Preparing (unoccupied) house for below zero temperatures?

[mjsx]

My house will be basically unoccupied for the next month or so. (Full renovation to start after that.) What sort of things need doing to prepare it for below zero temperatures, to avoid pipes bursting and such? I can turn the water off at the mains, but there's still going to be water in the pipes, so is that even worth doing … ?

 

Also, for the moment, the radiators all work. Is it a good idea to set things up so that they come on the keep the temperature above zero? Or is that not worth the risk of something going wrong in the heating system (I don't want to be going round to check for leaks, etc. every day)?

[Redbeard]

Think I'd drain everything down. Does the full reno include full re-piping? If so you don't even have to worry if you have not got lowest-point drain-cocks. Just cut the pipes.

[JohnMo]

I would switch off the stop cock, but leave heating on low, say 17 or 18.

 

Drain down the cold drinking water pipes, wouldn't hurt.

[twice round the block]

Turn off mains water, drain all hot and cold water systems.

If you won't be using the current central heating system again, then you can drain that down.

We've got a couple of oil filled radiators that are set up on timer during this cold spell just to keep the property above freezing point. As soon as the temperature changes next week these will be turned off again.

 

Everyone's situation is different as it depends on the type and build of the property and its location.