Freezing water can cause your pipes to expand and burst during the wintertime. Taking the time to seal leaks, disconnecting your garden hoses, and insulating your pipes (especially outdoor, attic, and crawl space pipes) are all preventative measures you should take before winter hits Southeast Michigan. Wrap outdoor pipes in protective sleeves or insulation. If you plan on traveling during the winter, be sure to set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees, shut off and drain your water system, and ask someone you trust to visit your home a few times a week to check on everything.