It isn’t.
In fact, this simple trick has been quietly used for years by homeowners, travelers, and apartment dwellers who know exactly what can happen when a sink sits unused for days or weeks.
What appears odd at first is actually a surprisingly clever household habit.
The Hidden Problem Inside Every Sink
Beneath every sink is a curved section of pipe known as a P-trap.
Its job is simple but important.
The trap holds a small amount of water that acts as a barrier between your home and the sewer system. As long as that water remains in place, unpleasant sewer gases stay where they belong—inside the pipes.
However, when a sink isn’t used for an extended period, especially during vacations or long absences, the water inside the trap can slowly evaporate.
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