What feature of a trap prevents sewer gases from entering living spaces?

The feature that prevents sewer gases from entering living spaces is the water seal. Traps are designed with a curved section that holds a certain amount of water, creating a barrier between the sewer system and the home. This water seal effectively blocks the passage of sewer gases, which can be harmful and unpleasant, ensuring that they do not enter the living areas.

The effectiveness of the water seal relies on consistent water presence; if the trap dries out, the seal is broken, potentially allowing unwanted gases to vent indoors. This is why proper maintenance and regular use of plumbing fixtures are important in residential settings to maintain this barrier.

While venting systems are critical for maintaining proper air pressure in plumbing systems, they support the overall function of the traps but do not themselves create the actual barrier against gases. Similarly, backwater valves and pressure regulators serve distinct purposes related to managing backflow and pressure in plumbing systems, but neither contributes directly to the prevention of sewer gases from entering a home in the same manner that a water seal does.