How to Drain Water Pipes for the Winter
- 1). Turn off the water supply at the main for your house. Usually this is located near the street for homes or in a utility closet if you live in an apartment. Rotate the knob to the off position.
- 2). Open all the faucets in your house. Allow them to drain in the sink.
- 3). Flush the toilets. You may have to do this more than once to remove all the water in the tank.
- 4). Place a container underneath the drain on the hot water heater. Open the drain to allow the water to run out. Empty the container as necessary. If you have a garden hose, you can also attach this to the tank and run it to a basement or outdoor drain.
- 5). Pour RV anti-freeze fluid into the sink traps and toilet bowls. A small amount of water remains in these fixtures, even when the water is turned off. RV anti-freeze keeps the water from freezing and causing damage to your pipes.
