As temperatures drop during fall and winter, improperly insulated water pipes can freeze, rupture and release up to 250 gallons of water per day. Use these tips to protect your pipes and avoid ruptures before the cold weather hits:

1. Let hot and cold water trickle from a faucet on an outside wall during the night.

2. Wrap pipes with UL-approved heat tape.

3. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to reach pipes beneath sinks or appliances near outer walls.

4. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

5. Shut off and drain your outdoor irrigation system in the Fall.

6. Keep the heat on and set thermostats to no lower than 55° F.

7. Prevent freezing while away by asking someone to check your or home or office daily to ensure heat remains on or drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

Learn more about preventing leaks and what to do if a leak occurs by reading about how to Fix and Prevent Water Leaks.