1. Make sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris.The rain water needs to flow down the gutters else it can cause damage.
2. Switch the water valve shut, and then open the outside valve to drain out the remaining water. This will protect the pipes that lead to the outdoors from freezing. Detach your hoses and cover the hose bibs to prevent them from freezing. You can buy the covers from Amazon or Home depot at any local hardware store.
3. Have your furnace serviced every 3-4 years. Change out your furnace filter every year too.
3. Have your sprinkler system winterized and blown out so that there is no residual water in them. Residual water can freeze and hence cause damage to the system.
5. Check your crawlspace and corners of the basement to make sure there is no water in those areas.
6. If you are going to be out of town, please keep the room temperature above 60 degrees. Please also open the kitchen sink cabinet doors if the sink is next to an exterior wall, so the heat can get in to prevent plumbing from freezing.
