Aside from getting coal in your Christmas stockings, perhaps the most frustrating thing that can happen during winter is frozen water pipes. To prevent the mess and aggravation that comes with pipes freezing over, there are a few things you can do now.

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(MORE: Inspection Station: What to Check After Winter)

Before The Cold

According to the New York Department of Security and Emergency Services (NYSES), there are a few preventative actions you can take before winter sets in to ensure your pipes don’t freeze. First, locate and insulate the pipes in your home that are most susceptible to freezing. Those include pipes near outer walls and in the attic. Once located, wrap those pipes in heat tape and seal any leaks that would allow cold air in. Finally, disconnect hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to the outside. This reduces the chance of the pipes just inside the house from freezing.

During The Cold

Once winter has arrived, the NYSES has recommendations for how to keep those pipes in check all season. They suggest slightly opening cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to uninsulated pipes. For example, the pipes under your sink. Also, make sure your heat is on and never set to lower than 55 degrees. If you plan to go on a winter vacation, have a neighbor come check on your house daily or every other day to make sure the heat is still on and (if they’re a good neighbor) drain and shut off your water system.  

In Case A Pipe Freezes

Who wants to think about the worse case scenario? But in case your pipes do freeze, there are a few things you can do. Make sure you know how to shut off your water in case a pipe bursts. Stopping water flow early can minimize home damage. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame, and be careful of electric shock if you're standing in a pool of water. Quickly call a plumber and your insurance agent, and know that help is on the way.