Don't let your pipes burst: What to do before and during a hard freeze

During the first hard freeze of the season, the last thing you want to worry about is a burst pipe in your home. Here's what you can do now and later for some peace of mind. Before the cold arrives, insulate exposed pipes in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Also, be sure to seal any air leaks and disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and sprinkler lines. Finally, make sure you and everyone in your home knows where the shutoff valve is. Then, when the freeze hits, let cold water drip from your faucets. Open cabinet doors under sinks. Keep garage doors closed. Don't set the thermostat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If a pipe does freeze, you can thaw it gently with a hairdryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water. Be sure to keep the faucet open. If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve and call a licensed plumber.