Generally, it isn’t the inside pipes that you need to worry about.  They are protected by heat from inside the house.

No, the pipes at most risk are those that feed the outside of the house — the outside faucets and hoses.

One solution favored by the masses is to run the water at a drip during cold snaps.  But this does not always work and just wastes water that you will have to pay for.

A better solution is to get a styrofoam faucet cover from Lowe’s or Home Depot for about $5.00. This cover locks into place over the faucet and insulates against the cold.

It is minimal but very worthwhile investment to protect your outside faucets.