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Every year as winter approaches people routinely prepare for its cold temperatures and severe weather. We arrange for someone to plow our driveways, put snow tires on our cars and buy snow shovels and salt, but how many of us think about preparing the pipes in our homes for the cold temperatures the winter brings? Every year homeowners and insurance companies pay millions of dollars for damage caused by freezing and bursting pipes. Much of the expense and trauma associated with frozen pipes can be reduced if consumers take several simple preventative steps. The Insurance Council of New Jersey recommends that homeowners prepare the pipes in their homes for the winter months by:

Insulating pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically exposed pipes found on outer walls, in crawl spaces, the attic or the garage.
Wrapping pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables that keep the pipe at a constant temperature, usually around 70 degrees. You can purchase these products at most hardware stores, but be sure the tape or cables you buy are approved by an independent testing organization. An alternative to the tape or cables is wrapping the pipes with several layers of newspaper.
Sealing leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. A tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze. Check for leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to block off the cold air.
Disconnecting garden hoses, and if possible, using an indoor valve to shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets.
Installing vents at the base of walls in heated rooms adjacent to exposed pipes. On very cold days, these vents can be opened to allow warm air into the wall cavity to prevent pipes from freezing.

When winter temperatures reach extreme lows, ICNJ advises homeowners to be aware of the possibility that their pipes could freeze. There are several things to do to reduce this risk:

Let faucets trickle both hot and cold water overnight. This will relieve the excess pressure in the pipes which causes them to freeze and ultimately burst.
Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
If you go away during the winter months, keep the heat on, set no lower than 55 degrees and be sure to ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough. Also, consider shutting off the water and draining the water system. To do this, turn off the water at the main shut off valve and turn on every faucet (hot and cold) until the water stops running. Drain toilets by holding down the lever until tank empties.

If despite your precautions, you turn the faucet on and no water comes out, chances are your pipes have frozen. When this happens, turn off the water at the main shut off valve, turn all the faucets in the house on and call a plumber immediately.

If you must thaw the pipes yourself, do not use an open flame or propane torch. Not only could you start a fire, but you could create so much heat inside the pipe that the water can turn to steam causing an explosion. Thaw frozen pipes by wrapping them with a thick layer of rags and pour boiling water over the rags or by using a hand held dryer, heat slowly starting closest to the faucet end, working towards the coldest section of the pipe. Also, remember to never use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because of the risk of electrocution.