A common problem in many commercial properties is rats climbing drain pipes, particularly when the property has been left unoccupied for a substantial period or the drains are left unchecked. So how do you spot if you’ve got a rat infestation and can a Rat Gate help your drains?
Rats and drains: common signs to look out for
Drains are a perfect environment for rats to live in as they provide a warm, safe, and secure place filled with an unlimited supply of food and water from the waste we flush away. In most cases, rat infestations begin with a broken drain pipe. Rats are very flexible and can squeeze into extremely tight spaces. All it takes is a cracked pipe or damaged drain and you could find your place of work has an imminent rat problem to deal with.
What are the common signs of a rat infestation to look out for?
-
- Rat droppings around your premises
- Chewed packaging, cables or plastic
- Small holes in walls
- Scratching noises in the walls, floors or roof
How to stop rats going up drain pipes?
Ensuring your drainage system remains rat-free is vital as they can cause several problems within your drains and premises, such as structural damage. However, a bigger concern with rat infestations is the adverse health and safety effects they can cause. As rats live in the drainage system, they are exposed to the waste we flush away and the bacteria that develops. Therefore, many rats will carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans putting your customers and staff at risk.
There are preventative measures you can take to ensure your drainage system is in fine working order and reduce the risk of rats entering your property:
- Avoid pouring food waste, fat, grease, and oil down your kitchen sink as these will not only provide a food source for rats but can lead to drain blockages.
- Maintain your drains regularly by checking for leaks and damaged pipes.
- If rats are loitering around in your drainage system, but you can’t see the problem yourself, a CCTV drain survey may be required. A CCTV survey can delve deep into your drains and detect drainage problems that aren’t always visible.
- Rat gates for water pipes can aid with keeping them clear of vermin. Installing a rat gate will help stop rats from entering your drainage system. A rat gate acts as a rat blocker for drains, and uses a single flap mechanism that allows rats to leave your drainage system. The rat gate then prevents them from going back up the same way. Rat gates are a humane rodent prevention system as they don’t harm or kill the rats, just simply stop them from re-entering the drainage system once they have left. This is an efficient way of clearing your pipes of vermin.
How can Metro Rod Help?
At Metro Rod, we understand the inconvenience and damages rat infestations can cause to your home or business premises. We work in partnership with RatGate, a supplier of rodent prevention devices, to ensure this problem doesn’t arise.
RatGate is a non-return device that uses a liftable flap mechanism to open with your drain’s direction of flow. This allows water and waste to flow naturally and rats to leave the drains whilst stopping them from re-entering once they’ve left. The device is humane, poison-free and environmentally friendly. If you would like to know how a RatGate device is installed, you can view their instructional tutorial.
If you have returned to your place of work and are under the suspicions that you have a rat infestation, don’t hesitate to contact your local Metro Rod depot or call us on 0800 66 8800. We’re available 24/7/365 days a year for all of your drainage needs.
Talk to your local Metro Rod specialist
We are always happy to arrange a free site assessment and no obligation quotations for any work you might need. Alternatively, you can call our emergency hotline number on 0800 66 88 00
Get in touch Drainage Services