The Vacation Hack You Never Knew You Needed: Why You Should Always Leave a Glass and Paper in Your Sink Before Traveling

Why This Hack Works

1. Prevents Dry Drain Traps & Sewer Gas

Your sink’s P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under it) holds water to create a seal, blocking sewer gases from rising into your home. If you’re away for weeks, that water can evaporate, breaking the seal and letting foul odors (or even pests) in.

• The glass trick: Flipping a water-filled glass upside-down slowly releases water, keeping the trap sealed.

• For longer trips: Add a teaspoon of mineral oil to slow evaporation even more.

2. Acts as a Leak Detector

A sheet of paper (tissue, paper towel, or even a napkin) placed under the glass serves as a silent alarm.

• If pipes leak while you’re gone, the paper will show water stains—alerting you to check for hidden damage.

3. Deters Pests

A dry drain is an open invitation for insects, rodents, or even snakes to crawl up. Keeping the P-trap moist helps block their entry.

How to Do It Right

✅ Step 1: Fill a glass halfway with water.
✅ Step 2: Place a dry piece of paper in the sink.
✅ Step 3: Turn the glass upside-down over the paper.
✅ Step 4: Repeat for every sink & shower drain in the house.

Bonus Tip:

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