HOW TO DRAIN THE WATER LINES IN YOUR HOUSE
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Most homeowners do not think about draining their plumbing system until a repair or an extended trip makes it necessary. The most common reasons include:
To fix a water hammer problem
To shut down a seasonal property
To make major plumbing repairs, such as replacing or extending the main plumbing lines
Knowing how to drain the water lines in your house can help prevent trapped water from freezing, leaking, or damaging pipes and fixtures while the system is not in use. Depending on the job and your experience level, you may be able to complete the process yourself. This guide walks you through the basic steps.
However, draining a plumbing system incorrectly can damage fixtures, appliances, and pipes. You should contact a professional Hamilton plumber if you’re unsure about any part of the process, encounter a problem along the way, or do not feel confident completing the job safely.
Why Do You Need to Drain Your Pipes Before Leaving a Home?
Leaving a home vacant for weeks or months can create plumbing problems if water remains in the system. Knowing how to drain the pipes in your house can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes, leaks, and water damage while you are away.
Standing water in toilets, sink traps, tub drains, and floor drains can also evaporate over time, potentially breaking the seal that keeps sewer gases from entering the home. Cold weather creates another concern. Water expands as it freezes, which can crack pipes, traps, porcelain fixtures, and appliance connections.
Below are the basic steps for draining your pipes.
1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Start by turning off your home’s main water supply. The shutoff valve is usually near the point where the main water line enters the house, often in the basement, crawlspace, utility area, or garage.
Check near the water meter: Follow the pipe entering your home from the meter. The shutoff valve should be before the line branches throughout the house.
Trace an exterior faucet line: Find where an outdoor spigot connects inside, then follow that pipe toward the main supply line.
Use the meter valve only if needed: If you cannot find an interior shutoff, the meter may have one, but it may require a special tool or help from your water utility.
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. If it is stuck, leaking, or difficult to move, do not force it.
2. Turn Off the Water Heater or Related Appliances
After shutting off the main water supply, turn off your water heater before draining the plumbing system. Electric units should be switched off at the breaker, while gas models should be turned to the pilot setting or shut off according to the manufacturer's instructions. This simple step helps protect the water heater from unnecessary damage while the pipes are empty.
3. Open Faucets Throughout the Home
With the main water supply off, open both the hot and cold faucets on every floor, starting on the top floor. Work your way down through each level so air can enter the system, release pressure, and help drain house water lines more completely. Finish by opening the lowest faucet in the home and letting the water run until it stops.
4. Drain Toilets, Appliances, and Outdoor Spigots
Next, drain the fixtures and appliances that may still hold water. Start on the top floor, turn on showers and tubs, and flush each toilet until the tank no longer refills. Continue working downward through the home.
Open outdoor spigots and drain any connected hoses. For washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and similar appliances, follow the manufacturer’s instructions before disconnecting hoses or opening drain valves.
5. Open the Lowest Faucet or Drain Valve
Once the upper fixtures have drained, open the lowest faucet or drain valve in the plumbing system. Water naturally flows to the lowest point, helping clear out any remaining water trapped in the pipes. Place a bucket underneath if needed to catch any runoff or drips.
6. Leave Faucets Open
Keep your faucets open until it’s time to get water running throughout the house again. Leaving them open helps prevent pressure or a vacuum from building inside the system and gives any remaining water room to expand if it freezes.
3 Steps to Restore Water to Your Plumbing System
Now that you know how to drain water lines in a house, it’s equally important to know how to refill your plumbing system. Use these steps to restore water to your system.
1. Close Most of the Faucets
Start by closing the lowest faucet in your home, whether that’s in your basement or on the first floor. For many homeowners, that’s the laundry faucet. Next, head upstairs to close the upper faucets, allowing air to remain in the pipes to recharge the air chamber.
After every faucet is closed, reopen the lowest one. Leaving that fixture open gives water and trapped air a place to exit as the plumbing system begins refilling.
2. Open the Main Water Valve
Open the main water valve halfway to let the plumbing system refill gradually. When the open faucet produces a steady stream without sputtering, turn it off. Wait until you can no longer hear water filling the pipes, then open the main water valve completely.
3. Turn on All the Faucets
Start on the highest floor and turn on each faucet, working your way down through the house. The water may sputter at first as trapped air leaves the pipes. Let each faucet run until the flow becomes steady and clear.
Turn on showers, flush toilets, and restore water to appliances such as the washing machine or dishwasher. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some appliances may need a short cycle before normal use. Once water is flowing normally throughout the home, turn off the faucets and check that water pressure has returned to normal.
When to Call a Plumber
Learning how to drain water lines in a house can be simple, but improper draining can damage your plumbing system and home. If you need any help draining your water lines or with any other plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Homeowners in the Kansas City area can turn to Hamilton for all their plumbing, HVAC, and rooter service needs, including drain repair, clogged-drain assistance, and emergency plumbing services.
If you have any questions or need plumbing services in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, contact Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter at 913-227-4943 for a quote.
