Do This Before Covering the Drain

A more useful step is extremely simple:

Run some water.

Before leaving, run water through sinks and other fixtures that haven’t been used recently.

This helps ensure that their traps contain water.

Pay particular attention to rarely used guest bathrooms, showers, tubs, utility sinks, and floor drains.

The exact plumbing arrangement can vary from home to home, so persistent odor problems shouldn’t simply be hidden with a cover.

Don’t Forget About Insects

Drains can also become attractive environments for certain small insects when organic buildup and moisture are present.

That’s another reason cleaning before vacation matters.

Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting in the kitchen sink.

Remove food particles and residue.

Empty the garbage.

Clean areas where grease or organic material has accumulated.

Wipe away unnecessary standing water.

In bathrooms, remove obvious hair and buildup around drains.

A clean home offers fewer food and moisture sources for pests while you’re away.

Check Under the Sink Too

While you’re preparing the drain, take a few seconds to look underneath the sink.

Do you see moisture?

Water stains?

A slow drip?

A small plumbing leak might be little more than an annoyance while you’re home.

Leave it unnoticed for an extended vacation, however, and the situation could become considerably worse.

Longer absences may also justify having a trusted person periodically check the property.

What About Turning Off the Water?

Some homeowners consider shutting off their main water supply before an extended absence to reduce the risk of certain leaks.

Whether that’s appropriate depends on the home’s plumbing, appliances, heating systems, and other equipment.

Don’t shut valves or disconnect systems unless you understand how your particular home is configured.

If you’re unsure, professional advice is safer than guessing.

When You Come Home

After returning, remove temporary drain covers and run water through fixtures that haven’t been used.

If a drain smells because its trap has dried out, restoring water to the trap may solve the problem.

However, persistent sewer odors shouldn’t simply be ignored or covered.

Recurring smells, slow drainage, unusual bubbling, or other plumbing symptoms may point to a problem involving the trap, venting, pipes, or another part of the drainage system.

That’s when a plumber may need to investigate.

A Better Pre-Vacation Routine

Before leaving for an extended trip, remember a few basics:

Clean your kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Remove food and garbage.

Check beneath sinks for leaks.

Run water through rarely used fixtures.

Clean obvious drain buildup.

Remove standing water and properly store food.

Consider appropriate temporary drain covers if useful.

And for longer trips, consider arranging for someone trustworthy to check the property.

These precautions don’t take long, but they may prevent an unpleasant surprise when you return.

So, Does the Glass-and-Paper Trick Really Work?

It can function as a simple cover or reminder, but don’t expect miracles from an upside-down glass.

The more important idea behind the trick is prevention.

Keep drains clean.

Make sure plumbing traps contain water.

Check for leaks.

Remove food and garbage.

And don’t ignore persistent plumbing odors.

A few minutes spent checking the house before departure can make returning from vacation considerably more pleasant.

After all, nobody wants to open the front door after a relaxing trip and immediately wonder:

“What is that smell?”

The upside-down glass might be the unusual part of the tip that catches your attention.

But the simple maintenance behind it is what really matters.

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