Preparing for next freeze (move, backyard, gas)

[detachable arm]

If you’re going out of town, turn off your water at the meter and thoroughly drain all your lines.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by kreeyax

My water softener is outside, so if I let water stand in that during a freeze it would be a huge repair bill. You better believe I'll be dripping my faucets!

Our softener is outside as well. During the 2021 freeze, we did nothing to protect the tanks, as they do not need to be protected. The pipes are all insulated, though, which is all you really need to do. Ice is only an issue if there's no room for expansion.

[airdrawndagger]

Originally Posted by detachable arm

If you’re going out of town, turn off your water at the meter and thoroughly drain all your lines.

I have a shutoff valve outside my house, next to an exterior spigot. Is it sufficient to turn that off and drain the lines? Don’t think I have the tool to open the box that holds the meter near the curb.

[Dopo]

Almost 2 years since the original post
I wrapped my pipes with insulation
But I haven’t don’t anything else

[detachable arm]

Originally Posted by airdrawndagger

I have a shutoff valve outside my house, next to an exterior spigot. Is it sufficient to turn that off and drain the lines? Don’t think I have the tool to open the box that holds the meter near the curb.

That will at least protect the house. Drain at the low points, which is usually at the first floor bathtubs.

However the underground line from the meter to the house will still be pressurized, and could spring a leak. You won’t know it until you get a very muddy spot in your yard.

I don’t think you need any special tool to open the meter. Once you’re inside you can use a $5 set of vise grips to close the water valve at the meter. Usually it only takes a quarter turn and you’re done.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by airdrawndagger

I have a shutoff valve outside my house, next to an exterior spigot. Is it sufficient to turn that off and drain the lines? Don’t think I have the tool to open the box that holds the meter near the curb.

Yes, that's sufficient. It will not be cold enough long enough to freeze the water in the underground pipe. If you have a sprinkler system, make sure you drain the brass air gap that's located somewhere near the house.

[Laconic]

We will be out of town when the freeze hits. I plan to shut off the main valve, drain and insulate the back flow preventer and turn the water heaters to pilot (vacation mode). I will drain the cold water lines, however, should I drain the hot water lines as well?
TIA

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by Laconic

We will be out of town when the freeze hits. I plan to shut off the main valve, drain and insulate the back flow preventer and turn the water heaters to pilot (vacation mode). I will drain the cold water lines, however, should I drain the hot water lines as well?
TIA

Yes, the water in that line is not moving and also will freeze

[oceangaia]

Originally Posted by airdrawndagger

I have a shutoff valve outside my house, next to an exterior spigot. Is it sufficient to turn that off and drain the lines? Don’t think I have the tool to open the box that holds the meter near the curb.

That's a lot better than nothing (it protects your house from major damage) but keep in mind you are responsible for the lines from the meter so if the line from the meter to your shutoff valve freezes and breaks, it's on your dime.

[oceangaia]

Originally Posted by detachable arm

That will at least protect the house. Drain at the low points, which is usually at the first floor bathtubs.

However the underground line from the meter to the house will still be pressurized, and could spring a leak. You won’t know it until you get a very muddy spot in your yard.

I don’t think you need any special tool to open the meter. Once you’re inside you can use a $5 set of vise grips to close the water valve at the meter. Usually it only takes a quarter turn and you’re done.

In advance, make sure the meter box is clear of mud and leaves and other debris. You'll have a tough time shutting it off if it is covered with frozen mud.