They’re small, fuzzy, winged creatures that can fly, and most people scream at the sight of them. Yes, we’re talking about bats.
While bats have an amazing sense of smell and are the only mammals that can fly, we prefer to admire them from afar.
But what happens when bats get into your plumbing? They can cause serious health risks and are known to cause damage, too. Keep reading to learn how bats commonly get into homes—specifically how bats get into your plumbing—and what you can do to rid your home of these unwanted guests.
How Do Bats Get Into Plumbing?
Bats love dark places—and they need just the right temperature to survive—so they seek refuge inside buildings during Wisconsin’s brisk months. Bats are also very small, which makes it easy for them to slip into gaps in siding or improperly sealed vent pipes.
Once inside your vent piping, however, bats often die, as there is no way out. Bats also often find their way into your bathroom through small holes in screens (bats can fit into holes as small as ¼” in diameter) or by crawling out of the attic and into your bathroom through the exhaust vent. They seek cool places, so if they do happen to find their way into your bathroom, you will likely find them near the toilet, as your tank is constantly refilling with cold water.
Can Bats Cause Damage to My Plumbing?
Yes, bats can cause damage to your plumbing, but not in the way you might think.
They do not chew through piping, wood, or wires like other pests, such as mice, but bats do get stuck—and die—in pipes. This can lead to clogged pipes, which can prevent your vent pipe from releasing harmful sewer gasses, as well as limit air intake, which can cause low-pressure or even back-flowing water. Additionally, if a bat entering your home decides to take up residence in your attic, bat droppings and urine could corrode any exposed piping.
How Can I Stop Bats from Getting into My Home?
Bats often find their way into your home through tiny openings in your siding or through vents, such as a dryer vent or vent pipe on your roof. As you prepare your home for seasonal changes, thoroughly inspect your siding and use caulk to seal any holes you find. A great time to do this is during your spring or fall cleaning.
Don’t forget to check your dryer vent for holes in the screening, and make sure your vent piping includes mesh or screening that allows air to flow in and out, but prevents bats from entering your house.
Contact the Professionals at Watters Plumbing Today
Regular plumbing maintenance, like making sure your vent cover is keeping bats out, can help you prevent major issues and costly repairs, as well as make sure your home is safe.
If you are having issues with bats in your plumbing, contact the Fox Cities plumbing professionals at Watters Plumbing today! We can evaluate your vent pipe and other plumbing faucets and fixtures to help you rid your home of bats (and keep them from coming back). Contact us today for more information!
