TL;DR:
- Turn off the main water supply near the water meter.
- Drain all water lines by opening faucets; drain the water heater after turning off power/gas.
- Remove aerators and use an air compressor to eliminate trapped water.
- Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) into drains, toilets, and tanks.
- Insulate pipes with foam sleeves and heat tape; maintain a house temperature of at least 55°F.
- Use hose bib covers and keep interior doors open for better circulation.
- Hire professionals for complex plumbing systems to prevent costly damages.
- Ensure home insurance covers winter damage from burst pipes or leaks.
Is your empty house ready for winter? If you skip winterizing the plumbing, freezing temperatures can cause water in the pipes to freeze, expand, and burst the pipes. That could lead to expensive repairs.
The good news? You can prevent this with some simple steps. This guide covers everything you need to know, like shutting off the water and using antifreeze, to protect your home and avoid any plumbing disasters this winter.
Essential Steps to Winterize Plumbing in a Vacant House
Getting your empty house ready for winter is super important to avoid frozen pipes and expensive damage. Start by shutting off the main water supply—look for the main valve near the water meter and turn it off. Then, drain the water lines by opening all faucets inside and outside to let the water out. Don’t forget to drain the water heater, but make sure to turn off the power or gas first so it doesn’t get damaged.
- Disconnect the main water supply.
- Drain sinks, faucets, toilets, and appliances.
- Remove aerators from faucets.
- Use an air compressor to remove any remaining water.
- Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into drains, toilets, tanks, and appliances.
Use non-toxic RV antifreeze to protect your plumbing. Pour it into drains and toilets to keep the water in traps and bowls from freezing. This eco-friendly solution works well in cold temperatures.
For extra protection, use an air compressor to blow out any trapped water. If this sounds tricky or your system is complicated, hire a pro. Plumbers can handle the job efficiently and help avoid costly damage.
Choosing the Right Antifreeze for Plumbing Winterization
Antifreeze keeps leftover water in your pipes, drains, and fixtures from freezing during winter, saving you from expensive repairs.
Why choose non-toxic, eco-friendly antifreeze? Made with propylene glycol, it’s safe for the environment and pets. It prevents freezing without posing health risks, making it the smart and responsible choice for homeowners.
- Propylene glycol antifreeze: Safe and efficient for plumbing systems.
- Bio-safe antifreeze: Minimizes environmental impact.
- Pet-safe antifreeze brands: Harmless if pets ingest it accidently.
Pour antifreeze into toilet bowls, tanks, sinks, and drains to protect your fixtures during winter. It’s an easy but essential way to keep your plumbing system safe from freezing and damage.
Insulating Pipes and Managing House Temperature
Insulating your pipes keeps them from freezing and bursting, saving you from expensive repairs. Foam sleeves and heat tape are great options. Foam sleeves are easy to install and block cold air, perfect for areas like attics or crawl spaces. Heat tape wraps around pipes to keep them warm, ideal for pipes exposed to extreme cold.
- Foam sleeves: Simple, cost-effective, and insulate well.
- Heat tape: Offers direct warmth for pipes in cold areas.
Keep your home at least 55°F if the heat is on to stop pipes from freezing. For outdoor faucets, use hose bib covers, and inside, leave doors open to improve airflow and avoid cold spots that could freeze your pipes.
- Set thermostat to 55°F to stay above freezing inside.
- Use hose bib covers to shield outdoor faucets.
- Keep interior doors open to enhance air circulation and prevent drafts.
Hire a professional to check your insulation and plumbing for weak spots. They can give tailored advice to keep your home safe from winter damage.
Safety Precautions and Professional Assistance
Before winterizing, switch off utilities like gas and electricity to stay safe and protect appliances. Wear gloves and goggles for safety during plumbing tasks.
Thinking about hiring pros? They know the ins and outs of winterizing, especially for tricky systems, and can help you avoid expensive mistakes.
- Expertise in complex systems: They understand plumbing intricacies.
- Prevent costly damages: Their skill avoids common mistakes leading to repairs.
- Comprehensive service: Cover all winterization aspects thoroughly.
Make sure your insurance covers burst pipes or water leaks. Check if your policy includes winter damage protection, and follow any specific steps your insurer requires to keep your coverage valid.
Final Words
Winterizing plumbing in an empty house is key to preventing freeze damage. Start by turning off the main water supply, draining the water lines, and using non-toxic antifreeze to protect pipes from freezing. Insulating pipes and managing temperatures properly add extra layers of protection. Always prioritize safety, and if needed, hire professionals to ensure the winterization process is done thoroughly. With these steps, you can safeguard your plumbing and avoid expensive repairs during the colder months.
FAQ
How to winterize a vacant house without heat?
Winterizing a vacant house without heat involves shutting off water supply, draining pipes, and adding antifreeze. Disconnect the main water, drain fixtures and appliances, then use non-toxic antifreeze to protect against freezing.
How to winterize plumbing in a vacant house?
To winterize plumbing in a vacant house, shut off the main water valve, drain supply lines, and use air compressors to clear pipes. Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into drains, toilets, and tanks to prevent freezing.
What temperature should you leave a vacant house in winter?
The recommended temperature for a vacant house in winter is at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps prevent plumbing issues while conserving energy.
Can you leave a house unheated in the winter?
Leaving a house unheated in winter increases the risk of frozen pipes, leading to costly damages. Proper winterization, including pipe insulation and the use of antifreeze, can mitigate these risks.
How to winterize a house with antifreeze?
Winterizing a house with antifreeze involves pouring non-toxic RV antifreeze into sinks, drains, and toilets. This helps prevent water in the pipes from freezing and causing damage.
How to keep pipes from freezing in a vacant house?
To prevent pipes from freezing in a vacant house, insulate them with foam sleeves or heat tape. Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F, and use hose bib covers on outdoor faucets.
Should you turn off the water heater when the house is vacant?
Turning off the water heater when a house is vacant can save energy and prevent potential damage. It’s essential to drain it for thorough winterization to protect the plumbing system.