Prevent Frozen Pipes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Pipes Before Winter

Draining pipes before the winter season is an important step in preventing frozen pipes, which can lead to costly repairs or even flooding in your home. Frozen pipes can occur when water inside the pipes freeze and expand, causing the pipes to crack or burst. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to properly drain your pipes for the winter season to avoid frozen pipes.

The first step in draining your pipes for the winter is to locate the main water shut-off valve in your home. This valve is typically located near the water meter or where the water supply line enters your home. Once you have located the main shut-off valve, turn it off to stop the flow of water into your home.

Next, turn on all the faucets in your home to allow any remaining water in the pipes to drain out. This includes faucets in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Be sure to also flush all toilets and turn off the water supply valves to the washing machine and dishwasher.

After all the water has been drained from the pipes, it's important to also drain any outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks. This can be done by turning on the faucet and allowing it to run until the water stops flowing. Also, it's important to disconnect any garden hoses and drain them, and store them indoors for the winter.

If you have a swimming pool or hot tub, it's important to also drain them and turn off the water supply valves to them. This will help to prevent any water in the pipes from freezing and causing damage.

Another important step in preventing frozen pipes is to insulate any exposed pipes in your home. This includes pipes in the attic, basement, and garage. Pipe insulation can be purchased at most home improvement stores and is relatively easy to install. It can help to keep the pipes warm and prevent freezing.

If you have a crawl space under your home, it's important to make sure that it is properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. This can be done by installing a crawl space vent or by insulating the crawl space to keep it warm.

It's also a good idea to keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, even if you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time. This will help to keep the pipes warm and prevent freezing.

If you know that you'll be away from your home for an extended period of time during the winter, you might want to consider shutting off the main water supply and draining the pipes completely. This will ensure that there is no water in the pipes that can freeze and cause damage.

It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for any extreme cold weather that may be coming your way. If you know that a cold snap is on the way, take the necessary steps to protect your pipes from freezing.

Lastly, if you suspect that your pipes have frozen, it's important to take immediate action. You can try to thaw the pipes by applying heat to the affected area, such as with a hair dryer or heating pad. However, it's important not to use an open flame, as this can be dangerous. If you are unable to thaw the pipes, it's best to call a plumber for assistance.

Draining pipes before the winter season is an important step in preventing frozen pipes. It's important to locate and turn off the main water shut-off valve, turn on all faucets to allow remaining water to drain, drain outdoor faucets, insulate exposed pipes, and keep your thermostat to a prevent freezing.