If you want to avoid unpleasant odours when you return home, try this simple trick. Coming back from holiday and finding an unpleasant smell coming from the drains as soon as you open the door can ruin your long-awaited return. Even if at first glance the house seems clean and tidy, that sudden smell usually appears without warning and, in most cases, without any apparent cause. However, there is a simple explanation for what happens and, above all, it is easy to avoid. On hot days, when the house is closed for hours or even weeks, the evaporation of water in the pipes can break the “plug” that prevents bad smells from the drains entering the house. The solution does not require major renovation work or equipment: just leave a glass and a sheet of paper over the drain and follow a few simple steps.
Why does the sink smell?
The source of the bad smell is usually found in the siphons, those curved pieces installed under sinks, washbasins, showers and toilets. Their function is as simple as it is vital: they hold a small amount of water that acts as a natural barrier against gases from the sewer system. This layer of liquid blocks the passage of bad odours, but if it evaporates, which is common in summer when it is hot and houses are closed, the gas rises without encountering any resistance.
According to Castillo de Atascos, the siphon is one of the greatest innovations in the history of plumbing. Not only does it isolate odours, but it also retains residues that could cause blockages. This is why it is important that they never dry out. Renewing the water from time to time and carrying out basic maintenance helps to prevent unpleasant situations when returning from a trip or after periods of non-use.
The glass and paper trick
A simple trick that helps is to cover the sink drain with a sheet of absorbent paper and an upside-down glass or plate. This slows down evaporation and strengthens protection against bad odours on hot days. In the case of the toilet, it is not advisable to empty the cistern or bowl, as the visible water acts as a barrier.
In addition to glasses and paper, there are some basic things you can do to help keep your home odour-free if you are going away for a few days. A good tip is to check that there are no leaks or blockages in the drainage systems or to fill the drains in sinks, washbasins and showers with water before you leave for your long-awaited holiday.
