Ohio and Indiana winters are known for freezing temperatures, and the plumbing in and around your home can be particularly vulnerable when the thermometer drops.

Water expands as it freezes, putting tremendous pressure on the pipe containing it. That pressure can cause both metal and plastic pipes to break, potentially resulting in significant water damage once the frozen water begins to thaw.

Fortunately, a little preparation before winter arrives can go a long way.

Know Which Pipes Are Most at Risk

According to the American Red Cross, some of the pipes most susceptible to freezing include:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines
• Pipes in unheated basements and crawl spaces
• Pipes in attics
• Plumbing inside garages
• Pipes underneath kitchen or bathroom cabinets
• Pipes located against exterior walls with little insulation

Take a walk around your home in the fall and identify any plumbing located in these vulnerable areas.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipe sleeves and properly installed, UL-listed heat tape or heat cable can provide additional protection for exposed water lines. Adding insulation to areas such as attics, basements and crawl spaces can also help those spaces maintain higher temperatures.

If you're unsure how to safely insulate or protect a particular pipe, contact a qualified plumber.

Don't Forget Outdoor Faucets

Before freezing temperatures arrive:

• Disconnect garden hoses.
• Drain and store hoses for winter.
• Close interior valves supplying outdoor faucets when your plumbing configuration allows it.
• Drain the exterior faucet and associated line according to your home's plumbing setup.

These simple tasks can help prevent water trapped in outdoor plumbing from freezing.

Take Extra Precautions During Extreme Cold

During particularly cold weather, keep garage doors closed when water lines run through the garage. Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors can allow warmer household air to circulate around plumbing located underneath sinks.

For particularly vulnerable pipes, allowing a small trickle of water to flow through the faucet may also help prevent freezing.

And if you're leaving home during freezing weather, don't simply shut off your heat. The American Red Cross recommends leaving the home's heat on and setting the thermostat no lower than 55°F.

Prepare Before the Freeze

Frozen pipes often become an issue when homeowners least expect it. Taking time in the fall to inspect exposed plumbing, disconnect hoses and address vulnerable areas can help reduce the chance of an unpleasant surprise this winter.

A little preparation now could save you from a much bigger cleanup later.