How Do You Winterize Plumbing in a Vacant House?

Protecting Outdoor Water Sources

Outdoor spigots are among the first places where freezing can occur. Water left in these fixtures can freeze, expand, and cause the spigot or connecting pipes to burst. To avoid this problem, start by turning off the water supply to the outdoor spigots from inside the house. Once the water is shut off, open the spigot to drain any remaining water. For added protection, you can invest in insulated faucet covers, which provide an extra layer of defense against the cold. If your home has a garden hose connected to an outdoor spigot, be sure to disconnect it and store it indoors. Leaving hoses connected can trap water inside, which increases the risk of damage. Make sure that all outdoor faucets are left in the open position after draining to prevent the remaining water from freezing and causing damage.

Taking Care of Your Irrigation System

Leaving water in the pipes can lead to frozen lines, which can cause cracks and leaks when temperatures drop. To winterize your irrigation system, begin by shutting off the water supply. Next, drain the system by opening the valves or using an air compressor to quickly blow out any remaining water. Many modern irrigation systems have automatic drain valves that can make the process easier. However, it’s still important to manually inspect the system for any remaining water. Also, don’t forget to disconnect and store any detachable parts, such as sprinkler heads, to prevent them from freezing. Taking these steps can help ensure that your irrigation system is ready to go when spring arrives.

Preparing Toilets for the Cold

If water is left in the toilet bowl, it can freeze and cause the porcelain to crack. To prevent this, start by turning off the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain as much water as possible from the tank and bowl. After flushing, use a sponge or wet/dry vacuum to get rid of any remaining water from the bowl and tank. For added protection, pour a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze into the bowl. It’s important to use antifreeze that is safe for plumbing systems and the environment. Winterizing your toilets is a simple step that can prevent expensive repairs later on.

Ensuring the Water Heater is Ready for Winter

Your water heater is another critical component to consider when winterizing a vacant house. Start by turning off the gas or power supply to the water heater. Next, connect a hose to the drain valve at the tank and place the other end of the hose somewhere safe for the water to drain out. Open the drain valve so the water can flow out completely. This step ensures that the tank is empty and that there’s no water left to freeze inside. After draining, it’s a good idea to leave the drain valve open to prevent any residual water from accumulating. If your home has a tankless water heater, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for winterization, as the process may differ.

Caring for a Water Softener

If your home has a water softener, you’ll need to include it in your winterization plans. To winterize your water softener, start by placing the unit in bypass mode to prevent any water from entering. Next, drain the brine tank by disconnecting it and pouring out the water. After draining, remove the unit from the bypass mode and allow any remaining water in the lines to flow out. If you’re unsure about the proper procedure for your specific model, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines. Protecting your water softener isan important step in making sure that your plumbing system is in good condition throughout the winter.

Draining the Pipes

One of the most important steps in winterizing your plumbing is draining the water from the pipes. Water left inside can freeze, expand, and cause the pipes to burst. To start, turn off the main water supply to the house. Once the water supply is off, open all the faucets, both inside and outside the house, to allow any remaining water to drain out. Be sure to flush toilets and open shower valves as well to ensure that all water is removed from the system. If your home has a basement or crawl space, don’t forget to check for any low-point drains and ensure that they’re open.

Are You Searching for a Reliable Local Plumber?

If you’re unsure about any part of the winterization process or need professional assistance, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. Our plumbers in Lyndhurst have the experience and knowledge to properly winterize your plumbing. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for professional winterization or a plumbing repair service.