There are three main reasons why water pipes freeze.  Laura Gerhardt of Absolutely and Above Board Construction in Chesterton says according to the different insurance agency they work with,  the three causes of pipes to freeze are:   a quick temperature drop,  two days in-a-row of single digit temperatures and poor insulation around pipes-especially pipes that run along exterior walls.  Gerhardt says other reasons include, setting the thermostat too low at night because people have gotten used to dialing down at night.  She advises to keep the night time temperature set as the same as day time. 
As far as preventing pipes from freezing in the first place, Gerhardt advises insulating pipes that run on the exterior walls or wrapping pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. also to turn both hot and cold water taps inside the house so that just a trickle of a drip comes out to boost the temperature in the pipe just enough to keep it from freezing.  Other tips include to open cabinet doors under kitchen sinks or any sinks at night where pipes may not be insulated.  And of course, disconnect any outdoor hoses connected to a spigot on the side of the house.
Additionally, if a water pipe does freeze, Gerhardt says you still have options to keep them breaking including turning on the faucet to see if water is running, if not, she advises to wrap the pipe in a heat blanket, or use a hair dryer to try and warm the pipe. 
If your water pipe does freeze up or breaks and you need help, contact Laura Gerhardt at Absilutely Dry at (219) 926-7999 or log onto:  http://www.absolutelydry.net/

                             
                                                                                (from absolutelydry.net)
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