The Real Way to Prep Your Sinks Before Vacation

Introduction
A viral travel hack suggests placing a sheet of paper and an upside-down glass over your sink drain before leaving town. Supposedly, it blocks sewer smells and prevents insects from entering your home. While it’s a creative idea, does it actually work? Let’s dive into the plumbing behind this hack.

How Your Sink Protects Your Home

Every sink, tub, and floor drain contains a P-trap—a U-shaped pipe that holds water. This “water seal” blocks sewer gases and pests from coming inside.

If a drain sits unused for too long, the water in the P-trap can evaporate. Once the barrier disappears, odors and bugs may enter your home. The concept behind the viral hack is valid: you do want to prevent P-traps from drying out.

When P-Traps Dry Out

Short trips, like a weekend getaway, rarely cause evaporation. P-traps usually remain sealed for a couple of weeks or more.

However, extreme heat, dry air, strong ventilation, and seldom-used drains—like basement floor drains or spare bathrooms—can lose water faster. Long trips, typically three weeks or longer, pose the biggest risk.

Why the Paper & Glass Hack Falls Short

The idea has merit, but the method is flawed. Unless the upside-down glass forms a tight seal, it won’t stop evaporation. The paper will likely get soggy and fail to block odors or pests. Even a slight jolt can dislodge the setup, rendering it ineffective.

The Right Way to Prep Your Drains

Step 1: Refill Your P-Traps

Run water through every sink, shower, tub, laundry, and floor drain for 10–20 seconds. Don’t forget to flush all toilets. This ensures each P-trap has a full water seal.

Step 2: Properly Seal Your Drains

To minimize evaporation while you’re away:

• Close built-in stoppers or use a snug sink plug.

• Use reusable silicone drain covers.

• In a pinch, try plastic wrap or painter’s tape.

The goal is a tight barrier to prevent water loss and keep odors out.

Step 3 (Optional for Longer Trips): Add Mineral Oil

Pour a tablespoon of mineral oil on top of the water in each P-trap. The oil slows evaporation. Important: Only use mineral oil, not cooking oil, which can go rancid and clog pipes.

Extra Vacation Plumbing Tips

• Empty the trash and clean the garbage disposal to reduce odors.

• In cold climates, insulate pipes to prevent freezing.

• Optionally, shut off your main water valve for added peace of mind.

Myth vs. Reality

Myth: A piece of paper and an upside-down glass will stop sewer smells.
Reality: Without a tight seal, this hack does little to prevent odors. The real solution is simple: refill your P-traps with water and properly seal the drains.

Virally popular hacks often oversimplify the problem. By refilling and sealing your P-traps, you protect your home without balancing glasses or relying on questionable tricks.