Draining Pipes for the Winter Season

There are several reasons that a dwelling may need the water pipes drained to prevent freeze damage in the winter. The structure may be a vacation property, a house on the market for sale or even an unoccupied apartment. Most unoccupied structures at least maintain minimal heat in the winter. However, heating systems can fail, and some unoccupied structures have all utilities off. Water in the plumbing system stays unless it is drained.

It is best to have a plumber purge water lines in structures that are going to be left unoccupied. Homeowners and landlords attempting to do the work themselves have to rely on gravity alone and may miss a water line. The usual method is to shut off the water at the main, and then open the faucets that are at the highest point followed by ones at the lowest point to allow gravity to drain the system.

Any water left in a line can freeze and cause a pipe to burst, and not every water line in every structure has been installed according to code. There may be a low spot that prevents gravity from fully draining it, and flexible lines at toilets, dishwashers and clothes washers may not drain completely. Toilet tanks are another place where water is often overlooked. Additionally, traps in drains to prevent sewer gas from backing up always have water in them. Without a special type of non-toxic antifreeze being added, drains and toilets can freeze and burst.

A cold snap can come on quickly before the season gets into full swing. If there is the slightest chance that temperatures can drop to freezing, have a plumber prepare the plumbing system of an unoccupied structure for exposure to winter’s cold. Professional plumbers have the experience and tools to drain pipes and protect the system with appropriate non-toxic antifreeze. All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc. is ready to get any plumbing system ready for the winter whether it is draining pipes of unoccupied structures or fixing plumbing problems in occupied homes and businesses. Give us a call for any of your plumbing needs.