Draining a plumbing system is typically done to remove water from pipes, often to prevent freezing in cold weather or for maintenance purposes. This process involves using the taps throughout your property after shutting off the main water supply.
To drain water from your plumbing system using taps, you must first shut off the main water valve and then open faucets at various points in the system to allow the water to empty out.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Plumbing System
Completely draining your home's water system requires a specific sequence of actions to ensure as much water as possible is removed. Here is a breakdown of the process:
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Shut Off the Water Valve
Begin by locating and shutting off the main water valve. As noted in the reference, this is often located at the water meter. Turning off the main supply prevents any new water from entering the system as you drain it.
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Open Upper Floor Faucets
Starting on the top floor of your home, open all the sink faucets. Gravity will help drain the water downwards. Opening the highest taps first allows air to enter the pipes, facilitating the drainage of water below.
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Open Lower Level Faucets
Move to lower levels and continue opening faucets. This includes:
- Opening the faucet in the laundry tub.
- Opening the tub or shower faucets.
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Flush Toilets
Flush all toilets in the house. This helps drain the water from the tank and bowl, as well as the supply line to the toilet.
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Leave Faucets Open
Leave all faucets in the open position after they have drained. This allows any remaining drips or residual water to exit the pipes and ensures the system remains open to air, which can be important for preventing vacuum formation as water drains.
| Step | Action | Location Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shut Off Water | Turn off main water valve | At water meter | Stop water entry |
| 2. Open Highest Taps | Open all sink faucets | Top floor | Allow air in, start drainage |
| 3. Open Lower Taps | Open laundry, tub, shower faucets | Laundry room, Bathrooms | Continue draining lower sections |
| 4. Flush Toilets | Flush all toilets | Bathrooms | Drain tanks, bowls, and supply lines |
| 5. Maintain Open Position | Leave all faucets/valves open after draining | Throughout property | Allow complete drainage, prevent vacuum |
This process ensures that water trapped in various parts of the plumbing system, from the highest points to the lowest, is allowed to exit once the main supply is off.
