Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. Here are some tips to prevent your water pipes from freezing:

• Drip cold water in the farthest faucet from your main valve. Moving water keeps pipes from freezing.
• Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes
• When freezing weather is coming, turn off water to outside spigots and drain water from the line.
• Find shut-off valves for emergencies.

If your pipes happen to begin freezing, here are some ways you can thaw frozen pipes:

• Turn off water immediately at the main shut-off valve.
• Open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice.
• Apply heat to or around the pipe using a hair dryer. Keep all sources of heat away from flammable materials and do not use open flames, kerosene heaters, or blow torches.
• Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn water back on and check all joints for leaks and other areas for cracks that might have occurred as a result of the freeze.