A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons in an hour. The good news: nearly every frozen-pipe call we take could have been prevented with a few minutes of prep in October.
Disconnect garden hoses
A hose left on an outdoor spigot traps water in the valve. Disconnect, drain and, if you have them, close the interior shut-off for each hose bib.
Insulate exposed runs
Foam pipe sleeves cost about a dollar a foot. Prioritize crawl spaces, garages and any line running along an exterior wall.
Let faucets drip on the coldest nights
Moving water resists freezing. A pencil-thin trickle on the fixture farthest from your main is enough.
Know where your main shut-off is
If a pipe does burst, every minute counts. Find your main valve now, make sure it turns, and show everyone in the house.