When you think about the fact that on average, a quarter of a million families see their homes ruined by burst pipes every winter, it becomes obvious that this is a serious risk that you need to keep in mind. When you want to make sure that you aren't going to suffer from wet, cold mess that could have serious repercussions on your finances, make sure that you take a few basic precautions.

First, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Before the cold even hits, take the time to insulate the pipes in your crawl spaces and in your attic; an exposed pipe is a pipe that has a higher chance of bursting. Heat tape and thermostatically-controlled heat tables can be used to wrap your pipes, but make sure that you know whether they are intended for indoor or outdoor use. Similarly, check the exterior walls near the pipes. Do you feel any cold air leaks around your dryer vents or electrical wiring? Patching these holes can ensure that your pipes keep running this winter.

When you are facing a particularly cold night, there are definitely a few basic precautions that you can take in order to make sure that you don't wake up to burst pipes. For instance, just leaving a trickle of hot and cold water can keep your pipes from freezing over, especially if you are dealing with a faucet that is located on an exterior wall. If you have pipes under the sink or tucked inside cabinets, leaving your cabinets open will make sure that they are not shut away from the warmth of your home during the night.

One concern that a lot of families face is the issue of whether their home will still be in good shape when they return from the holidays. If you are leaving for a span of days in the winter, make sure that your thermostat is set no lower than 12°C. This will keep your pipes in good shape. Ask a friend or a neighbour to check the house every day or every other day to make sure that it is warm enough. Some people like to go the extra distance to shut off and drain the water system. If you do this, bear in mind that this will deactivate your fire protection sprinkler system, if you have one.

Having your pipes freeze can be an expensive and traumatic process. Don't take chances this winter and always remember that you should never try to unfreeze a pipe with a torch or with any other open flame. If you suspect that you do have a frozen pipe, you may wish to try using a hairdryer to open it up. Start at the faucet and work your way to the colder end of the pipe.

There are lots of tips for keeping your pipes from bursting, but simply being mindful and being aware of this serious issue can go a long way.