Winter is almost here, and for many homeowners that will mean dealing with frozen and bursting pipes. If a pipe breaks, you might have to call a service like First General Services to fix water damage or even remediate mold, so it’s important to avoid this problem in the first place. Here are just five solutions that will keep your pipes from breaking and leaking once the temperature starts to drop.

1. Turn On Your Faucet

In some cases, you can prevent your pipes from freezing simply by keeping water running through them. You shouldn’t turn on your faucets all the way of course, but all you need is a small trickle to prevent freezing in extremely cold weather.

2. Leave Cabinet Doors Open

Cabinets that are located underneath sinks often hide exposed pipes. If you want to keep these pipes from freezing, simply open up the cabinets so that the plumbing receives plenty of warmer air while you are out. This is especially important if your kitchen sink is against an outer wall, as is often the case.

3. Disconnect Your Hose from your Outdoor Faucet

If you’re the type to leave your garden hose connected to an outside faucet at all times, don’t forget to disconnect it before it gets too cold outside. Leaving a hose connected will prevent water from draining out of the hose bib, which can cause it to freeze. Disconnecting your hose and putting it away safely for the winter will also keep it in good shape once the next spring comes along.

4. Keep the Heat On

If your home is occupied during the winter, you most likely will have your heat turned on. If you’re going to be leaving town for an extended period of time, you should still keep your thermostat turned to above 32 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.

5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Finally, you should take the time to insulate any exposed pipes in your basement or garage. These are especially vulnerable to the cold for obvious reasons. Plumbing insulation can be purchased at just about any hardware store, but if you don’t have any, some old blankets or towels held in place with duct tape will also do.

Broken pipes are a common problem in the winter, even in modern homes with plenty of insulation. As long as you follow these tips and keep an eye on your plumbing, your pipes should be safe this winter.