Snakes in the Plumbing

Tall grass around your home provides cover for snakes.

Snakes are not often a problem in plumbing, but their occasional presence can be a nasty surprise. If a snake finds its way inside your plumbing, it may be difficult for you to handle the problem on your own. Once you know you have a problem, action is necessary to prevent further unwanted guests from appearing.

Finding a Snake

Learn to recognize the species of snakes in your locale. If you find a venomous snake, leave it to the experts to remove.

You are unlikely to know a snake is in your home's plumbing unless it exits the plumbing and appears inside your dwelling. If a snake emerges from your toilet or drain, close the lid or block off the drain to prevent the reptile from re-entering it, and if you can safely identify and handle the snake yourself, remove the snake from your home. You should not attempt to handle a venomous snake. If you suspect a snake is venomous or still inside your plumbing, you may need the help of a pest control professional, wildlife removal service or a plumber to remove the snake.

Prevention

Once your plumbing is clear of snakes, act to prevent future invasions. Replace any missing drain covers, and repair any holes around your pipes and drains. Close any 1/4-inch or larger openings, as snakes can enter through gaps the diameter of a pencil. Use cement and hardware cloth where possible to fill gaps. While caulking will exclude snakes, it will not stand up to rodents. Seal any holes that allow access to areas where plumbing runs, such as around basement doors, lower level windows and your home's foundation. On the roof, cover plumbing vents with hardware cloth. It is important to prevent snakes from gaining access to your home in general, as snakes can enter the plumbing from inside your home as well, crawling into toilets or down sink drains.

Septic Systems

If you have a septic system and a snake enters through your toilet, you may have a problem with your tank. According to the North Dakota State University Extension, your septic system may be aging and in need of inspection or repair, the tank cover may have a leak, or the tank may need to be emptied.

Attraction

Snakes may enter your plumbing looking for shelter. The cool, moist environment provides a resting place away from high outdoor temperatures. In colder weather, snakes may find your furnace or hot water heater a cozy spot to shelter. They may also enter your home in search of food. Fortunately, many of the same steps that prevent snakes from entering your home and plumbing also prevent rats and mice from gaining access. Treat any pest problems you find in and around your home, as some snakes feed on insects.

Your Yard

Snakes prefer to move under cover, so remove vegetation adjacent to the perimeter of your home. Open up your landscaping, leave space between plants, and prune your shrubs to leave a gap between their branches and your home. Keep your lawn trimmed. Do not pile items near your foundation. Remember, however, that snakes are beneficial to the environment and if you see one in your yard it's best to leave it alone. Snakes feed on mice and rats; if you have a snake in your yard, it's there because there is a food source.

References

• North Dakota State University Extension Service; Snake Control; April 1995
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Dealing with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas -- Preventing Encounters; Steve A. Johnson, et al.
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension; How Can I Snake Proof My Home?; Terry Messmer; July 2001
• National Pesticide Information Center; Controlling Snakes In and Around the House; March 2011
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Removing Snakes from Dwellings; Steven Johnson; May 2007
• Outdoor Alabama; Wildlife and the Outdoors: Snake Proofing Your Home; Roger Clay; 2008

Resources

• North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Avoiding Watersnake Confrontations
• Wildlife Removal Blog; Snake in the House -- How to Get it Out; March 2006
• Wildlife Removal Blog; Snake in the Pool -- How to Remove; November 2005
• U.S. Geological Survey; Snake-Proofing Your Home; July 2005
• Cooperative Extension System; Rodent Proof Construction; Rex O. Baker, et al.; February 2008