Drain Down & Isolation of Utilities

A vacant building can be vulnerable to leaks, frozen pipework and avoidable damage. SafeSite Facilities can arrange a property-specific drain down and utility isolation plan service to help protect your asset while it is empty.

Prepare the building for a period of vacancy

The right approach depends on the water system, heating, fire protection, sprinkler systems, existing alarm requirements and whether anyone still needs access to working services. We review those requirements before work begins. Draining a system or switching off a power supply without that assessment may leave other essential systems affected such as fire alarms and maglocks. Fire alarms, emergency lighting and sprinklers should stay operational unless your insurer and fire risk assessor agree otherwise.

Drain down and isolation of utilities also makes the property much less attractive to squatters. It is also often an insurance requirement and so checking unoccupied property insurance policy conditions is recommended.

Depending on the site, the agreed scope may include:

• Locating relevant stop valves, meters and accessible controls.
• Draining appropriate domestic water or heating circuits.
• Arranging isolation of specified gas, water or electrical supplies by competent trades, including Gas Safe registered engineers for gas, where required.
• Recording meter readings and the status of the services.
• Locking out isolated systems and documenting work for the property record.
• Sealing drained WC and sink traps to keep out drain odours and rodents.

Any utility supplier requirements, specialist disconnection or work on complex systems can be identified separately in the quotation. For commercial buildings, the asbestos register should be checked before any intrusive work.

Support throughout the vacancy

A drain down and utility isolation can sit alongside scheduled vacant property inspections, security measures and a plan for safe reinstatement before occupation.