The Benefits of Using Oil in Your Floor Drains

Prevent your floor drain’s water seal from drying out and keep foul odors at bay by adding a thin layer of cooking oil.

Every drain in your home has a trap, known as a p-trap, that holds water to block sewer gas from entering your living space. However, if you have unused drains, like in a guest bathroom or basement, the water in the trap can evaporate, letting in unpleasant or even harmful sewer gases. To stop this, try adding cooking oil—a simple tip we’ve learned from plumbers and homeowners at Family Handyman.

How to Eliminate Drain Odors

If the water in your p-trap has evaporated, start by refilling the trap with a bucket of water. Then, add a teaspoon of cooking oil for each inch of the pipe’s diameter. The oil will float on top, sealing in the water and preventing evaporation—without affecting your cholesterol.