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 can cause problem too. Using pipe insulation liberally to protect any vulnerable pipes will save you in the long run. Keep garage doors closed, if there are water supply lines in the garage. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing if your sinks are on an exterior wall. If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F. For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

Faucets with low water pressure don’t run consistently while those with high water pressure can waste water and energy. Luckily, there are easy ways that you can adjust your water pressure for each faucet. If you want to increase pressure, you can try cleaning the aerator, rinsing the filter, or flushing the water supply lines. You can also fine-tune the shut-off valves to increase and decrease pressure. When you’re finished, your faucet should run like new!