Fill your floor traps

Keep sewer gases out of your home with these simple steps.

Time

5 minutes per trap

Difficulty

Easy

Expertise

None

Frequency

Twice a year

Where

All US

Overview

All plumbing fixtures have traps – a bend in the drainpipe that is always filled with water. The water stops smelly sewer gases from entering your house. The traps below your sinks are replenished every time you run the water, but in most homes the traps below the basement or laundry room floor drains never are refilled. The water evaporates, and sewer gases start wafting up from the drain.

Steps

1. Remove the lid from the floor drain.
2. Clear any debris from the drain trap.
3. Pour half a bucket of water down the drain to refill the trap.
4. (Optional) Add a few tablespoons of mineral oil on top of the water in the trap to prevent the water from evaporating.