Draining pipes for winter

tiredwithreason

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I have a house in Aiken, SC that is empty and will be throughout the winter. The heat is off and the water is still on, I will be going next week to drain the pipes, I would've gone today but the water cannot be turned off today. It is getting cold at night, 30s, but warming up to the 50s during the afternoon. Now tomorrow it is supposed to be in the 30s all day and I am worried. Should I just have the water company turn off the water tomorrow? And wait until next week to drain the lines or should I just have them turn the water off when I can be there next week and can drain the lines immediately?

Also, I have read all I need to do to drain lines is have the water cut off, open/turn on all faucets and drains, put RV antifreeze down drains. I do not think an air compressor will be needed. Is this all I need to do? Should I leave the faucets on all winter? Any help would be appreciated!
 
Whether the water is turned off or remains on will not affect the possibility of freezing, so the water can be turned off whenever. The reason for an air compressor is that there are almost always low spots in the plumbing that will not gravity drain. Leave the faucets open. Drain the toilet tank and RV antifreeze the toilets and all sink traps. Turn the water heater off then drain the tank. Open a hot water faucet before trying to drain the tank.
 
Whether the water is turned off or remains on will not affect the possibility of freezing,

No, but it can affect the amount of damage, if a pipe freezes & burst. Especially in an empty house? If the water's off, you've only got the water that's inside the house, not under pressure, dripping out of the split pipe. If your supply is still on... you can have thousands & thousands of gallons of water run out & freeze, all over the place.
 
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