Keep your home at least 65 degrees
The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees might not keep the inside walls from freezing.
Close vents and seal up your crawl spaces
Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, and use a sealant/insulation to plug up any leaks.
Check the location for the main water shutoff in your home
And refresh your memory on—or learn—how it works, in case you have to use it.
Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly
In severely frigid temperatures, keeping water moving within the pipes will help prevent freezing.
Check that fireplaces, wood stoves, and electric heaters are working properly
Make sure there are no combustible items near the heat sources and watch them closely, especially the first time in the season you use them.
Keep your fireplace flue closed when you’re not using it
Remove any attached hoses and store them away for the winter
To prevent cracks, preserve their shapes, and prolong their life. Wrap outside faucets with covers to prevent water damage.
Shut off exterior faucets.
Drain water from outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads to protect against pipe bursts.
Ask a neighbor to check the house regularly any time you're away
If pipes freeze or if there's a water leak, quick action could mean far less damage. If you plan to be away for an extended time, have the water system—including swimming pool plumbing, if applicable—drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting.