What might happen if traps lose their water seal?

When a trap loses its water seal, it can no longer effectively prevent sewer gases from entering the home. Traps are designed to hold a certain amount of water, creating a barrier that blocks foul odors and harmful gases from the sewer system. If the water seal is compromised—due to evaporation, siphoning caused by changes in pressure, or other issues—these gases can escape into living spaces, posing health risks such as nausea or respiratory distress.

While the other options might suggest consequences related to plumbing and water flow, they do not directly correlate to the primary function of a trap, which is to maintain that water seal for safety. This underscores the importance of ensuring that plumbing traps are functioning properly to maintain indoor air quality and prevent exposure to toxic sewer gases.