At first glance, it looks strange—almost like a prank. An upside-down glass placed carefully over the kitchen sink drain, sitting on a sheet of paper as if it’s part of some unfinished experiment. But this setup, as odd as it seems, is almost always intentional, and surprisingly smart.When people leave their homes for several days—especially apartments—little precautions can make a big difference. This simple sink arrangement is one of those low-key “if you know, you know” household tricks.What’s Really Going On Here?The upside-down glass is most commonly used as a barrier against sewer gases.When a sink isn’t used for a while, the water in the P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink) can slowly evaporate. That water normally acts as a seal, blocking unpleasant sewer odors from coming back up through the drain. Once it dries out, those smells can creep into the apartment.By placing a glass tightly over the drain, homeowners create a physical seal that prevents odors—and sometimes tiny insects—from entering the kitchen while they’re away.Why the Paper?The paper underneath isn’t random. It helps:Create a flatter surface so the glass seals betterPrevent scratching the sinkMake it obvious if the glass has moved (useful if someone else enters the apartment)It’s practical and oddly thoughtful.Other Reasons People Do ThisWhile odor prevention is the main reason, there are a few bonus benefits:
Other Reasons People Do ThisWhile odor prevention is the main reason, there are a few bonus benefits:Blocks cockroaches or drain flies that sometimes come up through pipesPrevents moisture loss in dry climatesActs as a visual reminder that the sink hasn’t been usedSome people also do this after deep-cleaning or before extended holidays, especially in older buildings with shared plumbing.Weird… but CleverWhat looks strange at first is actually a quiet example of lived-in wisdom—one of those habits passed down or learned the hard way after coming home to a smelly kitchen. It’s not decorative, it’s not trendy, but it’s effective.So yes—100% done on purpose.And honestly? Kind of genius.Sometimes the weirdest household setups are the ones that mean “we thought this through.”