Some insects can be found around household drains, particularly when drains contain organic buildup or moisture.
However, insects do not necessarily enter a home through the sink drain. They may also come through windows, doors, wall openings, plumbing gaps, or other entry points.
Covering a drain with an upside-down glass is not a dependable way to control them.
Instead, take these practical precautions:
- Clean the sink and remove food scraps.
- Wipe away standing water around the sink.
- Clean drain openings and strainers regularly.
- Repair gaps around plumbing penetrations where insects might enter.
- Keep food sealed and dispose of household rubbish before leaving.
- Address persistent drain-fly problems by cleaning the organic film inside affected drains.
These steps are more effective for general household hygiene than relying on a paper cover.
Step 5: Prevent Sewer Odors While You Are Away
If you are leaving your home for several days or weeks, there are simple ways to reduce the likelihood of drain odors.
First, run water through infrequently used sinks. Allow enough water to flow to replenish the trap.
Second, check for leaks. Inspect the area beneath the sink and around visible plumbing connections.
Third, clean the drain. Remove accessible debris and clean the sink strainer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Fourth, investigate existing odors. If a drain already smells strongly of sewage, do not simply cover it and hope the problem disappears. The cause may need professional attention.
Finally, consider unusually long absences. If you regularly leave a property vacant for weeks or months, a plumber can advise whether a suitable trap primer or another solution would help prevent trap water from evaporating.
Never pour bleach or other chemicals into a drain simply to prevent odors, and never mix cleaning products.
Step 6: Prepare Your Kitchen Before Vacation
Protecting your sink is only one part of preparing your home for an extended absence.
A few simple tasks can help reduce unpleasant surprises when you return.
- Wash dirty dishes and clean the sink.
- Remove food waste from the kitchen.
- Empty indoor rubbish bins.
- Check the refrigerator for food that may spoil.
- Make sure taps are fully closed.
- Inspect visible pipes and connections for leaks.
- Check that the dishwasher and washing machine are not leaking.
- Consider shutting off the main water supply if appropriate for your home and plumbing system.
- Arrange for someone to check the property during a prolonged absence if practical.
These precautions can help reduce the risks associated with leaks, pests, spoiled food, and unpleasant odors.
Step 7: Should You Actually Use the Paper-and-Glass Trick?
For most households, there is no particular need to cover a sink drain with paper and an upside-down glass before going on vacation.
The arrangement is not an established substitute for maintaining the water seal in the plumbing trap, and it does not provide a dependable barrier against sewer gases.
If you want to cover a drain to keep debris out, use a properly fitted drain stopper or strainer designed for that purpose. Remember, however, that a normal drain stopper does not replace the P-trap’s water seal.
For longer absences, maintaining the plumbing traps and addressing existing drain problems are more important than covering the opening.
Final Thoughts
The paper-and-glass trick may look like a clever household precaution, but its effectiveness is limited.
The main protection against sewer odors comes from the water seal inside the sink’s plumbing trap, not from a piece of paper placed over the drain.
Before leaving for vacation, clean your sink, replenish the water in infrequently used traps, check for leaks, and make sure your kitchen is free of food waste.
These straightforward steps are more reliable ways to keep your home clean and comfortable while you are away.
The bottom line: You generally do not need paper and an upside-down glass over your sink drain. A properly functioning plumbing trap and a clean, well-maintained kitchen are much more important.
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