Why You Should Always Leave an Upturned Glass and a Piece of Paper in the Sink Before Going on Vacation

 

🏡 Why You Should Always Leave an Upturned Glass and a Piece of Paper in the Sink Before Going on Vacation

If you're getting ready to leave for vacation, your to-do list probably includes things like packing your bags, setting your out-of-office reply, and asking a neighbor to grab your mail. But there’s one surprisingly simple tip you might not know about — and it could save you from major headaches when you return.

Here’s why you should always leave an upturned glass and a piece of paper in the sink before you go away.

Spoiler: It’s not just for fun — it’s a clever home hack that reveals whether your home stayed safe (or sprung a problem) while you were gone.

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🥛 The Trick: A Glass, a Paper, and a Sink

Before heading out the door, take:

• One clear glass

• One small piece of paper or paper towel

• A clean, empty sink

Here’s what to do:

1. Place the piece of paper in the bottom of your dry sink.

2. Turn a clean glass upside down and set it on top of the paper, sealing it against the sink basin.

That’s it.

So… what’s the point?

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💧 The Reason: A Low-Tech Water Leak Detector

This simple setup acts as a DIY leak or flood detection system. While you’re away, if something in your kitchen (like the faucet, pipe, garbage disposal, or dishwasher) leaks even slightly, water will pool in the sink.

If that happens:

• The paper underneath the glass will become wet or soggy.

• Moisture or condensation will form inside the upside-down glass.

• In some cases, the glass might even float slightly or tip, depending on how much water enters the sink.

When you come home, checking this simple setup can alert you to a leak or plumbing issue — before you put your hands in standing water or discover a bigger hidden problem.

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🛠️ Why This Hack Works

Think of it like a passive alarm system:

• The paper acts as a moisture indicator.

• The upturned glass traps air and prevents the paper from drying out too quickly from residual humidity or evaporation.

• Because it’s inside your sink, any water that leaks will naturally collect there, not on your counters or floors.

It’s not high-tech, but it works — especially if you live in an older home, have occasional plumbing issues, or plan to be away for more than a few days.

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🧠 Bonus Use: Detecting Power Outages in the Freezer

A similar hack is popular for freezers — freeze a small cup of water, place a coin on top, and leave it in your freezer. If you return and the coin has sunk to the bottom, it means your freezer lost power long enough to melt and refreeze — and you may need to toss spoiled food.

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🧳 Simple Prep, Serious Peace of Mind

When you're heading out of town, peace of mind is priceless. A flooded sink, moldy cupboards, or hidden water damage is not the “welcome home” anyone wants after a relaxing getaway.

This easy glass-and-paper trick takes less than 60 seconds, costs nothing, and could help you catch a problem before it becomes a disaster.

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✅ Final Tip: Before You Leave

In addition to this sink hack, consider doing the following before leaving for vacation:

• Turn off the main water supply (if gone for a long time)

• Unplug small appliances

• Clear out perishables from your fridge

• Set your thermostat to an energy-efficient level

• Let a friend or neighbor check in if possible

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🏠 Bottom Line

A simple upside-down glass and a slip of paper in your sink might look silly, but it’s a smart, no-fuss way to detect hidden leaks and protect your home while you’re away.

Try it before your next trip — your future self will thank you.