Imagine the scene: after days or weeks of well -deserved relaxation, open the door of the house with the enthusiasm of those who have experienced unforgettable moments. But instead of the familiar domestic perfume, it welcomes you a nauseating smell that seems to come from the depths of the exhausts. The disappointment is immediate and the first thought inevitably runs to possible expensive hydraulic problems to be solved.
The reality is that this phenomenon is much more common than you think and, fortunately, it has a precise scientific explanation that allows us to prevent it with surprisingly simple methods. Drastic interventions or emergency calls to hydraulic are not needed: a glass, a sheet of paper and the knowledge of some basic principles of the functioning of our domestic systems are enough.
Science behind the problem
The heart of the problem lies in an apparently insignificant but fundamental component of our hydraulic system: the siphon. This “S” or “U” -shaped structure, present under each unloading of the house, represents one of the most brilliant inventions of modern health engineering. Its main function is not only to make water flow, but to create a physical and chemical barrier against gases from the sewers.
Inside the siphon curve, a small water reserve, called “hydraulic cap” or “hydraulic seal”, accumulates.
This liquid layer, apparently harmless, plays the role of invisible sentinel: it prevents the foul -smelling gases produced by the decomposition of organic waste in the sewers from tracing through the pipes and invading our living spaces.
During the summer months, when the temperatures rise and the houses remain closed for prolonged periods, the perfect environment for accelerated evaporation is created. The water of the siphon, deprived of the regular exchange guaranteed by daily use, begins to gradually decrease until completely disappeared. At this moment, the road to our house becomes free for all the exhaust gases, creating that unpleasant olfactory surprise on our return.
The glass and paper method
The glass of the glass and paper is based on an elementary but brilliant physical principle: the control of evaporation through the reduction of the contact surface between water and air. By positioning a sheet of absorbent paper on the exhaust and covering it with a turned -up glass, a practically sealed chamber is created that drastically slows down the evaporation process.
The sheet of paper performs a double function: on the one hand it absorbs residual humidity creating a more stable microclimate, on the other it acts as the first barrier against the movement of the air. The glass, in turn, completes the protection system creating a confined space where the saturated air of humidity is not replaced by external dry air.
This passive protection system can extend the life of the hydraulic cap for weeks, transforming a temporary solution into a real insurance against bad smells. It is important to use adequate glass glasses and sufficiently absorbent paper sheets to ensure optimal coverage.
How to have a house always perfumed
In addition to the glass and paper method, there are several complementary strategies that can transform the preparation of the house before departure in a real prevention ritual.
Pre-party control and maintenance
Before closing the house, dedicate a few minutes to an accurate inspection of all the exhausts. Check that there are no visible losses, partial obstructions or signs of malfunction. A small neglected problem can turn into a disaster during your absence.
Strategic filling of the discharges
Pour abundant water into all the drainage points of the house, from the kitchen and bathroom sinks, to the showers, to the bidets. The goal is to maximize the quantity of water present in the siphons before departure.
Special attention to the toilet
The toilet requires a particular approach. Never completely empty the cup or tank thinking of preventing problems: visible water is your best ally against bad smells. Rather, make sure that the level is optimal and consider the addition of specific products for the conservation of water in hydraulic systems.
Alternative solutions
For those looking for more technological or definitive solutions, the market offers several interesting alternatives. The automatic caps for exhausts are devices that automatically activate when they detect the absence of water flow for prolonged periods. These systems, while requesting a greater initial investment, offer automatic and continuous protection.
Another option is represented by specific chemicals for the conservation of water in the siphons. These special liquids, added to the water before departure, significantly reduce evaporation thanks to their particular chemical composition.
They are particularly useful for very prolonged absences or in extreme climatic situations.
For mountain homes or at the sea, often subject to periods of seasonal inactivity, it is worth considering controlled ventilation systems that maintain a minimal air exchange even during the absence, reducing the accumulation of humidity and related problems.
The return: what to do if something went wrong
Despite all the precautions, it can happen to find bad smells on the return. In these cases, the immediate reaction should be to restore the normal functioning of the hydraulic system as quickly as possible.
Open all the windows immediately to create air currents, then proceed with the filling of all the drains with plenty of hot water. Hot water not only restores the hydraulic cap more quickly, but also helps to dissolve any residues that may have accumulated in the pipes during the absence.
If the smell persists after these initial operations, a more in -depth wash with sodium bicarbonate and vinegar may be necessary, followed by abundant hot water. This natural combination helps to neutralize smells and clean the internal walls of the pipes without resorting to aggressive chemicals.
The next time you prepare the suitcase for the holidays, remember to dedicate a moment also to the preparation of the house: a glass, a sheet of paper and a few minutes of your time could completely transform the quality of your return home.
