…only to find that most homes already have a built-in solution that makes this step unnecessary, one that’s been quietly doing the job long before anyone thought to reach for a drinking glass or plastic bag.
The Viral Hack and What It Claims
The trend suggests that leaving drains uncovered during vacation allows sewer gases to rise up through pipes and into living spaces. The fix, according to the hack, is simple: place an upside-down glass or a plastic bag over each drain opening before you leave.
It’s an easy habit to adopt, and it feels proactive. But the premise overlooks a basic feature of household plumbing that already handles this exact concern.
How Your Plumbing Already Protects You
Underneath most sinks sits a curved section of pipe known as a P-trap. After a fixture is used, the P-trap holds a small amount of water, and that water forms a seal. This seal blocks sewer gases from traveling back up through the pipes and into the room.
Similar traps exist beneath showers, bathtubs, and floor drains. For a typical vacation lasting several days or a few weeks, covering drains is generally unnecessary as long as the plumbing is working properly.
There is one caveat worth knowing. Fixtures that are rarely used can eventually lose their water seal through evaporation. Running water briefly through seldom-used sinks, showers, or floor drains before you leave refreshes the trap and keeps the seal intact.
Smarter Pre-Vacation Home Checks
Rather than worrying about drains, a more useful pre-trip routine focuses on catching small problems before they become big ones. Check underneath sinks and around toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters for any signs of leaks or lingering moisture.
It’s also worth inspecting appliance hoses and water connections for cracks, corrosion, or looseness. A minor leak can turn into significant damage when there’s no one home to notice it early.
Some homeowners choose to shut off the main water supply entirely before leaving, which can limit damage if a pipe or hose fails while they’re gone. This isn’t the right move for every household, though. Heating systems, sprinklers, irrigation setups, and boilers may need an active water supply to function, so it’s worth checking your specific system or consulting a professional first.
Basic pest prevention rounds out a solid pre-vacation checklist:
- Remove food scraps and empty the trash
- Wipe down kitchen surfaces
- Store pantry food securely
- Repair damaged window or door screens
- Seal obvious gaps on the exterior of the home
Peppermint oil and other scented remedies are popular pest-control suggestions, but they shouldn’t be relied on as a dependable barrier against unwanted visitors.
What To Do If You Return to a Bad Smell
If you come home and notice a sewer-like odor, the first step is simple: run water into the affected drain.
If the smell doesn’t go away, though, it may point to something more serious, such as a damaged trap, a plumbing defect, or a blocked vent. Persistent odors are worth investigating with a professional rather than masking with fragrance or air fresheners.
The bottom line for most travelers is reassuring. There’s no need to cover every drain in the house with an upside-down glass before a vacation. Your plumbing already includes a working defense against sewer gases, and a few practical checks, refreshing rarely used traps, inspecting for leaks, and securing food and trash, do far more to protect your home than any viral hack.
With those basics covered, you can lock the door and actually enjoy the trip.