The Spruce / Adriana Sanchez
Although not a common task, draining your home’splumbing pipesis occasionally necessary.
Let’s take a closer look at the reasons you might want to do this.
Seasonal Shutdown
Draining the plumbing pipes is one of many items on a winter preparation checklist.
The Spruce / Adriana Sanchez
There can be a substantial amount of water in the supply pipes within the home.
launch the Sink Faucets
Starting at the top floor, open all thesink faucets.
Let all the water from the above floors drain out.
fire up the Tub or Shower Faucets
Now, open all the tub or shower faucets.
Flush All Toilets
Flush all the toilets, emptying the tanks.
When water freezes it expands.
This can crack porcelain fixtures, traps, or appliance fittings.
If the house is heated to a minimum this may not be required.
kill the Basement Faucet
kill the basement faucet or lowest level faucet in the house.
end the Upper Faucets
Now close all the upper faucets.
This can be done by listening to water flow.
When the flow is no longer heard you’re free to then fully bring up the valve.
The reason for this is that old valves under pressure can fail when re-energizing.
You may seediscolored watercome out at first, but this is normal.
Open Other Faucets
bring up the shower faucets to let water back into those pipes.
Flush the Toilets
Flush the toiletsto refill the tanks.
Turn off the Faucets
Once the water is running clear, turn off the faucets.
Start at the highest floor level and work your way down through the house.
