Frozen pipes, in many instances, can be avoided with a small amount of preparation and preventative maintenance. Following are tips to prevent freezing and bursting pipes during frigid weather.

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines. Do not use antifreeze in these lines as it is environmentally unsafe and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife and landscaping.
   
• In the fall, store all outdoor hoses indoors, being sure to close inside vales supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose taps to allowing water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe has the ability to expand without causing the pipe to break.
   
• Insulate all areas where water supply lines are unheated. Areas to look for are the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as fast as a cold water supply line can freeze if water is not running through the pipe.
   
• There are several different products to consider when preparing to prevent frozen pipes. These products include items made to insulate water pipes such as a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," for exposed water pipes. Many products are available at a building supplies retailer. Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape.
   
• Keep garage doors closed tightly if there are water supply lines in the garage.
   
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors and all other cabinet areas that are located on outside walls, to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to take all child safety measures that are necessary in your home.
   
• Allow the water to trickle slightly from the faucets during frigid weather. Running water will help to prevent frozen pipes.
   
• During frigid cold snaps, do not alternate temperature settings on your thermostat. Keeping your thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night will help to keep pipe temperatures consistent. If you are leaving for an extended period of time, set your thermostats no lower than 550F.
   

If you've already had frozen pipe problems, consider the following measures to protect your home in the future:

• Relocate exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. For example, if the home is being remodeled, a licensed professional plumber can relocate pipes.
   
• Increase the amount of insulation around outside pipes in basements, attics, crawl spaces and other areas that are subject to harsh cold weather.