Or even a piece of plastic wrap or painters tape in a pinch
Your goal is to minimize evaporation and create a physical barrier in the unlikely event that the water evaporates from your P-traps.
Step 3 (Optional for Longer Trips): Add Some Mineral Oil
This is another plumbing trick that I was taught by a 30+ year veteran plumber. Once you’ve run water through your drain, simply pour in about a tablespoon of mineral oil. This will float on top of the water and slow down evaporation dramatically.
Again, be aware that this is mineral oil, and not cooking oil, which may go rancid or clog your pipes.
Extra Vacation Plumbing Safety Measures (Because Why Not Take the Extra Step?)
Empty the trash and clean your garbage disposal. This will reduce any potential bad odors.
If you live in a cold climate and will be traveling during the winter months, check that your pipes are insulated to protect against freezing temperatures.
Finally, shutting off your main water valve while you’re away may offer some additional comfort. While this is entirely optional, it can also help protect against leaks or bursting pipes while you’re away.
Recap of Myth vs. Reality
Myth: A piece of paper and an upside-down glass placed in the sink will keep sewer smells at bay.
Reality: Unless the glass forms a tight seal, this method will fail to block odors, or much else. The real solution to preventing bad odors from entering your home is to maintain the integrity of the P-trap by filling it with water and sealing the drain properly.
Virally-popular ideas such as this often overlook the details of the problem and present a simplified solution that may not work as intended.
If you’re traveling and want to protect your home from potential problems caused by drying out of your P-traps, all you need to do is refill your traps with water and properly seal the drain openings. You won’t need to perform any complicated hacks or glass-balancing acts.
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