With temperatures expected to be below freezing tonight and tomorrow night in the listening area, homeowners are preparing water lines from freeze damage. Here are some tips:

• Close all foundation vents
• Disconnect garden hoses from outside water faucets
• Protect freeze-prone faucets with insulating covers
• Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines
• Knox where your main water shut-off value is located in case of a line break
• Protect exposed pipes with insulation
• Keep the lid to the water meter closed tightly
• Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures
• If you have pipes vulnerable to freezing, allow a small trickle of water to run to keep the pipes from freezing. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe
• Set thermostat to at least 55 degrees when you leave your house
• Drain lawn irrigation system of all water including the backflow device
• Remove, drain or protect exterior pumps on pools, saunas and fountains.