✈️ 😱 When I go on a trip, I always place a glass and a sheet of paper in the sink. This helps me leave home with peace of mind.
Discover this simple yet crucial tip that allowed me to come back home without any unpleasant surprises! 🚫😱 👉 👉 👉 Read the article to uncover the revelation! 👇 👇 👇
I’ll never forget the time I had to find temporary accommodation for a business trip. I had spotted a studio in an ideal building, but the owner had delayed renting it out, so the apartment had stayed vacant for a month and had gotten somewhat dusty.
One might think that an unoccupied home stays in better condition, but that’s not always the case. When I entered for the first time, I wasn’t greeted by a fresh smell, but by a strong odor of sewage.
The cause of the problem? The traps had dried out, allowing unpleasant odors from the pipes to rise.
A bad surprise from the pipes
Imagine my surprise: the kitchen was spotless, not a crumb in the trash, yet a foul smell was coming from the sink, reminiscent of a septic tank.
The heat from the past few weeks had probably worsened the situation. The south-facing apartment had remained vacant, and the water in the traps had completely evaporated, opening the way for bad smells.
Fortunately, the solution was simple: I just had to turn on the faucet, and the water returned to seal the trap, blocking the odors again. In two minutes, the kitchen had its fresh air back!
But to avoid such an unpleasant surprise again, I decided to take some precautions before every departure, even for a short absence.
First precaution: a sheet of paper against bad odors
It’s sometimes said that pouring a bit of oil in the sink can prevent the water in the trap from evaporating. Bad idea: the oil, when drying, forms a sticky layer that can create a real clog.
A simpler and more effective solution? Place a sheet of paper over the sink hole. This slows down evaporation and keeps the trap functioning. For extra security, I sometimes place a glass or saucer on top, completely preventing air from circulating.
Second precaution: never empty the toilet tank completely
The owner of the apartment thought he was doing the right thing by completely emptying the toilet tank before leaving, probably to prevent leaks in his absence. But this precaution backfired: in my absence, the rubber seals in the flushing mechanism dried out, and when it came time to refill the tank, it started leaking. Result: I had to deal with an unexpected repair.
Now, before leaving, I just turn off the water supply without touching the tank. A small amount of water is enough to keep the seals in place and avoid repairs when I return.
If you’re planning a trip, try these tips. There’s nothing like returning home to a pleasant smell… and not that of sewage!
