How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

In cold climates there is the danger of having water freeze in your pipes causing them to burst and possibly cause extensive damage to your home. Here are a few simple steps to prevent that from happening.

Tools needed:
None

Materials:
Pipe insulation
Electric pipe freeze prevention cable
Thermostat unit
Electrical tape

Step By Step:

Step 1 – Turn off the shut-off valve for all outside faucets
Step 2 -  Keep the temperature in your home at a minimum of 55 F.
Step 3 – During extremely cold days let a trickle of hot and cold water run from the 
faucet that is farthest from the hot water heater.
Step 4 – Open the doors of your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to
circulate.
Step 5 – Locate pipes that are susceptible to freezing. These are usually located near
outside walls, in crawl spaces and attics. Wrap these pipes with pipe
insulation.
Step 6 – Freeze prevention cable can also be run along pipes that are closest to the 
cold. Secure the cable to the pipe using electrical tape then wrap it with pipe   
insulation. This cable can be plugged into a thermostat which in turn is
plugged into an electrical outlet. This is safer and saves electricity.
Step 7 – If leaving your house for an extended length of time shut off the valve of the
main water supply.