A friend said to turn off the main and drain the water from the pipes by turning the faucets on.
I wanted to make sure this was all I needed to do so I won't come back to a mess
2006-10-23 13:43:56 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Whoops, that's November, December and maybe January
2006-10-23 13:45:14 · update #1
You gave no indication of how far north you live.
If it will drop below freezing in your house you could be in for busted pipes if there is any water left in them.
Water can sit in a low spot and freeze if all you do is try to drain them.
You really should blow all the water out with pressurized air. Pour Recreational Vehicle antifreeze in the toilet tank and bowl.
If you have city water you might still need to put some electric tape on the main valve that comes into the house. If that baby freezes and bursts it will flood your lower level and make a BIG mess.
If you have well water you can simply drain the big tank and turn off the pump.
2006-10-23 14:02:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
WHOA hold up there, you can't drain all the water out of the pipes by opening the faucets, the pipes go DOWN from the faucets so the water will only drain to the level of the lowest faucet in the house. The pipes will still be full.
Personally I'd leave the thermostat set to 45-50 and open all the cabinet doors...
If you can not do that the attach a garden hose to the faucet on the BOTTOM OF THE HOT WATER HEATER.
TURN OFF POWER TO THE HEATER and then shut off the water main and then drain the pipes thru the hose, make sure ALL the faucets are open and they garden hose you use is lower than the faucet on the hot water tank,
When you return, FILL the hotwater tank before turning the power back on, otherwise you will ruin the heater elements.
When you get back
2006-10-23 13:56:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Draining the pipes is one way, but a more reassuring method is a pipe heater. We had one that looked like a heavy duty wire. One end plugged into a socket and the other wrapped around the pipe at the closest point of entry to the house -- or the coldest spot. At the end of the wire was a sensor. When this reached freezing, the sensor would turn on the heat and the wire gently warmed the pipe before the water could freeze. It only uses power when needed, so it's economical and the warmth is a very gentle warmth so you don't overheat the area by the pipe. Just read the cautions so that no combustibles (like combustible insulation) directly touches the heated part of the pipe. Incidentally, ours went right into the wall behind the gyproc.
2006-10-23 14:29:37 · answer #3 · answered by Linda M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
More to it than just draining water lines.
All the traps need antifreeze, including all the toilets. The water heater should either be left on or drained completely. If there is a boiler too I would add antifreeze made for potable water systems. Personally, I would never let the temperature go under 55 degrees in the house. Set the thermostat all the way down, and install another to the phone line, if temp drops below 55, the second thermostat will short out the phone line. Just call the house every day in the winter, if there is a busy signal the heat stopped working.
2006-10-24 15:47:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Haha, it extremely is hilarious. i've got by no skill witnessed plumber's crack, yet I honestly have witnessed mechanic's crack. no longer lots distinction between the two from what i will take heed to. As to your pipes freezing, to dodge it (and the plumber's crack, lol), all you may desire to do is save your faucet slightly on so the water strikes interior the direction of the pipe and would not freeze. or you ought to pass to a ironmongery shop and ask to locate pipe insulation and get somebody to place in it for you. that's a one time great fee, despite the fact that if it is going to dodge your pipes from freezing, and could forestall you from seeing the feared plumber's crack.
2016-11-25 01:14:00 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a friend house sit for you or keep the water at a drip. Moving water cannot freeze. If you lay the system up as your friend suggested, make sure all lines are dry.
2006-10-23 13:47:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes turn all the taps on (shower, faucets etc) let them run and turn off the water while they are running. Leave the taps open once you've turned it off.Then flush the toilet to make sure the tank is empty. You'll be all set.
2006-10-23 13:47:06 · answer #7 · answered by jshepard17 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
turn off the water main and open all faucets. make sure to flush your toilet and get some rv anitfreeze to put in the tank so it wont freeze. also drain and turn off water heater. if possible leave your thermostat at a low setting, like around 55. if you are not sure about this, please call a plumber and save your self the headache, and leave it to a professional.
2006-10-23 15:04:08 · answer #8 · answered by knowitall 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you plan on leaving any heat on in the house? If so, you can leave the cabinet doors open so that some of the heat can get to the pipes. Might want to have someone come over every now and then if possible to keep a check on things, just in case.........
2006-10-23 13:49:43 · answer #9 · answered by YellaMelaDude 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My house uses a well pump. I turn off its electric supply while away for extended periods.
Shutting off the main valve and leaving the taps open will limit any possible damage.
Keep your heat on to prevent freezing.
2006-10-23 13:49:08 · answer #10 · answered by Warren914 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