Draining your plumbing system might not sound like the most exciting household chore, but it can save you thousands in repairs and protect your home from costly water damage. Whether you’re getting ready for winter, heading out for a long trip, or making plumbing upgrades, safely draining your water system is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to drain your plumbing system step-by-step using homeowner-friendly language, practical tips, and helpful safety precautions. We’ll also cover why it’s necessary, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do once you’re ready to turn your water back on.
Why Would You Need to Drain Your Plumbing System?
Before we get into the “how,” let’s start with the “why.” There are a few common scenarios that might require you to fully drain your plumbing:
1. Winterizing a Home or Vacation Property
If you’re leaving a home unoccupied during freezing temperatures, draining the plumbing system is crucial. Water left inside pipes can freeze, expand, and ultimately cause them to burst.
Common situations:
- Vacation homes and cabins
- Rental properties
- RVs or mobile homes
2. Plumbing Repairs or Renovations
Whether you’re replacing a water heater, fixing a broken pipe, or remodeling your bathroom, you’ll often need to drain the plumbing system to safely complete the job without water spilling everywhere.
3. Extended Absences
Going on an extended vacation or leaving your home empty for weeks? Turning off and draining your plumbing reduces the risk of unexpected leaks or pipe failures while you’re away.
4. Contamination or Maintenance
If your water supply becomes contaminated or the system needs maintenance, draining may be required as part of a full system flush and cleaning.
What Draining Your Plumbing System Actually Involves
Draining your plumbing system means removing water from the following:
- Supply lines (both hot and cold)
- Water heater
- Appliances and fixtures (e.g., toilets, faucets, showers)
- Outdoor spigots and hose bibs
Depending on your goal (such as winterizing vs. short-term repair), the depth of drainage may vary.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Before starting, it helps to gather the right tools and safety items:
Tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Garden hose
- Wet/dry vacuum (for residual water in traps)
- Bucket or basin
- Towels or absorbent rags
- Flashlight or headlamp (for basements or tight spaces)
Optional Tools (for winterizing):
- Air compressor (low PSI)
- Non-toxic RV antifreeze
- Sponge or turkey baster (for water left in toilet bowls and tanks)
Safety Gear:
Step-by-Step: How to Safely Drain Your Plumbing System
Ready to begin? Follow these detailed steps to fully and safely drain your plumbing system.
Step 1: Turn Off the Main Water Supply
Locate the main shutoff valve in your home. It’s usually:
- Near the water meter
- In the basement, crawlspace, or utility room
- Sometimes outside near the foundation
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops.
Pro tip: After shutting it off, open a faucet to ensure the water flow has stopped.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Heater
This is crucial to avoid damage when draining the system.
- Gas heater: Set the control to “Pilot” or “Off”. Shut off the gas valve if you’re going to be gone for a while.
- Electric heater: Turn off the breaker to the heater in your electrical panel.
Note: Never drain a water heater while it’s still powered on. You risk damaging the heating element.
Step 3: Open All Faucets (Top Floor to Bottom)
Open every faucet in the house, starting from the highest floor and moving down.
Be sure to open:
- Bathroom sinks
- Kitchen sink
- Bathtub/shower valves
- Laundry sinks
- Outdoor spigots
Open both the hot and cold water taps at each fixture.
This allows air into the lines and helps the water flow out freely.
Step 4: Flush Toilets
Flush all toilets in the house to drain the water from both the tank and the bowl. Hold the handle down until all water is expelled.
To remove remaining water:
- Use a sponge or turkey baster for the tank
- Use a wet/dry vac or sponge for the bowl
Step 5: Drain the Water Heater
- Attach a garden hose to the water heater’s drain valve.
- Run the hose to a safe drainage location (driveway, floor drain, sump pit).
- Open the drain valve slowly.
- Open the T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve on top of the heater to allow air in.
Let the tank fully empty.
Warning: Water may still be hot. Use caution to avoid burns.
Step 6: Drain Appliances
Water can linger in washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerator lines.
