Most pre-vacation checklists focus on the obvious: lock the doors, empty the trash, adjust the thermostat, and make sure appliances are switched off. But there is one small area many people forget before leaving home for several days: the sink drain.
It may not seem important when you are rushing to catch a flight or start a road trip, but a dry or unused drain can make a home smell unpleasant by the time you return. In warmer weather especially, water sitting in the drain trap can evaporate, which may allow sewer odors to travel back up through the pipes. Damp plumbing can also attract insects searching for moisture.
That is why some homeowners use a simple barrier before they leave: a piece of paper towel placed over the drain, held down by an upside-down glass.
Why an Upside-Down Glass Can Help
The idea is simple. A paper towel covers the drain opening, while the inverted glass helps keep it in place. Together, they create a lightweight barrier that can reduce the chance of odors, sewer gases, or small insects coming up through the sink while the house is empty.