There is a very specific kind of excitement that comes with packing for a trip. Whether you’re heading off to visit the grandkids, going on a quiet retreat, or just escaping for a few days to a cozy bed and breakfast, the anticipation is wonderful. But right before you walk out the door, you pull out your phone and see it: a viral video telling you to cover your sink drains with a plastic bag and an upside-down glass, or to stuff a shower cap down the drain.
The video claims this “hack” will stop sewer gas from entering your home and keep creepy crawlies out while you’re gone.
Well, I immediately felt my heart rate tick up a little bit. At 73, living alone, I am incredibly proactive about my health. I’m always keeping a close eye on my circulation, trying to understand those sudden purple blotches on my arms, and doing everything I can to prevent spikes in my blood pressure that could lead to a stroke or an aneurysm. And let me tell you, the anxiety of wondering, “Did I do the sink hack right? Is my house going to fill with sewer gas?!” is enough to raise anyone’s blood pressure!
So, I did what I always do: I put the kettle on, grabbed my favorite mug of ginger tea, and looked into the actual plumbing science.
Grab your favorite beverage, and let’s separate the internet fiction from the old-fashioned, reliable facts, so you can lock your door and leave for your trip with total peace of mind.
The Truth About the “Upside-Down Glass” Hack
Let’s get right to the bottom of this. The short answer? You do not need to cover your drains with a glass, a bag, or a shower cap.
Here is the fascinating kitchen-and-plumbing science behind why:
The Magic of the “P-Trap”
If you look under your sink, you’ll see a pipe that bends down and then curves back up in a “U” shape before going into the wall. That is called a P-trap. Its entire job is to hold a small pool of water.
That little pool of water acts as a physical, liquid seal. It is what blocks heavy, smelly sewer gases from floating up the pipe and into your bathroom or kitchen. It also blocks drain flies and bugs.
Why the Glass Hack Fails
Placing an upside-down glass or a plastic bag over the drain does absolutely nothing to stop sewer gas, because it doesn’t create an airtight seal. Gases will simply find a way around the edges. Furthermore, if you use a plastic bag and a rubber band, you’re just creating a messy, sticky trap for hair and gunk that you’ll have to clean when you get home.
The only time sewer gas escapes is if the water in that P-trap evaporates. But unless you are leaving your house for six months with the heat blasting, the water in your P-trap will not evaporate during a standard vacation!
The “Real Deal” Checklist to Actually Protect Your Home
Continued on next page
3. Serve with “Vessels”: Since I love setting up interactive food bars, I turn this into a “Welcome Home Topping Station.” I set the bowl on the counter and surround it with crisp cucumber rounds, toasted baguette slices, and sturdy crackers. I keep a jar of toothpicks nearby so I can easily spear a cucumber round and scoop up a perfect bite of the mash.
Because this dish is so rich, creamy, and bright, it pairs absolutely beautifully with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine cuts right through the richness of the avocado, making it feel like a celebratory “I’m home!” dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I already have drain flies in my bathroom? A: If you see tiny fuzzy flies hovering around your sink, it means there is organic buildup in the pipe above the water line in the P-trap. The glass hack won’t fix this. Instead, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush it, or use a natural enzymatic drain cleaner.
Q: Should I cover my drain if I have a mouse problem? A: If you are worried about pests, covering the drain isn’t the answer, as mice can chew through plastic and squeeze through tiny gaps. Instead, focus on sealing the gaps around your plumbing pipes under the sink with steel wool and caulk. And remember my favorite trick: soak cotton balls in peppermint essential oil and tuck them under the sink! Mice despise the smell.
Q: Is it safe to leave the water in the P-trap for a month? A: Yes! As long as your home is climate-controlled (not freezing cold or sweltering hot), the water in the P-trap will easily last for a month or more without evaporating. If you are leaving for six months, just pour a tablespoon of mineral oil down the drain before you leave; it floats on top of the water and prevents evaporation.
Let’s Travel with Peace of Mind!
I truly hope this takes the worry out of your next vacation. It is so empowering to know that we don’t need to fall for stressful internet hacks when good, old-fashioned plumbing science has already solved the problem for us. By taking ten minutes to run the water, turn off the main valve, and unplug the toaster, you are protecting your home and, more importantly, protecting your own heart health by letting go of travel anxiety.
If you try my 3-Ingredient Welcome Home Avocado & Chickpea Smash after your next trip, I would absolutely love to hear how it hit the spot! Do you have a favorite “welcome home” meal that requires zero effort? Drop a comment below to share your wisdom, and please share this article with a friend who is about to travel and might be stressing over those viral sink hacks.
Safe travels, stay healthy, and I’ll see you when you get back!
