Cold Weather Protection

Standard Freezing Weather (above 28 F)

Cover all exterior hose bibs with insulating covers, making a seal with the wall. If a cover is not available, wrap in towels and duct tape and cover in a plastic bag.
Open hot and cold lines for faucets along an exterior wall to a slow drip while temperatures are below freezing (5-10 drips per minute)
Houses with pier and beam foundation should also open faucets for interior fixtures
To quiet drip sound, tie a string around the faucet and lead it to the drain, allowing water to run along the string.
Maintain heat on at least 65 F

Familiarize yourself with location and operation of the main water shutoff valve and have tools ready in case you need to turn off water service.

Option 1: Continuous drip

Remove insulating covers from exterior hose bibs
Open all exterior hose bibs to a drip: 30 drops per minute for 20 F, 60 drops per minute for 15 F, small steady stream for 10 F, steady stream for 5 F
Wait 2 minutes and verify the drip rate stabilizes as the rate can change. Adjust as needed.
Periodically verify that the faucet is still dripping at the correct rate while temperatures are below freezing
Open hot and cold lines for faucets along an exterior wall to a slow drip while temperatures are below freezing (5-10 drips per minute)
Maintain heat on at least 65 F

Option 2: Create an air gap for exterior hose bibs

Turn off water service at main water shutoff valve
Open all exterior hose bibs to drain water
Open an interior faucet to allow residual water to drain from the system
Close all exterior hose bibs and interior faucet
Turn on water service at main water shutoff valve
Verify that exterior hose bibs do not leak
Cover exterior hose bibs with insulating covers
Open hot and cold lines for faucets along an exterior wall to a slow drip while temperatures are below freezing (5-10 drips per minute)
Maintain heat on at least 65 F

If you lose water pressure and expect continued freezing temperatures:

Turn off water service at main water shutoff valve
Open all exterior hose bibs to drain water
Open an interior faucet to allow residual water to drain from the system
Leave all interior and exterior fixtures open to prevent pipes from bursting by allowing residual water room to expand
Cover exterior hose bibs with insulating covers
When water service returns, close all interior and exterior fixtures before turning on water service at main water shutoff valve