How to Keep Plumbing Traps From Freezeing

Winterizing your plumbing system is important to avoid frozen pipes, which can potentially cause damage along with repair and replacement costs. This is especially important in houses that have very little heat or that are unoccupied during times of cold weather. Always remember to protect the traps specifically when you know that freezing temperatures are approaching. The easiest traps to reach are underneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks; however, you can still protect the traps on other fixtures as well.

Bucket
Wrench
RV antifreeze

Instructions

- 1
  Place a bucket underneath the sink trap. Loosen the slip nuts on each end of the trap, using a wrench.
- 2
  Pull the trap loose and dump all the water out of the trap into the bucket. If the trap has a cleanout plug, unscrew and remove it with the wrench. Let the trap water drain out into the bucket.
- 3
  Reinstall the cleanout plug or trap. Be sure to avoid tightening the plug or the slip nuts too much. If you have PVC pipes, you can possibly tighten them sufficiently using only your hands.
- 4
  Pour 1 quart of RV antifreeze down traps that you can't reach, such as in showers and bathtubs.
- 5
  Turn the shut-off valves on all toilets completely clockwise. Flush the toilets once. Use a wet/dry vacuum to completely remove the remaining tank and bowl water from each toilet.
- 6
  Pour 1 quart of the RV antifreeze into the toilet bowls or enough so the antifreeze reaches up to the bowl's drain opening.

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Plumbing