It's not unusual to find bugs in a basement. Most basements have some number of creepy, crawly insects, at least on occasion. But one bug you really don't want to see is sewer flies. These distinct flies look a bit like moths. They have broad, thin wings and short, fuzzy bodies. They are about the size of a normal house fly, but much flatter. Here's a look at what the presence of sewer flies in your basement means and what to do about this issue.

What Do Sewer Flies Mean?

These flies are really only interested in living in raw sewage. So, if you are finding them in your basement, that is because there is sewage in or around your basement. Usually, this means that there is a leak or break in your sewer line somewhere. Often, the leak is below the surface of the ground, which means you may not see the sewage or smell it strongly. However, the sewer flies know where it is, and since they are mobile, you see them.

You may also notice that your drains are slow, or that your toilets gurgle when you flush. These symptoms are all related to a sewer line leak.

What Do You Do About the Problem?

If you see sewer flies, call a plumber — preferably one that you know offers rooting and sewer line services. They'll send a camera down into your pipe to take a look, which will allow them to locate the leak.

Based on the location and severity of the leak in the sewer line, your plumber may recommend one or three approaches.

1. Sleeving the Line: They can insert a PVC sleeve inside the pipe. This will form an extra barrier between the inner contents of the pipe and the pipe itself, blocking leaks.

2. Hanging a New Sewer Line: Your plumber may block off the old, leaky sewer line and instead hang an above-ground line.

3. Replacing the Line: Your plumber may remove part of the basement floor to access the line. They'll then remove it and replace it with a new line.

The best approach depends, in part, on your home's layout and foundation type.

If you see sewer flies in your basement, do not ignore them. When these bugs appear, you almost always have a sewage leak. Contact a plumber, and they can locate the leak and give you advice. For more information on sewer line repair, contact a company like United States  Drain and Sewer.

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