Eli5: Why do sinks have u shaped drain pipes?
In: 3
They are called P traps, and they in theory always hold water in them. Your sink (and toilet, shower, etc.) all have them, and they are all directly connected to the city sewer line. The trap holds water in the bend, and that creates a vapor barrier to keep the smelly sewer gas from coming into your home. Also makes it easy to save shit you drop down the drain.
Pro tip- If you have any drains you don’t use often, it’s a good idea to pour some water down them (run the sink,, flush the toilet etc. ) to make sure the water in the trap doesn’t evaporate. Spare bathrooms and other unused drains can stink up your house if they don’t have water keeping the sewer gas from coming in.
note to add- stops the smell, as well as some critters/bugs that live in the sewers.
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