We all know the routine before a vacation: lock the doors, set the alarms, unplug appliances. But there’s one simple, often-overlooked trick that can save you from coming home to nasty surprises—placing an upside-down glass and a piece of paper in your sink.
Your sink’s P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under it) holds water to create a seal, blocking sewer gases from rising into your home. If you’re away for weeks, that water can evaporate, breaking the seal and letting foul odors (or even pests) in.
The glass trick: Flipping a water-filled glass upside-down slowly releases water, keeping the trap sealed.
For longer trips: Add a teaspoon of mineral oil to slow evaporation even more.
A sheet of paper (tissue, paper towel, or even a napkin) placed under the glass serves as a silent alarm.
If pipes leak while you’re gone, the paper will show water stains—alerting you to check for hidden damage.
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