There is a special kind of peace that comes from locking your front door and leaving for a well-deserved vacation. But viral household hacks can sometimes create unnecessary worries. One popular tip claims you should cover every sink and shower drain with an upside-down glass or plastic bag before leaving. Fortunately, most homes already have a simple defense against sewer gases.

Underneath most sinks is a curved pipe called a P-trap. It holds a small amount of water after the fixture is used. This water creates a seal that helps prevent sewer gases from traveling backward through the plumbing and entering your home. Similar traps are commonly found beneath showers, bathtubs, and floor drains.

For a normal vacation lasting several days or a few weeks, covering drains is generally unnecessary if the plumbing is functioning properly. However, rarely used fixtures can eventually lose their water seal because evaporation removes the water. Before leaving, briefly run water through sinks, showers, bathtubs, and other seldom-used fixtures to refresh their traps.