How to Drain the Home’s Plumbing System

August 21, 2023


How to Drain the Home’s Plumbing System

There are a number of reasons why you may need to drain the home’s plumbing system: to fix a water hammer problem, shut down a seasonal property, or make major plumbing repairs such as replacing or extending the main plumbing lines. The process of draining the plumbing system is simple and requires a tub or faucet, or a cloth or plastic wrap.

Begin by shutting off the main water valve at the water meter. Then, open all sink faucets, beginning with the top floor. Starting with the top floor will push air into the system and help the flow of water. Next, go to the basement or the lowest level and open the faucet in the laundry tub or sink. Wait while the water from the floors above drain.

Then, open all the tub or shower faucets. Go on to flush all toilets to empty the tanks.

If you’ll be gone for a long period of time, there’s a risk of standing water in toilets, sink traps, tub drain traps, and floor drains evaporating, removing the drain seal that prevents sewer gasses from entering the home. It’s important to soak up all the water from toilets, toilet tanks, traps, and every other area of the home that has standing water. During winter, water freezes and expands, increasing the risk of cracks in porcelain fixtures, traps, and appliance fittings.

When it’s time to fill the plumbing system back up with water, close the basement faucet or lowest level faucet in the home. Then, close the upper faucets to allow air to remain in the pipes to recharge the air chamber.

Close all faucets except at the lowest level, such as the laundry faucet. Then, slowly open the main valve half way. Once you have a steady flow of water coming from the laundry faucet, close it and wait for the system to fill and become fully pressurized. When you can no longer hear the flow of water, you can fully open the water valve.

Walk through the home and turn on the faucets, beginning with the highest level. Allow the air and water sputter out until the water is flowing smoothly. Then, open the shower faucets and flush the toilets to refill the tanks. Once water is flowing throughout the home, turn off the faucets.

If you have any questions or need plumbing services in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, contact Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter for a quote.

Last Updated: August 24, 2023