Rats repeatedly chewing through flexible pan connector

[Faye]

I have had repeated problems with holes in the middle of the flexible outflow pipe from my toilet. The pan connector has needed to be replaced 3 times in 2 months. One time when this was the case, there were very clear bite marks and a large hole that appeared within just 2 weeks - the only real explanation (particularly as I heard scrabbling noises) was that it this issue is due to rats climbing up into the pipe and chewing through it from the inside. Photograph attached.

Can anybody advise what measures I could take to resolve this? It is not sustainable to just repeatedly replace the connector so any advice would be gratefully received. This is in a block of flats so I cannot do much about pest control for the whole area.

Thanks,
Faye

 

[Barry98]

Get onto the local authority they will put traps down for a start

 

[petercj]

Use a solid connector if you can, (i.e. non flexible). which will make it harder for them to bite into.

Hopefully your LA will take an interest.

 

[leethegasman]

Have your plumber install this part ,also get someone to look at rat problem but a least installing one of these sorts your problem out

 

[dancinplumba]

nice pic

 

[stevetheplumber]

get rid of the rats is the first step ive been told they bite through because they can see the light so may be paint it black but as said solid would be better

 

[Faye]

Thanks everyone! I've been in touch with the housing association that owns the block but they haven't been very proactive so far... I wanted to see what else I can do whilst I continue to pester them and the Local Authority.

 

[Faye]

Thanks leethegasman... but your picture isn't showing up for some reason. Could you repost/post a link to where I can see the information about the part?

 

[joe brown]

id be more worried where the rats are now !! obviously in your house somewhere !

 

[Dotty]

Faye. You're looking at one of these but the pan will have to come out.



Keep on at your HA.

 

[mountainman]

Environmental health might be interested and put pressure on your HA.

 

[Koogatubac]

Agree with croppie, it will be harder for those super rodents to chew through that!

 

[petercj]

Fitting one of these flaps fitted might also help - depending on the layout of the pipework that is...

http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/media/downloadable/guidelines/wc/L-ARB-1.pdf

Have you put a complaint in writing to the Housing Association?

If not, send them a Recorded Delivery letter, and involve Environmental Health by writing to them also.

If that doesn't bring about some action, write to your MP and say that you are struggling to get anywhere with HA and EH.

 

[leethegasman]

had problem getting picture on have added to my first post,it will sort your problem out i have used before.

 

[petercj]

had problem getting picture on have added to my first post,it will sort your problem out i have used before.

SNAP! Couldn't open your original link, so didn't know what you were referring to.

 

[Best]

Nothing to stop the rats going down into the water in the U bend of the pan & come up through the pot & into the house, even if you had a solid plastic pan connector! Sorry to share that thought, but I wouldn't like to sit on the pot & I would probably keep looking for a rats face appearing up! Looks like the flap might be best.

 

[dancinplumba]

I would poo on them and say 'Take that you dirty rat'

 

[tickdoc]

some councils will deal with rodent problems but because of cuts some are not doing it anymore.find out is your council doing it if not pay and get someone in.

 

[maryam786]

I have the same issue, the council came but said it is a drains issue. So the water board for the area were called and even put cameras down the drains and into the pipes but no evidence was found. So on the same day got a new pan connector fitted but overnight the rat gnawed on it again. Don't know what else to do it is driving me crazy. Help..

 

[tickdoc]

If u have a manhole u can put a rat blocker/ stopper onto your pipes should solve the problem. They can be expensive but worth it.

 

[maryam786]

Can the pest control do anything to help? I want the issue resolved ASAP. So fed up of keep getting a new pan connector fitted and then back to square one. The rat has also been in the house because there is rat doppings near the fridge.