Alright, so I had to get my place ready for the cold season since I won’t be around. It’s a bit of a project, especially since my house uses a well for water. Here’s how I did it.
Shutting Down the Water
First things first, I turned off the water. I went to the main water valve, which for me is located near the pressure tank, and shut it off. This stops any new water from coming into the house. Easy enough, right?
Draining the Pipes
Next, I had to drain all the water that was already inside the house. I started by opening all the faucets, both hot and cold. Don’t forget the ones outside! Then, I flushed all the toilets until the tanks were empty. This part took a bit of time, but it’s super important to get all the water out.
Dealing with the Water Heater
The water heater was a bit more involved. I switched it off completely – no need to heat water that’s not going to be used. Then, I attached a hose to the drain valve at the bottom and ran the hose outside. Opened the valve and let all the water drain out. This was a slow process, so I just let it do its thing while I worked on other stuff.
The Well Pump
Now for the well pump. I turned off the power to it at the electrical panel. Safety first! This ensures that the pump won’t try to fill the system while it’s being drained. I made sure to label the breaker, so I wouldn’t forget which one it was.
Protecting the Pressure Tank
The pressure tank needs to be empty too. Since I had already shut off the main valve and drained the pipes, most of the water was probably gone. But to be sure, I opened a faucet until no more water came out. This relieves any remaining pressure in the tank.
Adding Antifreeze (Optional)
Some folks recommend adding antifreeze to the pipes and drains. I decided not to do this, as my well system is designed in a way that it drains completely. But if you’re unsure, it might be worth looking into. Just make sure you use a non-toxic, plumbing-safe antifreeze.
Final Checks
Finally, I walked through the house one last time, making sure all faucets were open and everything was drained. I also double-checked that the water heater and well pump were off. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
So, that’s how I winterized my house with a well. It’s a bit of work, but totally doable. Just take your time, follow the steps, and you’ll be good to go. Now my place is all set for the winter, and I can relax knowing it’s protected.
