The answer to 'P-trap not working' is that a clogged or improperly installed p-trap is a common cause of plumbing issues. The p-trap is the curved pipe under a sink that is designed to hold water and prevent sewer gases from entering the home. If the p-trap is not working correctly, it can lead to slow draining sinks, foul odors, and even water leaks.
Some common causes of a malfunctioning p-trap include a buildup of debris, a broken or cracked trap, or an improperly installed trap that is not creating a proper seal. Symptoms may include slow draining sinks, standing water in the trap, or sewer odors coming from the drain. Solutions can range from simply clearing a clogged trap to replacing the entire p-trap assembly.