There is a special kind of peace that comes from locking your front door and leaving for a well-deserved vacation. However, some popular household hacks can create unnecessary worries, including the advice to cover every sink and shower drain with an upside-down glass or plastic bag. Fortunately, most homes already have a simple way to prevent unpleasant sewer smells from entering.
Underneath most sinks is a curved pipe called a P-trap, which holds a small amount of water to block sewer gases from traveling back into the house. Similar traps are found beneath showers, bathtubs, and floor drains. For vacations lasting a few days or weeks, covering drains is usually unnecessary if the plumbing works properly. Before leaving, run water through rarely used sinks, showers, and other drains to refill the traps and prevent them from drying out.
Another important step is checking for leaks before traveling. Inspect the areas beneath sinks, around toilets, and near washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. Look for moisture, damaged hoses, loose connections, or signs of corrosion. Some homeowners also turn off the main water supply to reduce the risk of flooding, but this depends on the home’s heating system, sprinklers, and other appliances. Check your system before shutting off the water.
To reduce the risk of pests, remove food scraps, empty the trash, clean kitchen surfaces, and store pantry items securely. Repair damaged window screens and seal visible gaps around doors and windows. Scented remedies such as peppermint oil should not be relied upon as a dependable pest-control solution.
If you return home and notice a sewer smell, run water into the affected drain. If the odor continues, there may be a plumbing problem that requires professional attention. The main takeaway is simple: you generally do not need to cover every drain before going on vacation. Refresh rarely used drains, check for leaks, secure food and trash, and take sensible precautions with your water supply. Then lock the door and enjoy your trip without unnecessary worries.
