Introduction
News
Are you experiencing a water hammer problem that causes loud noises when turning on faucets or appliances? Do you own a seasonal property in a cold area that needs shutting down for winter? Have you planned to perform major plumbing repairs that require the draining of your plumbing system? Draining your water pipes may seem like a difficult task, but it will save you from potential damages caused by frozen pipes or spillage. In this article, we will guide you through the process of draining your plumbing system and refilling it with water. Stay with us to know more about preventing frozen pipes and ensuring the safety of your home.
Reasons for Draining Your Plumbing System
Draining your plumbing system is a vital task that one must perform to avoid potential damages caused by water hammers, seasonal shutdowns, and major plumbing repairs. If you are experiencing water hammer problems, your plumbing system may have air trapped inside that needs draining. Failure to do so can cause your pipes to bang against each other or the wood frame, leading to serious damage. If you own a seasonal property in a cold area, you need to shut down your property for the winter. Draining your plumbing system is particularly crucial in this situation because leaving the pipes full of water may cause frozen pipes to burst, resulting in catastrophic water damage. Additionally, if you are planning major plumbing repairs that require cutting pipes, draining your plumbing system is a vital first step to minimize water spillage across your home. Stay tuned to the next section for a step-by-step guide to drain your plumbing system.
Steps to Drain Your Plumbing System
Draining your plumbing system is essential to prevent water damages, especially during winter seasons or major plumbing repairs. Luckily, this is not a difficult process and can be executed easily by following a few simple steps. The first step is to shut off the water valve, which is typically located near the water meter. After that, you need to open all the faucets starting from the top floor of your home. This process ensures air enters the system, helping the flow of water while you’re draining the system. The next step is to open the faucet in your laundry tub or lowest sink to allow all the water from the upper levels to drain to the basement. You must now open all the tub or shower faucets and flush all the toilets, emptying the tanks. This should leave the faucets in the open position, and if you’re leaving your property unattended, make sure to follow this step. Finally, when you want to charge the pipes with water, close the basement or lowest level faucet in your home, close all the top faucets, and turn on the main water valve to allow water back into your pipes. All in all, this process is pretty simple, and you can quickly refill your plumbing system with water in no time once you’re finished.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Preventing frozen pipes is a crucial task that one must perform to avoid costly damages caused by burst pipes. Frozen pipes occur when water freezes within the pipes, creating ice blockages, and causing pressure that can eventually result in burst pipes. One of the best solutions to prevent frozen pipes is to drain the pipes before going on winter vacation or if there is a particularly cold night in the forecast. Shut off the main water valve and drain the hot and cold water from your house by attaching a hose to a sill cock or basement faucet and draining the water either into a sump-pump pit or the outdoors. Additionally, you can take other preventive measures such as insulating your pipes, leaving the cabinet doors open under your sinks to let warm air circulate around the pipes, and letting the faucets drip to relieve pressure buildup. These preventive measures are simple and easy to do but can save you from potential damages caused by frozen pipes. Always take preventive measures to protect your pipes, especially during the cold seasons.
Conclusion
Draining your plumbing system is vital to avoid potential damages caused by water hammers, seasonal property shutdowns, and major plumbing repairs. Following the simple steps of shutting off the water valve, opening all of the faucets, flushing all of the toilets, and leaving the faucets in the open position will ensure that your plumbing system is drained correctly. Remember to drain your pipes before going on winter vacation or if there is a particularly cold night in the forecast to prevent frozen pipes. Taking preventive measures such as insulating your pipes, leaving the cabinet doors open under your sinks, and letting the faucets drip can minimize the risk of damages caused by frozen pipes. Remember, the process of draining your plumbing system may seem challenging, but it is an easy and essential process that you can do by yourself. Stay cautious and preventive to protect your home.
