Worms in a toilet can be nasty and might indicate that there is a problem with your plumbing system. They are often not that harmful but should get taken care of as they can multiply. Often you can take care of them yourself but sometimes you need to call a plumber. Let’s get it fixed.
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What are red worms?
Worms are a type of soft-bodied invertebrate that can be found in many different environments worldwide. There are many different types of worms, but they all share some common characteristics, such as a lack of bones and a segmented body. They can multiplicate quite fast. Sometimes worms turn into another life form such as flies.
Worms play an important role in the environment by breaking down dead plant and animal material into smaller pieces which can then be recycled back into the ecosystem. They also act as food for other animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.
What to do if you see worms in your toilet
If you see worms in your toilet, don’t flush. You should first determine where they are coming from. If the worms are in the toilet bowl itself, then there is likely a problem with the plumbing, and you should call a plumber. It is possible that you have a leak and that the water is not flowing properly.
You can use the color of the worm to determine the type:
-Red worms are often blood worms. These often appear if you have a septic system or don’t flush regularly. They have a spectacular name but often aren’t that bad. They are commonly sold to fishers as bait. These appear mainly during summer as they grow best in hot and moist environments. You can also find them in your garden.
-Brown worms are often earthworms. This can indicate a cracked drain. You might want to call a plumber to get this fixed. They might have to dig under your slab to get to the drain. Once a drain starts to crack, it is often time to replace it.
-Tiny black worms are drain flies. These appear when you don’t clean your toilet often enough. Use enough soap and water to get the toilet cleaned. Also flush regularly. Standing water can attract these flies. We have discussed what drain flies are here. They can spread in your plumbing system so it is essential that you take care of them. You might have to clean your drains and sinks to make sure that they don’t spread all over your house.
You can always take a picture and send them to a specialized company if you don’t know what is going on. They have reference material and can order a lab test if needed.
If you live in a rural area, there can be worms in your septic tank. This is great news as they break down the sludge. They shouldn’t come in your toilet though and it can indicate that there is a problem with your plumbing system or sewage tank. It is possible that the tank is full and needs to be cleaned. We have discussed before how you can check if it is needed to get your tank cleaned.
How to get rid of the red worms and prevent them from coming back
It is important that you find out what type of red worms it is where they come from. You can pick them up and throw them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and throw it away. You will need to wear gloves to do this. Spraying anti-worm liquids on them and cleaning up with enzymes. They might come back if you don’t find the cause of the issue.
The following video is about flies but worms can become flies so it is applicable to both.
Running a camera through your drain can help you to see what is going on. You can also feel with your hand around the toilet to see if the base is leaking. A heat camera can help you to locate leaks as well. You might have to call a specialized company to get them away.
There are risks associated with worms in the toilet, but they are generally minor. Worms can cause you to feel bad and in some extreme situations, it can lead to nasty side effects. For this reason, it is best to remove them as soon as possible. They can also spread quite rapidly so make sure to remove them immediately.
In most instances, you can remove the worms yourself but it might be a good idea to call a specialized company if they keep reappearing.
How to keep your toilet clean and free of parasites
1. Use a disinfectant to clean your toilet surfaces regularly. You can also use a toilet brush to clean your toilet better. It is important that you replace your toilet brush from time to time as it can get dirty after a few uses.
2. Flush the toilet after each use to minimize the build-up of bacteria and parasites.
3. Dispose of tissue paper properly after use, and avoid flushing it down the toilet as this can lead to the build-up of bacteria and parasites.
4. Clean your toilet regularly with a household cleaner or disinfectant to kill existing bacteria.
5. Regularly inspect the area around your toilet. Make sure that you don’t see or feel moist areas.
To conclude, we can state that there are different causes of worms in your toilet. You have to find what is going on before you remove the worms. It is often quite easy to fix it. In some instances, more work is needed. It is unpleasant and can surprise your guests if you have worms. Make sure that you clean your toilet often and inspect the area around your house. If you have a septic tank, make sure that you check how full it is so that you don’t have to deal with these nuisances.