There is a special kind of relief that comes from locking the front door and heading off on a well-deserved vacation. But some viral household hacks can create more worry than they prevent. One popular tip suggests covering every sink and shower drain with an upside-down glass or plastic bag before leaving. In reality, most homes already have a simple defense against sewer gases: the P-trap. This curved section of plumbing holds water that creates a barrier, helping prevent unpleasant gases from entering the home.
For a typical vacation lasting a few days or even several weeks, covering every drain is generally unnecessary when the plumbing is working properly. The main exception is rarely used fixtures, where evaporation can eventually cause the water in the trap to disappear. Before leaving, run some water through sinks, showers, bathtubs, floor drains, and other seldom-used fixtures to refresh those water seals.
There are more practical things to check before you travel. Look under sinks and around toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters for signs of leaks or moisture. Inspect hoses and water connections for cracks, corrosion, or loose fittings. Some homeowners also turn off the main water supply, which can limit damage if a pipe or hose fails, but this isn’t appropriate for every home because certain heating, irrigation, sprinkler, or other systems may need an active supply. Pest prevention is also simple: remove food scraps, empty the trash, clean kitchen surfaces, secure pantry foods, and repair damaged screens or obvious gaps.
When you return, a persistent sewer smell shouldn’t simply be covered with air freshener. Try running water into the affected drain first, especially if it hasn’t been used recently. If the odor continues, there could be a damaged trap, plumbing problem, blocked vent, or another issue that needs attention. For most vacations, you don’t need an upside-down glass over every drain. Refresh rarely used traps, check for leaks, secure food and trash, and make sensible decisions about your water supply—then lock the door and enjoy your trip.
