Post By Admin
March 26, 2025Did you just spot worms wriggling in your toilet? It sounds like a nightmare, but yes, worms in the toilet are a real problem! Ignoring them will only make things worse, so taking action fast is key.
As we have experts in toilet repair service, we know exactly what to do to get rid of them for good. Here’s what you need to know!
How to Identify Worms in Your Toilet?
Aside from drain flies, worms in the toilet bowl are another unwelcome surprise no one wants to deal with. But before you panic, identifying them correctly is the first step to getting rid of them.
Why is this important? Because different types of worms come from different problems—some may indicate plumbing issues, while others could be a sign of contamination. Here’s how you do it:
- Look closely at their size and colour. Are they tiny, thin, and reddish-brown? Or larger, pale, and squirming? Different worms point to different causes, so their appearance matters.
- Check if they’re moving. Live worms wriggle and crawl, while some may float lifelessly. Active movement suggests they came from inside the plumbing, while dead ones might have entered through contaminated water.
- Inspect the toilet bowl, water, and toilet cistern. Are they sticking to the bowl, floating in the water, or appearing near the toilet cistern? Worms in the cistern could indicate a buildup of bacteria or stagnant water, creating the perfect breeding ground.
Common Types of Worms Found in the Toilet
Parasites in the toilet aren’t cool, but sometimes, they just show up uninvited. So, what are these creepy crawlers, and why are they in your bathroom? Take a look at the most common types so you know what you’re dealing with!
1. Bloodworms (Red Worms)
If you’ve ever spotted thin, reddish worms squirming in your toilet, you’re likely dealing with bloodworms. These are the larvae of non-biting midges, and while they might look alarming, they aren’t actually parasitic.
They thrive in stagnant water, feeding on organic matter and bacteria. Their presence is often linked to poor water quality, so if they keep showing up, it might be time to check your plumbing system.
2. Drain Fly Larvae
Tiny, dark, worm-like creatures near your toilet or drain? Those are probably drain fly larvae. These little pests come from drain flies, which lay their eggs in the moist, slimy gunk inside pipes.
The larvae feed on this buildup, which means if your toilet isn’t cleaned regularly, they’ll have the perfect breeding ground.
Their presence doesn’t necessarily mean a major problem, but it’s a clear sign that your pipes might need a good scrub.
3. Earthworms
Finding an earthworm in your toilet can be a real surprise—after all, they belong in soil, not your bathroom! If you see one, it’s usually a sign of a plumbing issue. Earthworms can slip through cracks in underground pipes, especially if there’s a leak.
They’re attracted to moisture, so if your bathroom is damp or your pipes are damaged, you might find these unexpected visitors wriggling around.
4. Brown Intestinal Worms
These worms are a much bigger concern because they could be a sign of a parasitic infection. Brown intestinal worms in the toilet might come from a person or animal in the household, indicating a health issue that needs attention.
Poop worms in the toilet means they’ve already passed through someone’s digestive system, and it’s urgent to address the source of the problem.
5. Roundworms
Roundworms are another type of parasitic worm that can appear in toilets. These long, cylindrical worms can be passed through human or animal waste, especially if someone in the household has a roundworm infection.
Poor sanitation, contaminated water, or exposure to infected soil can all lead to roundworm infestations.
How to Prevent and Eliminate Worms in Your Toilet
Finding worms in your toilet is unsettling, but the good news is that you can get rid of them—and keep them from coming back! Here’s what you need to do.
1. Deep Clean Your Toilet Regularly
Worms, especially bloodworms and drain fly larvae, thrive in dirty, bacteria-filled environments. A thorough cleaning routine will make your toilet less inviting for these pests. Scrub the bowl thoroughly, making sure to remove any buildup.
Stubborn marks? Don’t forget to clean the toilet bowl stain, as grime and bacteria can linger in these areas and provide a breeding ground for worms. Keeping your toilet sparkling clean is one of the easiest ways to prevent infestations.
Also, please regularly flush your drains with hot water and a chemical drain cleaner, it helps to dissolve organic buildup that worms feed on.
2. Fix Leaks and Address Plumbing Issues
Worms like earthworms can enter your toilet through cracks in underground pipes, while stagnant water from leaks can attract drain flies and bacteria. Inspect your bathroom for leaks, paying close attention to the toilet base, pipes, and the cistern.
If moisture buildup is an issue, it’s also a good idea to clean the toilet cistern regularly. Stagnant water inside the cistern can harbour bacteria, which may contribute to worm infestations.
3. Improve Bathroom Ventilation to Reduce Moisture
A damp bathroom encourages the growth of bacteria, mould, and even worms. Keep your space dry by improving airflow—open windows, use an exhaust fan, and wipe down wet surfaces after showers. The drier your bathroom, the less likely it is to attract pests.
4. Check Your Water Quality for Possible Contamination
If you frequently find worms in your toilet water, it could indicate contamination in your water supply.
Contact your local water provider to test the quality of your water, especially if you rely on a well system. Using a water filter or purifying your water helps prevent unwanted organisms from making their way into your home.
5. Maintain Good Hygiene and Sanitation
In cases where worms in the toilet are due to intestinal parasites, household hygiene plays a crucial role in prevention.
Encourage proper handwashing, keep pets dewormed, and ensure food and water sources are clean. If you suspect a parasitic infection, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
FAQ about Worms in Toilet
Are drain worms harmful?
Not really! Drain worms, which are actually drain fly larvae, don’t bite or spread diseases. However, their presence can indicate a hygiene issue, like clogged drains or stagnant water.
What kills worms in the toilet?
A combination of cleaning and treatment works best. Scrub the toilet bowl, clean the toilet cistern, and flush drains with hot water.
For tougher infestations, use a chemical drain cleaner to break down organic buildup where worms breed. Keeping your bathroom dry and clean will also prevent them from coming back.
How do I permanently get rid of worms in the toilet?
The key is eliminating their breeding ground. Deep clean your toilet regularly, fix any leaks, clean the toilet bowl stain, and ensure proper drainage. If worms keep appearing, check for plumbing issues like cracked pipes or contaminated water.
Conclusion
Worms in the toilet might be an unpleasant surprise, but they’re definitely something you can handle on your own with proper cleaning and maintenance.
However, if you suspect a bigger plumbing issue—like cracked pipes or persistent drainage problems—don’t hesitate to call in the experts.
Neighbourhood Plumbing is here to help with top-quality service, so you can keep your bathroom clean and worm-free for good!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
