How to drain pipes for winter?

Author: Brandt Waelchi V  |  Last update: Saturday, January 3, 2026

Should I drain my pipes to keep them from freezing?

Ideally, to protect from freeze damage, the water supply should be shut off and the pipes should be purged (drained) of water.

How do you drain outdoor pipes in the winter?

Is it better to drain the pipes or leave the water running?

Shutting off the water and draining the pipes is better, way better, than dripping the faucets. The bulk of damage occurs not because of the pipe burst, but the hours and hours of flowing water when the source is not shut off. That's what turns a simple $500 leak into $100000 worth of damage.

How do I make sure my pipes don't burst in winter?

How to Drain Pipes for the Winter | This Old House

At what temperature will house pipes burst?

This finding was supported by a survey of 71 plumbers practic- ing in southern states, in which the consensus was that burst- pipe problems began to appear when temperatures fell into the teens. However, freezing incidents can occur when the tem- perature remains above 20 degrees F.

Can house pipes freeze without bursting?

Even if a pipe does not burst, the expanding ice can still cause damage. This can lead to leaks which can cause significant damage over time if they go unnoticed. The best way to protect against frozen pipes and the resulting water damage is with an automatic water shut-off device.

Is it better to drip faucets or shut off water?

Overall, it's best that you take heed and drip your faucets when temperatures dip below freezing. A simple trickle of hot and/or cold water—both from faucets inside and outside the home—can prevent you from having to deal with a much larger issue (and bill!) in the long run.

How do you winterize your home for extended absence?

Will shutting off water keep pipes from freezing?

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Moving water keeps pipes from freezing. Find shut off valves for emergencies. Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes.

Should outside faucets be left open or closed in winter?

Typically, outdoor faucets should be opened when temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing water expands and can cause pipes to crack or burst. If you have a frost-free faucet, it provides extra protection, but you may still need to leave it open during extreme cold.

How do I keep my outside drain pipes from freezing?

To start, it's a smart idea to keep your garage closed during cold weather to protect your pipes. This will help keep your pipes warmer than they would be with the door wide open. Plumbing in unheated areas can also be protected with foam pipe insulation, which is easy to install and inexpensive.

How long does it take to drain pipes after water shut off?

The duration varies depending on the size of the house, the complexity of the plumbing system, and the water flow. However, for an average-sized home, it might take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to fully drain the system.

Which house pipes most likely to freeze?

No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are: Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.

How to drain outdoor water pipes for winter?

Should I shut my water off before a freeze?

If you leave your house before a freeze, turn off the water at the shutoff valve and leave your heat on.

What to do when leaving house unoccupied in winter?

Should you turn off water in a vacant house?

Pipes, water heaters and other appliances can leak, or in freezing weather, pipes can freeze and burst, which can cause major damage in a home left unattended. If you are leaving for an extended period of time, the best protection is to have the water shut off and the water lines drained.

How do I prepare my house for an extended leave?

How many faucets to drip during freeze?

In general, you should let at least one faucet drip in each section of your home. This is particularly crucial if your home has multiple floors or distinct areas, like an extension or a wing. If you have the option, choose faucets that allow you to control hot and cold water separately and let both drip slightly.

How do you know if your pipes are frozen?

The clearest sign that you have frozen pipes is if there is a complete lack of water coming out of your faucets and fixtures. This means that the water in your supply lines has frozen solid. In some cases, due to a partial freeze, you may still see a slight trickle of water.

Should I drain the pipes when turning off water?

After shutting off the main valve, ensure you drain the water from all the fixtures. In summer, the temperature of the water raises the pressure inside the pipes. If there is a crack, parts of your plumbing could burst. It is even more critical to drain hoses and faucets in the winter.

Will your pipes freeze if you turn off your water?

Pipes can still burst in freezing temperatures even after you turn off your home's water. The pipes will still have water inside them, which means the water may freeze and potentially burst your pipes.

How to drain pipes in a house?

How to keep toilet pipes from freezing?