A Step-by-Step Guide for Colorado Homeowners
Living in the beautiful Colorado mountains often means your home may be unoccupied for extended periods, especially during the colder months. If you’re planning to leave your home vacant, winterizing your plumbing system by draining it is an important maintenance task to prevent costly damage like frozen or burst pipes.
Draining your plumbing system can feel complicated, but don’t worry—Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating is here to help. Whether you’re a DIYer or prefer professional assistance, we’re your trusted local experts for all your plumbing needs. Here’s everything you need to know about draining your home’s plumbing system.
Why Draining Your Plumbing System Matters
Colorado winters can be harsh, and any water left in your pipes can freeze and expand, causing cracks, leaks, or even burst pipes. Draining your system ensures your home’s plumbing stays safe, even during extreme temperatures. It’s a key step in winterizing your home if it’s going to be unoccupied.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Plumbing System
1. Locate the Main Water Shut-Off Valve
- Start by shutting off the water supply to your home. The main shut-off valve is usually located near the water meter, which is often in the basement, crawl space, or utility room. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you find it!
2. Open Faucets Starting on the Top Floor
- Begin at the highest point in your home and open all sink faucets. This helps air enter the system and allows water to drain effectively.
3. Move to the Lowest Level and Open Faucets
- On the lowest floor of your home, open faucets like the laundry tub or utility sink. This will help gravity pull water through the system.
4. Turn On Shower and Tub Faucets
- Return to the bathrooms on each floor and open the shower and tub faucets.
5. Flush All Toilets
- Flush each toilet to empty the tank and bowl. You may need to hold the handle down to ensure as much water as possible drains.
6. Leave All Faucets Open
- Keep all faucets open to allow any remaining water to drip out.
7. Drain the Water Heater (Optional)
- For extra protection, consider draining your water heater. This step is more advanced, so if you’re unsure, give us a call!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to shut off the water supply.
- Not draining the water heater, which can lead to damage if water inside freezes or a leak develops.
- Missing hidden pipes or fixtures, like outdoor spigots or irrigation systems.
Why Choose Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating?
We understand that plumbing tasks like winterization can feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about doing it right. At Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating, we’ve been serving Grand County homeowners for over 100 years with friendly, professional care. Here’s why our customers trust us:
- Expertise: Our team knows the unique challenges of mountain homes and Colorado winters.
- Convenience: From draining your plumbing system to full winterization services, we handle it all.
- Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing your home is protected by professionals who care.
Need Help? Call Us Today!
If you’re not comfortable draining your plumbing system yourself or want the assurance of a professional touch, Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating is here to help. From water heaters to sump pumps and everything in between, we’re your one-stop solution for plumbing services in Grand County, Colorado.
Don’t risk the costly damage of frozen pipes. Call us today to schedule your plumbing winterization service and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.
