Getting home after a sweet getaway should feel great, but sometimes you’re hit with an unwelcome surprise—a nasty smell wafting from your sink drain. This is a pretty common headache for lots of households, and it can really put a damper on your return. Figuring out where these odors come from and picking up a few tricks to keep them at bay can really help.
Getting to the bottom of drain smells
The usual suspect behind these odors is the siphon (also known as the trap) in your plumbing system. This curved pipe under each drain holds water to stop sewer gases from sneaking into your home (think of it as your home’s little barrier). When you’re away for a while—especially during hot summer vacations—this water might evaporate. Once the siphon dries up, it no longer keeps those sewer gases at bay, letting them loose in your living space and creating unpleasant smells.
A Doctor Stopped Using Soap and Shampoo for 5 Years—Here’s What He Learned
The glass and paper hack: an easy fix
Luckily, there’s a simple and budget-friendly fix—the glass and paper hack. Before you head out, just lay a sheet of paper over each sink drain, then set an upside-down glass filled with water on top of it. This tactic creates an airtight seal that slows down the water’s evaporation in the siphon (keeping it in place and doing its job). The weight of the glass helps keep the paper firmly down, blocking any gaps where gases might escape. Someone even tried this trick after a week-long beach vacation and came home to a kitchen that still smelled fresh.
More tips for keeping your drains fresh
Besides using the glass and paper hack, here are a few more tips to help you avoid any stinky surprises when you get back:
- Run water through all drains: Before you leave, let water run through every drain to make sure those traps stay filled.
- Look for leaks or slow drains: Keep an eye out for any leaks or sluggish drainage (since these can lead to clogs that might cause odors).
- Flush drains with hot water: If you travel often or live in a warmer spot, occasionally pouring hot water down your drains can help keep things smelling good.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning solutions: These cleaners help break down any organic buildup in your pipes without messing with the environment.
Keeping up with prevention
Taking these little measures not only sets you up for a warm welcome at home, but it also lets you kick back on vacation without worrying about surprises waiting for you at home. With these simple steps, you can keep your place smelling fresh and inviting.
Sharing your stories
Feel free to share your own tips or stories about how you keep your home smelling great after a trip. Swapping advice and experiences with others is a great way to learn new tricks and make sure everyone comes home to a pleasant, odor-free space.
By figuring out what causes those drain odors and giving the siphon a little help with the glass and paper hack—or simply running water through your drains before you jet off—you can keep your home sweet and welcome every time you return.
