Pipe freezing is often more than a minor annoyance and expense. Basements, walls, ceilings, floors, and personal possessions can all be ruined. Damage from frozen pipes is sometimes covered by insurance, but depending on the circumstances, you could be paying for repairs out of pocket. Regardless of who pays, major damage can take weeks until the mess gets repaired. Obviously, taking precautions so that your pipes don't freeze is a much better option.
 
You can prevent disaster in your home by following these simple steps:
 
Before the cold weather hits...

• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic.   Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. The more insulation you use, the better.

• Seal leaks around the pipes located inside your home. Use caulk or other insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With frigid weather, even a tiny crack can cause a pipe to freeze. (This could also save on your heating bill)

• Disconnect garden hoses, sprinklers, and shut off the valve leading to outdoor faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing the pipes connecting to the house.

 
When the temperature dips down to freezing...

• Trickle warm water. A small trickle of hot and cold water over night may be all it takes to prevent your pipes from freezing.

• Open cabinets to allow heat to get to pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

 
If you leave the house...

• Set the thermostat in your house to at least 55°F (12°C).

 
If your pipes freeze...
Don't take chances. Leave the faucets on and call a plumber. If your water pipes have busted, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house but leave the water faucets turned on. Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame. It's possible to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.