As the temperatures begin to dip around the nation, it’s a reminder that fall has arrived and winter is just around the corner. With the Farmer’s Almanac predicting another frigid winter complete with extreme cold and heavy snow for many parts of the country, the time is now to prep your plumbing for the cold.

• Retire the outside water hoses and sprinklers for the season.
• Turn off the water valve to external pipes to prevent pressure from building up.
• Inspect all outdoor faucets for leaks and cracks and make any necessary repairs. Even a tiny crack could cause serious damage if left untreated.
• Cover outdoor faucets with insulation or plastic bags to add a layer of protection between snow, ice and cold and the pipes.
• Inspect gutters and downspouts for debris which can cause water to pool and freeze, causing damage to your house.
• If you plan to take an extended trip this winter, add a calendar reminder to your phone to shut off the main water valve to your home. Don’t take the chance of returning home to an “ice house.”

Don’t let the winter weather catch you off guard. Fall is a great time to tackle these tasks before the extreme weather hits, which for some parts of the nation could be as early as November.