Many times there is a need to winterize a home in the cold climates. Please be aware that it is more than just draining off the pipes. I was just at a so called "winterized" home that had two burst pipes. One of these was on the main line under the floor in the kitchen, (this house had no basement). The repair on this pipe was very difficult and could have been disastrous if attempted by an untrained person. Why did this happen? Because proper care had not gone into the winterization. You cannot just drain off the plumbing system; it needs to be blown out thoroughly
with an air compressor using high pressure. Even a small amount of water left in the piping will result in a break. As far as the drain pipes and toilets you need to use RV anti-freeze in the toilets and traps of the fixtures. Never use auto anti-freeze as this is deadly poison and unsafe for the environment. Use straight RV anti-freeze un-diluted, be sure to use enough in toilets and traps. The bowl and tank of the toilet has to be filled with the RV anti-freeze. And tub, shower, and sink traps.
You can successfully winterize your home with the proper procedure. Or you can sell your home and get a winter home in a summer climate...
                               Thanks, JJ