Preparing your plumbing system for winter or summer can help you avoid frozen pipes, leaks, bursts, and high water bills. To prepare your plumbing system for winter, you should: ○ Insulate your pipes with foam or fiberglass sleeves to prevent them from freezing and bursting. ○ Disconnect and drain your outdoor hoses and faucets to prevent them from freezing and cracking. ○ Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature above 55°F to prevent your pipes from freezing. ○ Open your cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around your pipes. ○ Run a trickle of water from your faucets to keep water flowing through your pipes. To prepare your plumbing system for summer, you should: – Check your sprinkler system for leaks, cracks, or broken heads and adjust the timer according to the weather and water restrictions. – Check your water heater for leaks, corrosion, or sediment buildup and flush it if needed. – Check your faucets, toilets, and showers for leaks and fix them as soon as possible to save water and money.