Drains that are not cleaned well or maintained properly can become the source of a troubling pest infestation, especially flies and cockroaches, which is a food safety issue and a public health issue, besides affecting customer sales.

It’s extremely important to clean drains thoroughly each week. Not only do dirty drains provide a food source for flies to multiply, they also encourage the growth of dangerous bacteria that can cause illness and, potentially, death. Flies can also spread that bacteria when coming in contact with food or food surfaces.

Proper drain cleaning can be challenging due to drain recesses (e.g., under the drain plate), which is why many restaurants and food stores opt to have their pest management provider perform monthly bioremediation services including drain treatments and foaming applications effective in reducing fly breeding and feeding sources.

However, thorough drain cleaning can be achieved by anyone as long as they are equipped with the right tools and a little elbow grease.

What you’ll need:

  • A stiff-bristled brush (available from a janitorial supply store)
  • Drain cleaner that includes restaurants or food stores on the label
  • Rubber gloves
  • A bucket
  • A screwdriver

Before getting started, make sure to review your company’s policies and best practices for additional information and requirements. For example, a company may require that drain cleaning is completed before cleaning food equipment.

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Follow the directions and mix your cleaning solution in a plastic bucket.
  2. Remove the drain grate, if applicable, and drop it into the bucket of cleaner.
  3. Use a drain brush and drain cleaner to clean the drain, being careful not to splatter, especially when pulling the brush out of the drain (a containment device can be made or purchased to help prevent splatter). Be sure to brush and clean the funnel of the drain and under the rim.
  4. Once the drain is clean, remove the drain grate from the bucket and clean it using the drain brush. Again, be very careful not to splatter. Place the drain grate over the drain.
  5. Pour the remaining drain cleaner down the drain, and flush the drain with three to five gallons of clear water.

Don’t forget your dry drains!

Dry drains are drains not used regularly and don’t have water in the p-trap to block sewer gases and prevent pests from entering the store. If you look down the drain with a flashlight and don’t see water (and you smell sewer gases), you probably have a dry drain. Pour three to five gallons of water down the drain every week to flush the drain and fill the p-trap. Dry drains can also result from broken or damaged plumbing (e.g., the p-trap). In this case, a plumber must replace the damaged pipes.

National Coverage, Local Expertise

Copesan offers you the most complete commercial pest management, including fly prevention with bioremediation services. Our extensive, coast-to-coast coverage, paired with our network of local experts, assures geographically-specific pest protection – no matter where your facilities are located. Contact Us Today!

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