- Washing machine: Disconnect the hoses, drain them into a bucket.
- Dishwasher: Run the drain cycle to expel remaining water.
- Refrigerator/ice maker: Unplug and let internal tubing drain.
Step 7: Drain Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
Outdoor fixtures can freeze quickly in winter.
- Open the outdoor spigots
- Remove garden hoses and drain them separately
- If your house has a frost-proof sillcock, make sure the inside valve is also open
Optional: Use an air compressor to blow out water from hose bibs.
Step 8: Blow Out Remaining Water (Winterization Only)
If you’re winterizing your plumbing system, consider using an air compressor to push out residual water:
- Connect the compressor to an outdoor faucet
- Keep one fixture open at a time
- Set pressure to 40-50 PSI maximum
Blow air until no water comes out, then move to the next faucet.
Important: Don’t exceed 50 PSI. Too much pressure can damage plumbing fixtures.
Step 9: Pour RV Antifreeze into Drains and Toilets (Winterizing)
To protect the traps and seals, pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into:
- Sink and tub drains (1-2 cups)
- Floor drains
- Toilet bowls and tanks (at least 1 quart)
This step ensures that residual water in the traps doesn’t freeze and crack the pipes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Draining Your Plumbing
❌ Forgetting to Shut Off the Water Heater
Running a heater with no water inside can permanently damage it.
❌ Skipping Outdoor Fixtures
Hose bibs and outdoor faucets are often the first to freeze and break.
❌ Using Automotive Antifreeze
Only use non-toxic antifreeze designed for RVs and homes. Automotive antifreeze is dangerous and should never be used in potable systems.
❌ Not Flushing Toilets
Water left in toilets can freeze, crack the bowl, or damage internal parts.
❌ Over-Pressurizing with an Air Compressor
Too much air pressure can burst weak joints or old piping.
How to Turn Your Plumbing System Back On
Once you’re ready to use your plumbing again, here’s how to bring the system back online safely:
Step 1: Close All Faucets and Valves
Ensure all faucets and drain valves (especially the water heater drain) are shut off.
Step 2: Turn On the Main Water Supply Slowly
Gradually open the main water valve to allow the system to refill without shocking the pipes.
Step 3: Open Faucets One by One
Go room by room and open each faucet until water flows normally and air is purged.
Step 4: Inspect for Leaks
Watch for drips or wet spots under sinks, around water heater valves, or at the base of toilets.
Step 5: Restart the Water Heater
After confirming the tank is full, turn the power or gas supply back on.
Seasonal Tips: Adapting for Your Climate
| Region | Winterizing Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northern U.S./Canada | Absolutely | Blow out lines and use antifreeze |
| Southern U.S. | Sometimes | Rare freezes can happen – consider precaution in cold snaps |
| Coastal Areas | Unlikely | Mild winters, but drain if property will be vacant |
| Mountain Areas | Yes | High elevations freeze fast – winterize by early fall |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take to drain a whole house plumbing system?
Typically, it takes 1–2 hours depending on the size of your home and how thorough you are.
Q: Is draining my plumbing necessary every winter?
Only if the home will be vacant or unheated. Occupied homes with active heating systems usually don’t need this.
Q: Can I skip the air compressor step?
Yes, but residual water may still freeze. Use a vacuum or blow through pipes manually if needed.
Q: Is this a DIY job or should I call a plumber?
Most homeowners can handle this themselves with basic tools. For older homes or complex systems, a plumber is a safe choice.
Final Thoughts
Draining your plumbing system isn’t the flashiest home task, but it’s one of the most valuable when it comes to protecting your property. Whether you’re bracing for cold weather, leaving town, or starting renovations, this simple process can prevent massive headaches like burst pipes, water damage, and expensive repairs.
Remember to take your time, double-check each step, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if your plumbing setup is unique. And if you’re winterizing, make sure to use non-toxic RV antifreeze, limit compressor pressure, and pour antifreeze into all traps and toilets.
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