A Glass, a Piece of Paper, and a Viral Plumbing “Hack”… But Does It Really Work?
A glass. A scrap of paper. And a promise to “seal” your home against sewer odors and creepy crawlies while you’re away.
Sounds clever, right?
It feels reassuring.
And it’s spreading online like wildfire.
But there’s a problem: this viral trick may give you a false sense of security.
The idea is based on a real plumbing issue. Your drains rely on P-traps—those curved sections of pipe that hold water and create a barrier between your home and the sewer system. When that water evaporates, the barrier disappears, allowing unpleasant odors, insects, and even sewer gases to find their way inside.
But balancing an upside-down glass over a piece of paper is hardly a reliable solution. It generally doesn’t create an airtight seal, paper can absorb moisture, and air—and unpleasant smells—can still find a way through. In other words, you’re relying on a fragile DIY setup to protect your home while you’re miles away.
So, what actually works?
Before leaving for a trip, take a few simple steps:
🚿 Run water in every sink, shower, and bathtub for about 10–20 seconds.
🚽 Flush every toilet to make sure the traps and bowls are replenished.
🏠 Check forgotten drains, especially basement floor drains and laundry standpipes.
🛑 Use proper drain covers or stoppers for added protection. Rubber or silicone covers are much more dependable than a sheet of paper and a glass.
🛢️ Going away for several weeks? After filling the traps with water, a small amount of mineral oil can help slow evaporation.
💧 Consider shutting off the main water supply if appropriate for your home and plumbing system.
No balancing acts. No questionable viral hacks. No false reassurance.
Just a few simple, proven plumbing habits that can help keep your home fresh, protected, and pest-free while you’re away.