mins and then boil a kettle - rinse each one with boiling water. That's enough to kill flies. If you don't have any bleach washing up liquid may also work, it just has to be thick enough to stick to the sides.

The One Stop will work to dissolve a build up of fats, food and limescale if that is what is blocking a pipe but it probably isn't necessary to kill flies.

I’ve used it , it works great and I just open the window in the bathroom and close the door immediately after applying - there are some fumes that briefly smell but nothing to be alarmed about

We had this issue with drain flies too so I do sympathise as they can drive you mad!

When we renovated our bathroom, we discovered leaking water had seeped overtime underneath the bath via the shower head hole in the bath and the wooden floorboards had become completely sodden/ rotten (became like compost!) which attracted the flies to breed. You really need to find the source of the leaks and remove any/ all rotten boards/ flooring underneath which will stop the breeding cycle.

Is it possible to use it in the morning and leave windows open and go out for a few hours?
I'd use it to sort it out quickly

One shot is the best. Do it before you go out tomorrow (if you do go out). It is safe if you just pour it all in the sink and then dispose of the bottle. Wear gloves aswell
It will smell eggy afterwards.

Please do not use one shot !!!! it will melt the plastic pipe if left to long it can do more damage than good tell your landlord you need a drainage company to return

Some hardcore products can do damage. I'd try the bleach first.

I've just been reading up on this. I thought we had fruit flies but after your post am wondering if they are actually drain flies.
A tip I read is to put boiling water down your plug holes 12 hours apart for a week as the boiling water kill the flies and larvae.
I am also going to use bleach too but that doesn't get all the larvae in the drain matter apparently

Don't bother with drain cleaning fluid, it's a waste of money and dangerous stuff.
Your landlord sounds unhelpful and maybe not being responsible. You could talk to your local council's environmental department and maybe mention that to the landlord. He owes you a duty of care.
Drain flies, if that's what they are, need a reason to be in the drain. Guess what that is! Probably best to get a drainage professional in, get your drains checked out because it sounds like an issue, specially based on the history. If you're worried about cowboys, I'd recommend someone from the national association of drainage contractors. Return the drain cleaning chemical fluid to your landlord and please don't throw ant other chemicals down your drain, it won't help at all.