Description
WINTERIZE YOUR PLUMBING THE RIGHT WAY
00:00 – Intro
Hey, Plumber Claude Taylor here. Today we’re talking about winterizing your plumbing the right way so
you don’t end up with a burst pipe and a flooded house when the temperature drops.
This isn’t scare-tactic stuff. It’s the same process I use on vacant houses, seasonal homes, and any
place that might see freezing weather. Do these steps and you’ll sleep a lot better.
01:20 – Know Your Shutoffs First
Before you do anything else, find and test your main water shutoff. Most homes have it near the water
meter, in a basement, crawl space, or utility closet. Turn it off and confirm the water stops. If the valve
is stiff or doesn’t fully shut, fix or replace it now — not during an emergency.
Also locate your water heater shutoff (usually a valve on the cold inlet) and any individual fixture
shutoffs.
02:45 – Full System Drain
Once the main is off:
1. Open every faucet in the house, starting from the highest floor and working down. Leave them
open.
How to Plumbing — Winterizing Script
Plumber Claude Taylor • Page 2
2. Flush every toilet and hold the handle down until the tank is empty.
3. Open outdoor hose bibs and leave them open.
4. If you have a water softener, bypass it and drain it according to the manufacturer.
5. Open the lowest drains in the system (usually basement or crawl-space hose bibs or drain
valves) so gravity empties the lines.
For a thorough job, many pros use an air compressor (set to about 40–50 psi) connected to a hose bib
or dedicated blow-out port to push remaining water out. Do this after the gravity drain.
05:10 – Water Heater & Special Fixtures
Turn off power or gas to the water heater before you drain it. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
at the bottom and run it outside or to a floor drain. Open the valve and a hot water faucet upstairs to
help it drain. Leave the heater empty or, if it will stay in service, refill it only after you’re done and have
power/gas back on.
Don’t forget:
• Dishwasher and washing machine supply lines
• Refrigerator ice maker line
• Any radiant floor loops (follow the system’s specific procedure)
06:40 – Antifreeze
Use only non-toxic, propylene glycol RV/plumbing antifreeze — never automotive antifreeze.
Typical amounts for an average house: 15–20 gallons total.
• Pour roughly ½ gallon into each sink, tub, and shower drain.
• Pour 1–1½ gallons into each toilet bowl (after the tank is empty) and flush once so it coats the
trap.
• Tape the toilet lids shut and put a note so no one uses them.
08:15 – Insulation & Protecting Exposed Pipes
Any pipes in unheated spaces (attic, crawl space, exterior walls, garage) need insulation. Foam pipe
insulation or fiberglass wrap works. Seal gaps where pipes enter the house with caulk or foam so cold
air doesn’t blow directly on them.
Set the thermostat no lower than 55°F if the house will be occupied or lightly heated. For completely
vacant homes, the drain + antifreeze method above is the reliable approach.
09:40 – Vacant House Extra Steps
• Leave cabinet doors under sinks open so warm air can reach the pipes.
• Consider heat tape on especially vulnerable lines (follow the product instructions exactly).
• Shut off and drain the water heater completely if the house will be e
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