The good news is that winter iplumbingrepair2s half way over—you’ve already detached your hoses from your spigots and put them away for the season. Since we are on to the second half of the season, we’d like to share more top plumbing tips to protect your home against leaks and burst pipes during frigid temperatures.

Prevent frozen pipes by insulating them with foam padding, letting water drip from the faucet, and leaving cabinet doors open to circulate warm air. Make sure to check exposed pipes that aren’t as easily protected from cold temperatures such as those in garages, basements, workshops, and other places. And keep an eye out for frost, ice, or cracks—all signs of freezing.

Monitor your drains and treat them with drain cleaners at least once a week. Cold temperatures allow clogs to solidify more easily, so it’s important to use drain cleaners followed by hot water to maintain a clear drain and efficient water flow.

Give your garbage disposal a break by watching what you put down your drain. Grease and oil are more likely to collect and solidify in drains when plumbing is cold, so find an alternative disposal option. Foods that are hard to grind or stringy can also clog your drain—be sure to run cold water through your disposal for 15 seconds before and after use to ensure food is not sitting in it.