DIY guideCottage

Bring the water back on and look for winter damage

Close the drains, open the main slowly, fill the water heater before its power goes on, and walk every pipe and tap for splits and drips.

9 steps

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Close the low-point drains, the pressure tank's drain and the water heater's drain valve.
Close every tap but the highest one in the house, which lets the air out as the pipes fill.
Open the main a little at a time and switch the pump on. Listen for water running where it shouldn't.
Open a hot tap and leave it until water runs steady, with no spitting.
Never switch on a heater with an empty tank: it burns out.
Walk every pipe you can see with a flashlight, under the floor too. Look for splits, drips and wet spots.
Run each tap, hot and cold, until the water runs clear of antifreeze, and flush each toilet a few times.
Watch the pressure tank's gauge as the pump fills it. It should climb, and the pump should stop on its own.
Switch the water heater back on. Lake or well water? Have it tested before anyone drinks it.
Water spraying, a pipe split by frost, or a pump that won't stop: shut the main off and ask Handyman for a plumber.

Handyman says: Split pipe? I'll find a plumber.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.