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How to Seal Basement Water Traps With Oil

A few ounces of cooking oil in a trap will stop sewer gas from coming in your house.

By the experts at The Family Handyman

From The Family Handyman

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Under every drain in your house, there’s a trap that holds water and prevents sewer gas from flowing up into the air you breathe. But if you have a shower that’s been abandoned since the kids moved out or a floor drain that never gets used, the water in the trap can eventually evaporate. That lets in stinky—or even dangerous—sewer gases. The solution is a few ounces of cooking oil. Dump a bucket of water down the drain to refill the trap. Then add the oil. The floating oil forms a seal over the water and prevents evaporation—without raising your cholesterol.

From The Family Handyman - May 2005

• • Basements
• • Weekend Projects
• • Plumbing Projects

• How to Eliminate Sewer Smell In Basement
• Stop sewer gas from entering the basement.
• 
• How to Combat Mold and Mildew
• Hidden mold and mildew can affect your family's health.
• 
• How to Paint Garages And Basements
• You can spray latex paint on garage and basement walls and ceiling without causing moisture problems.
•