Why Your Kitchen Sink Still Smells Like A Sewer, Even After You've Cleaned It - Tasting Table

"So, what exactly is a P-trap? It's the U-shaped part of the pipe under your kitchen sink, and it's more important than it looks. It's designed to hold a small amount of water at all times. This creates a seal that blocks those disgusting sewer gases from seeping into your kitchen. Without that water barrier, unwanted smells can travel up the drain and linger in the air."

"Once you clean the trash can and the compost bin, it's time to turn your attention to a more hidden culprit behind that stubborn odor: the P-trap. Rest assured, there are simple ways to fix the problem and freshen things up. Sometimes, the fix is as easy as refilling the P-trap: just running the water down the drain for a minute or two could do the trick, and that missing water seal will be back in business."

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe beneath the kitchen sink that holds water to create a seal preventing sewer gases from entering the kitchen. When the P-trap is dry, cracked, or partially blocked, unpleasant sewer-like odors can travel up the drain and linger. Summer heat can worsen the problem by causing pipe expansion and contraction, leading to small cracks or blockages. Cleaning visible sources like trash cans and compost bins may not remove the smell if the P-trap is faulty. Running water to refill the trap can restore the seal, while damaged traps need repair or replacement.

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