Here’s why you should always leave a spilled drink and a piece of paper in the sink before going on vacation.

Why plug your sink drain before going on vacation: a simple tip to prevent bad smells and pests

 

 

 

Before going on vacation, we often think about the essentials: unplugging electronic devices, locking doors, taking out the trash, and turning off the water. But there’s one small household chore that’s easily forgotten, and it can make all the difference when we get back.

 

 

The drain plugs in your sink (kitchen and bathroom)

 

Every sink, shower, bathtub, and floor drain in your home is equipped with a P-trap: the curved section of pipe located under the drain opening. The role of the trap is simple but essential. It retains a small amount of water, creating a watertight seal between your home and the sewer system. This water barrier helps prevent:

 

 

 

 

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food

Fauna and flora

Alcoholic beverages

 

 

Sewer odors rising

 

Bad smells coming from the drains

 

The intrusion of certain insects into the pipes

 

If a drain remains unused for several weeks, especially in hot or dry weather, some of the water can slowly evaporate. As the water level drops, odors may begin to escape.

 

Unused guest bathrooms, laundry room drains, basement drains, and vacation homes are particularly susceptible to this problem.

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juice
Fruit or vegetable juice
Cooking and recipes

Would covering the drain with a paper towel and an upside-down glass help?

A popular travel tip is to place a paper towel over the drain and cover it with an upturned glass before leaving.

 

The idea is that the glass creates a temporary barrier that can help reduce airflow in the pipe, thus slowing evaporation and preventing insects from entering if the water seal is weakened.

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While this tip may offer some extra protection, plumbers generally agree that it’s no substitute for properly preparing your drains. The most effective way to prevent bad odors is to make sure every trap is filled with clean water before you leave.

 

Consider the glass and paper method as an additional precaution rather than a miracle solution.

How to prepare your sink before leaving

A few simple steps before your trip can help minimize odors and keep your drains clean.

1. 1. Clean the sink thoroughly.
      Remove food particles, grease, toothpaste residue, soap deposits and other build-up, both in the sink and in the drain.

 

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   carrot juice
   Fruit or vegetable juice
   Drinks

   A clean sink is less likely to give off unpleasant odors while you are away.

   2. Disinfect the drain.
      Pour hot white vinegar down the drain to dissolve deposits and reduce lingering odors.

   Leave to act for a few hours before rinsing with lukewarm water.

    

   3. A touch of lemony freshness

   Rub a lemon wedge around the drain and sink for a naturally fresh scent.

   Although this will not disinfect the plumbing, it can help eliminate surface odors before you leave.

   These items may seem harmless while you’re away, but if your house remains empty for an extended period, they can become a source of unpleasant odors and even attract unwanted insects. Fortunately, a few minutes of preparation before you leave is all it takes to keep your home fresh and comfortable.

    

   Whether you’re going away for a weekend or a month-long vacation, these simple plumbing tips will help protect your home and give you peace of mind.