Protect your pipes from freezing

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors

This allows warm air to circulate, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. 

Drip faucets if necessary

If prolonged freezing temperatures are in the forecast, some residents may wish to drip their faucets to avoid water freezing in the lines. Only faucets along an exterior wall need to drip. A single, steady drip or stream no wider than a pencil lead is suffice to keep lines from freezing.

Wrap all pipes in unheated areas

Pipes in unheated areas such as the crawl space under the house, attic, garage and unheated basement should be wrapped to prevent freezing. Use insulating tape and wrap it over the entire length of exposed pipe. You can also use flexible molded pipe sleeves. Cover all valves, pipe fittings, etc. with insulating tape or fiberglass.

Protect outdoor pipes and faucets

In some homes, the outside faucet has its own shut-off in the basement in addition to the shut-off valve for the entire house. If you have a separate valve for outside faucets, close the valve, remove hoses, and drain the faucet. If you do not have a separate valve, wrap the outside faucets (hose bibs) in newspapers or rags covered with plastic. You can also use a foam cover found at your local big box store.

Winterize your sprinkler system

Check the manufacturer's instructions for the best way to do this. Turn off your sprinkler system controller. Don't forget to drain your backflow device before freezing weather. 

Turn off all your water and drain your system if you are leaving for a long time

Turn off the main shut-off valve, then turn on all faucets, sinks tubs, showers, etc. and flush the toilets. Turn off the water heater. Then go back to the main shut-off valve and remove the plug so it can drain completely. Leaving your furnace on a low setting while you are gone helps, but it may not prevent freezing.

Know where your main water shutoff is located in case of an emergency