Rats in sewer systems London. Expert rat control and drainage pest solutions.
Rats entering homes through damaged drains and sewer systems is an increasing issue across London. At Mercury Pest Control, we specialise in expert rat control, rodent pest inspections, and drainage solutions to identify, remove, and prevent rat infestations linked to underground pipework and sewer access points.
If you’ve heard scratching under the floorboards or caught a whiff of something unpleasant you can’t quite place, you might be dealing with more than just a blocked drain. Below, we break down the most common issues, what causes them, and most importantly, what can be done to sort them properly.
How rats enter sewer systems and your property
Rats naturally stay in the sewer network, where there’s a constant supply
of food and water. But when there’s a weakness in your system, like a broken pipe, exposed gully, or even a flexi toilet pan connector, it doesn’t take much for them to breach a property. Once inside, they’ll nest in wall cavities or beneath floorboards, often going undetected for weeks.
Sewer access issues caused by building work
It’s surprisingly common to discover rat issues after home extensions or renovations. Why? Because during the works, pipework can be rerouted, manhole chambers may be covered over, and old connections sometimes aren’t capped off. These “redundant” entry points give rats direct access into your drainage system, and from there, into your home.
Early signs of rats in drains and sewer systems
- Debris in drains can be a sign of rats burrowing
- Sewage smells often get mistaken for damp
- Blocked systems give rats a still water source, making it easier for them to access and survive
We’ve even seen cases where rats have gnawed through flexible toilet pan connectors, leaving homeowners with not only a mess, but the shock of seeing a rat emerge in their bathroom.
Rat control and drainage solutions we use
We don’t rely on guesswork, or rodenticide. Here’s how we get real results:
- CCTV inspections using state-of-the-art equipment to identify weak spots and access points
- Jetting systems to clear debris and uncover hidden damage
- Non-invasive repairs using no-dig technology to seal up defects, redundant connections, and displaced joints
- Tailored site surveys, with traps set up (not poison) to avoid lingering odours from dead rodents
- Follow-up visits to confirm the issue has been fully resolved
- And we go where others won’t; including invasive inspections in hard-to-reach areas that are often overlooked
Preventing rat infestations through drains and sewers
Think you’ve spotted signs of rats in or around your home? Don’t wait for the scratching in the walls to begin.
In a city as complex as London, pest control isn’t just about reacting to a problem, it’s about preventing it before it starts. That’s why we offer a complete service combining drainage and pest control expertise.
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Here’s how we can help:
- Carry out full drain surveys before you buy or move into a property
- Investigate historic or current infestations inside the home
- Identify hidden access points using advanced CCTV and site inspections
- Use jetting and remedial repairs to seal off problem areas for good
- Install physical rat barriers to block entry through drainage systems
- Provide expert advice on long-term prevention and property proofing
Our team sees what others might miss; because we understand both the behaviour of rodents and the hidden workings of London’s drains.
Give us a call or book a survey today. Let’s get to the bottom of it, literally.
Call 0208 166 5110, email info@mercurypestcontrol.co.uk or send us a message today for expert help!
Location: London, United Kingdom
