The vacation trick you never knew you needed: Why you should always leave a glass and paper in the sink before you travel
We all know the pre-vacation routine: locking doors, setting the alarm, unplugging appliances. But there’s a simple, often overlooked trick that can save you from unpleasant surprises: Place an upturned glass and a piece of paper in the sink.
Why This Trick Works
1. Prevents Dry Traps and Sewer Gases
Your sink’s trap (the U-shaped pipe underneath) retains water and forms a seal that prevents sewer gases from rising into your home. If you’re gone for weeks, the water can evaporate, destroying the seal and allowing unpleasant odors (or even pests) to invade.
The glass trick: Turn a glass filled with water upside down so that water slowly drains out and the siphon remains closed.