Skip to content 
Why the Glass Hack Fails
Placing an upside-down glass or a plastic bag over the drain does absolutely nothing to stop sewer gas, because it doesn’t create an airtight seal. Gases will simply find a way around the edges. Furthermore, if you use a plastic bag and a rubber band, you’re just creating a messy, sticky trap for hair and gunk that you’ll have to clean when you get home.
The only time sewer gas escapes is if the water in that P-trap evaporates. But unless you are leaving your house for six months with the heat blasting, the water in your P-trap will not evaporate during a standard vacation!
The “Real Deal” Checklist to Actually Protect Your Home
Continued on next page
3. Serve with “Vessels”: Since I love setting up interactive food bars, I turn this into a “Welcome Home Topping Station.” I set the bowl on the counter and surround it with crisp cucumber rounds, toasted baguette slices, and sturdy crackers. I keep a jar of toothpicks nearby so I can easily spear a cucumber round and scoop up a perfect bite of the mash.
Because this dish is so rich, creamy, and bright, it pairs absolutely beautifully with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine cuts right through the richness of the avocado, making it feel like a celebratory “I’m home!” dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I already have drain flies in my bathroom? A: If you see tiny fuzzy flies hovering around your sink, it means there is organic buildup in the pipe above the water line in the P-trap. The glass hack won’t fix this. Instead, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush it, or use a natural enzymatic drain cleaner.
Q: Should I cover my drain if I have a mouse problem? A: If you are worried about pests, covering the drain isn’t the answer, as mice can chew through plastic and squeeze through tiny gaps. Instead, focus on sealing the gaps around your plumbing pipes under the sink with steel wool and caulk. And remember my favorite trick: soak cotton balls in peppermint essential oil and tuck them under the sink! Mice despise the smell.