When temperature starts falling, the risk of your pipes being frozen and bursting is high. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during cold weather and can cause thousands in water damage, easily $4,500 or more. The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls are potential to freeze.

The good thing is that there are some simple things you may do to keep your water running and your house dry. Here’s what to do in conserving water and heat:
– Keep garage doors closed, mainly if there are water supply lines in the garage.
– Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
– Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
– Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Yet again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
– If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature not lower than 55° F.
– For the long term, add lining to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will preserve higher temperatures in those areas. And to avoid drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.