drain pipe. Gross, yes. But also a red flag.
Mold or mildew smells that won’t go away often mean hidden moisture. I’d noticed a faint musty smell in the bathroom for months before my trip. I’d blamed it on the shower curtain. Nope. It was the slow leak, quietly doing its damage.
Your landlord or plumber might leave tools behind. If you come home to something strange, don’t assume the worst. A rubber drain snake looks terrifying in dim light. So does a forgotten wrench, a dropped flashlight, or a coiled garden hose left in the shower during repairs.
What to Do If You Find Something “Scary” in Your Home
Let me save you the panic I experienced. Here’s a quick decision tree for the next time you find something unexpected in your house.
Step 1: Don’t touch it immediately. I know, I know—I touched the “snake.” But in hindsight,
