Homeowners who live in cold climates, or those who leave their homes unoccupied during winter months, must confront the possibility of frozen pipes, which can lead to costly damage. You can protect your home’s plumbing system from freezing temperatures, though, by draining your pipes, a time-consuming but straightforward task. Read how to protect your pipes, and your home, in the step-by-step guide below.
Understanding the Importance of Draining Pipes
When water freezes, it expands, and can cause pipes to burst. This can lead to extensive water damage and costly repairs. Draining pipes for winter is a preventive measure that can save homeowners significant time, money, and stress.
Why Pipes Freeze
Pipes are most susceptible to freezing under these conditions:
- A home is unoccupied for extended periods without heat.
- Pipes are in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages.
- Pipes run along exterior walls with little or no insulation.
- Temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
Consequences of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can lead to the following issues:
- Mold growth due to lingering moisture
- Significant repair costs and potential increases in insurance premiums
- Structural damage to the home
- Water damage to walls, floors, and personal belongings
Preparing to Drain Your Pipes
Gather the tools below before you drain your pipes:
Tools and Materials Needed
- Air compressor
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Garden hose
- Propylene glycol (non-toxic antifreeze)
- Screwdriver
Locating Key Components
You’ll need to locate the components of your home’s plumbing system below to effectively drain your pipes:
- Hot water heater
- Lowest faucet in the house
- Main water shut-off valve
- Sill cocks or outdoor faucets
- Water meter
Step-by-Step Guide To Draining Pipes
Follow the steps below to properly drain your pipes for winter:
- Shut off the main water valve, which is typically near the water meter.
- Open all of the faucets in the house, starting from the top floor and working your way down. This includes both hot and cold water taps.
- Flush all of the toilets to remove water from the tanks and bowls.
- Attach a garden hose to the lowest faucet in the house, which is usually in the basement or on the ground floor.
- Run the hose to a suitable drainage area, such as a sump pump pit or outdoors.
- Open the faucet and allow water to drain from the system.
- Close all of the faucets in the house once the water stops draining.
- Connect an air compressor to an open faucet and blow air into the system at approximately 70 pounds per square inch.
- Open each faucet individually to allow compressed air to blow out any remaining water.
- Pay special attention to appliances with water connections, such as dishwashers and washing machines. Run these appliances briefly to clear water from their lines.
- Open the toilets’ shut-off valves to allow compressed air to blow out water from the supply tubing.
Importance of Professional Assistance
Some homeowners may feel more comfortable hiring a professional plumber to drain their pipes. Professionals can complete the job correctly and safely, and can address any of your concerns about your plumbing system. Hiring a professional can be particularly helpful if you have a complex plumbing setup.
Protecting Traps and Appliances
After you’ve drained the main water lines, check for other areas in which water might remain and potentially freeze.
Treating Sink and Tub Traps
Sink and tub traps retain water to prevent sewer gasses from entering your home. Protect them by pouring propylene glycol (non-toxic antifreeze) into every sink and tub trap. Use enough to displace the water in the trap and to create a barrier against freezing.
Safeguarding Toilets
Toilets also need special attention. Add a small amount of propylene glycol to every toilet tank. Pour some directly into each bowl, too, to protect the trap.
Protecting Appliances
Follow the steps below to protect appliances with water connections:
- Run an empty dishwasher for a short cycle after you’ve drained the main lines.
- Run your washing machines on both hot and cold water cycles to clear the lines.
- Read each machine’s instructions for specific winterization tips.
Addressing the Heating System
If your home uses a hot water heating system, it requires additional steps to prevent freezing.
Understanding Different Heating Systems
Homes can run on different types of heating systems, such as oil-fired, electric, and gas-operated systems. Each calls for different types of winterization techniques. Make sure you know which type of system you have before you begin the draining process.
Draining the Boiler
Follow the steps below to drain an oil-fired, hot water heating boiler:
- Locate the tankless coil, which is filled with water that the boiler heats.
- Use compressed air to clear water from the coil.
- Drain some water from the heating system through a hose and into a bucket.
Adding Antifreeze to the Heating System
Use a pump to add propylene glycol antifreeze back into the heating system. This prevents the pipes from freezing without completely draining the system.
Additional Winter Precautions
Double your winterization efforts by taking the additional precautions below.
- Close interior valves that supply outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Install heat cables or heat tape on vulnerable pipes.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home.
- Seal air leaks around pipes that pass through exterior walls.
Preparing for Power Outages
Power outages can increase the risk of frozen pipes. Prepare for this by taking the following precautions:
- Install backup power sources, such as generators.
- Keep your home well-insulated so that it retains heat more successfully.
- Develop a contingency plan that includes ways to manually drain and winterize your pipes if a power outage occurs unexpectedly.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Maintain and inspect your plumbing system regularly so that you can identify potential issues in your plumbing system before they become severe. Pay special attention to the issues below.
- Leaks or rust on pipes
- Reduced water pressure
- Unusual noises from the plumbing