While taking a close examination of my home, I found the plumbing system to be the most complex yet a critical unit. Most homeowners may overlook it, but it is essential to proactively maintain their plumbing system before it fails.
Particularly, during the freezing cold season, the drainage of the entire plumbing system gets destroyed. And, this is where French drain installation still stands strong.
In this case, I believe investing in just a few hours of preventive measures may be the best financial decision I can make. This is what led me to prepare my plumbing system for winter.
If you are also looking for a guide to tackle a similar situation, then you are in the absolutely right place. Follow this guide that outlines the exact order in which every faucet, pipe, and water heater is protected from harmful pressure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- All fixturing and appliance equipment will be maintained safely by following the procedures.
- Through a proper shut-off procedure, the entire plumbing system within the home can be controlled at the point of entry.
- By limiting water delay in the system, the corrosive properties of water are minimized, and the working life of pipes will be lengthened.
When and Why Homeowners Need to Drain Their Plumbing System
Not every day, but I prefer two primary scenarios for draining: impending winter and extended vacancy. One of the most important reasons for prevention is sediment build up and minor corrosion.
When temperature goes below zero degrees, water expands and no pipe material can resist that immense pressure. By properly draining the water, one gains the assurance of zero risk of a burst pipe. This small effort can provide substantial benefit, preventing stressful insurance claims, extensive repairs, and possibility of structural damage.
Tools and Safety Checks to Prepare Before Draining
Before working on the main system, I always prepare some tools to help me further. This way, I have all the tools in hand and can proceed without interruptions during the process. Take note of all these:
- Safety First: Gather safety goggles and gloves to protect from sudden exposure to hot water during a pipe burst.
- Essential Tools: a large adjustable wrench for valve operation, a screwdriver, a bucket for collecting residual water, and a garden hose to attach to the main drain valve.
- System Navigation: Confirm the location of all drain valves and low point fixtures. Knowing the layout means targeting all water pockets and maximizing the draining efficiency.
How to Shut off the Main Water Supply Properly
It is vital to isolate your home from the municipal water system by simply switching on the supply valve. This helps in locating the main shut-off valve, which is usually found in the basement or near the water meter. With ball valve handles, just turn the handle 90 degrees counter-clockwise until it is perpendicular to the pipe.
Once the water supply has been turned off, the next step is to turn off the electric supply to the well pump. It saves you from incurring this expense while also protecting your home from fire hazards.
Draining the Fixtures and Water Heaters in the Home
Once the main supply has been turned off, all pressure in the system must be released and all lines must be clear indoors. Here is how I conduct the procedure:
- I start with the highest fixture in the home and turn the hot and cold handles on.
- Working downwards helps in preventing a vacuum and allowing the water in their lower pipe to flow out more easily.
- To remove corrosive sediment, I connect the garden hose to the water heater’s drain valve and create the right slope.
- Lastly, I turn the power back on only after the process is complete, and the tank is full.
Common Mistakes That Cause Airlocks or Trapped Water
A minor mistake can destroy the whole project, even if the person does everything correctly. For example, an individual must be actively finding ways to prevent standing water or airlock situations.
Then they trigger one of the most common problems when they forget to open the high point of the system. Consequently, due to the vacuum pressure, water stays trapped in the pipe.
CASE STUDY My neighbor, Ms. Emma, encountered a scenario where the exterior hoses were forgotten. The tiny drops of water remaining in the line froze and cracked. After the incident, she called the professionals. This is a reminder that “A stitch in time saves nine,” which simply indicates the importance of the double-checking step.
How to Repressurize the System After Draining
Everything has been done; bringing the system back online requires a specific sequence to avoid shock and airlocks. Best careful repressurization and shares a smooth leak-free restart.
- Make sure every faucet, valve, and water heater drain is fully closed.
- The critical step is to open the main water valve slowly. Prevents severe damage due to water hammering.
- Go to the lowest faucet to open the cold water side first, and let it run until a steady steam emerges.
- Turn the power on only after the tank is completely full and has set for 30 minutes.
Final Words
The home’s plumbing system serves as the circulatory system for the whole house. Prepare yourself by knowing the basic sequential process to completely drain the plumbing lines before setting them down. So the next time winter arrives, you will know that your home has been thoroughly protected through the steps taken today.
How often should I drain my system?
Before long periods without occupancy or before an imminent cold weather situation, yes, you have to.
Will draining the water heater damage it?
There is nothing more than having the power supply turned off to protect your heating element. This is what most people refer to as “cold shock.”
What is a “water hammer”?
It is a shock wave created by the sudden change in pressure when a valve is closed or opened too fast.
Can I use compressed air instead?
There are specialty services available using compressed air to do this very thing, but are not for DIY, requiring both special equipment and experience.
