bathtub drain

Step-by-Step

Have the water department shut off the water valve outside your home, or do it yourself. Then open every faucet in the house, starting at the top of the system. Shut down and drain the water heater (see Maintaining and Fixing Water Heters, Related Projects). Detach drain hoses on dish and clothes washers.

valve

Look to see if you have a drainable valve or two -- often they are near the water meter. Open the drain cock on each. Drain supply lines completely. If you find a low-lying pipe that doesn't have a faucet or drain cock, open a union where two pipes join (see Removing old Threaded Pipe, Related Projects).

toilet

Flush toilets, then pour a gallon of antifreeze solution (automotive antifreeze mixed with water, according to directions on the container) into the bowl. This will start a mild flushing action. Some of it will remain in the toilet's trap. Pour antifreeze solution into all fixtures with a trap -- sinks, showers, bathtubs, and the washing-machine standpipe. If your house has a main house trap, fill the elbow portion with full-strength antifreeze.