You are at the kitchen sink and smell a terrible odor. Is it a serious plumbing problem? Probably not. Chances are your p-trap is clogged. All plumbing in your home drains into the same waste system, and each one has a p-trap. It's a curved section in the drain that holds back some water to act as a block or water door of sorts. It keeps nasty sewer gases from backing up into your home. If that curved portion of your drain becomes clogged with hair and grease, it keeps the water from making a complete seal, and sewer gas then has a clear path back into your home. To prevent this is simple: keep all p-traps clean and clear with a mild acid or caustic solution. Even vinegar works well when used on a regular basis. By keeping p-traps clean they can do the job they were intended for. And that's the On The House tip for today.