Do you find your kitchen sink smells bad when you return home from travel? A simple piece of paper can avoid

Many people often find that there is a sewer-like odor coming from the kitchen sink when they return home from vacation or encounter a sink that is not often used. Although it does not mean that there is something wrong with the drainage system, it is quite offensive. There is a simple and labor-saving trick to avoid this situation: just a piece of paper and a slightly heavy object can prevent the drain from emitting odor. The key is to prevent the accumulated water in the P-trap (P-trap) under the sink from evaporating, which can prevent the sewage gas from flowing into the kitchen of your home.

According to the Chowhound website, P-type traps are usually made of corrosion-resistant polypropylene pipes. A small amount of accumulated water will be retained in the J-shaped bend. Every time the sink is used, new water will replace the old water, forming a water seal that blocks the rise of sewer gases. If the sink has not been used for a long time, the trap may dry up, causing sewer gas to escape from the drain into the room, producing a "rotten egg"-like sulfide smell. Although high concentrations must be reached to cause health hazards, it is still recommended to take preventive measures to reduce risks.

The steps are very simple: first flush the sink with water for about 30 seconds to ensure that there is a small amount of water in the P-shaped trap. Then cover the drain outlet with a piece of dry photocopy paper, and place a heavy object such as a ceramic plate or glass on the paper to secure the paper. This barrier can slow down the evaporation of water in the P-shaped trap. If your home has a double-sink configuration, both drain outlets should be treated. This method works best when the drain outlet usually has no odor. It is recommended to clean the drain hole with baking soda and white vinegar first to break down the remaining food residue and avoid causing odor.

If you are out for a longer period of time, you can pour a small amount of mineral oil into the drain outlet after filling with water to further delay evaporation, and then cover it with paper and heavy objects. However, if the sink emits a smell under daily use, you should ask a plumber or water pipe professional to check. There may be problems such as a clogged P-type trap, a clogged main drain pipe, or a malfunctioning garbage disposal that need to be repaired.