If you’ve spent time on social media recently, you may have seen a travel tip suggesting that you place a piece of paper over your sink drain and cover it with an upside-down glass before leaving for vacation. The claim is that this simple trick can help reduce unpleasant odors and discourage insects from entering your home while you’re away.
At first glance, the idea seems practical. It’s inexpensive, easy to try, and appears to be based on basic plumbing principles. But is it actually necessary?
The answer depends on how long your home will be unoccupied and how your plumbing system functions.
Why Some People Cover Their Drains Before Traveling
Most sinks, bathtubs, showers, and many floor drains are connected to a plumbing component known as a P-trap.
A P-trap is the curved section of pipe beneath the drain. Its primary purpose is to hold a small amount of water, creating a barrier between your home and the plumbing system beyond it.
This water seal helps reduce the movement of:
- Unpleasant odors
- Air from drain lines
- Small insects that may travel through plumbing systems
As long as water remains in the P-trap, it continues performing this important function.
What Happens If the Water Evaporates?
When a drain goes unused for an extended period, the water inside the P-trap can slowly evaporate.
If enough water is lost, you may notice:
- Musty or unpleasant smells
- Drain odors
- Occasional gurgling sounds
- Insects appearing near rarely used drains
Fortunately, this process usually takes time. In many homes, water remains in the trap for several weeks before evaporation becomes significant.
This is why the issue is more commonly associated with:
- Vacation homes
- Guest bathrooms
- Basement floor drains
- Laundry room drains
- Homes left vacant for long periods
Is It a Concern During a Typical Vacation?
For most trips, probably not.
If you’re away for a weekend or even one to two weeks, your P-traps will generally retain enough water to continue working normally.
Evaporation is more likely to become noticeable only after several weeks or months without use.
Does the Paper and Glass Method Work?
The popular social media suggestion involves placing paper over the drain and covering it with an upside-down glass.
The idea is that this may reduce airflow and slow evaporation while adding another layer over the drain opening.
While it may offer limited benefits in some situations, it isn’t considered a guaranteed or long-term solution.
For example:
- A drinking glass typically doesn’t create a complete seal.
- Paper can shift, wrinkle, or absorb moisture over time.
- The setup can easily be disturbed if the sink is used or bumped.
Because of these limitations, many homeowners prefer more secure methods when preparing for extended travel.
Better Ways to Prepare Your Drains
If you’ll be away for several weeks or longer, a few simple steps can help.
1. Run Water Through Every Drain
Before leaving, let water run through each sink for about 15 to 30 seconds.
Remember to include:
- Bathroom sinks
- Kitchen sink
- Bathtub
- Shower
- Utility sink
- Basement floor drain (if accessible)
It’s also a good idea to flush every toilet.
This helps refill the water in each P-trap and maintain the protective seal.
2. Use Proper Drain Covers
If you’ll be away for an extended period, consider using products designed to fit securely over drains, such as:
- Sink stoppers
- Rubber drain plugs
- Silicone drain covers
- Flat silicone sink mats
These can help reduce airflow while adding another barrier over the drain opening.
A Tip Sometimes Recommended for Longer Absences
Some plumbing professionals suggest pouring a small amount of food-grade mineral oil into the drain after running water.
The mineral oil floats on top of the water in the P-trap and may help slow evaporation during long periods of inactivity.
Avoid using cooking oils, as they can become sticky over time and may contribute to buildup inside plumbing.
Other Helpful Tasks Before Leaving Home
Preparing your drains is only one part of getting your home ready for a trip.
You may also want to:
- Clean the garbage disposal to help reduce odors.
- Take out household trash before leaving.
- Check for visible leaks around sinks, toilets, and appliances.
- Consider shutting off the main water supply if your home will be vacant for an extended period, provided doing so won’t interfere with appliances or irrigation systems that require water.
The Bottom Line
For most vacations lasting a few days or even a couple of weeks, your plumbing system is unlikely to require any special preparation beyond normal use.
If your home will remain empty for several weeks or longer, taking a few simple preventive steps—such as running water through every drain and using properly fitting drain covers—may help maintain your plumbing system while you’re away.
Understanding how your home’s plumbing works can help you make informed decisions and avoid relying solely on popular household tips shared online.
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