News 12 at 11 o'clock, January 14, 2009

Cold temperatures can cause freezing pipes. It could happen to some residents in the next few days If the necessary steps aren't taken to prevent it.

Here's some advice from local plumbers:

With the temperatures getting down to the single digits - it is a good idea to cover outdoor exposed faucets. There are items you can buy at a supply store that will help insulate the faucet heads.

Local plumbers also say its a good idea to leave water dripping to keep a steady flow of water,but they also offer this advice if you're not home to turn on the faucet.

"If you know the cold snap coming and you know you're not going to be home in a case like that, leave your heat on in the house. Don't cut your heat off. Leave it on at the normal temperature if you were home,"says John Owens, owner of Augusta's Benjamin Franklin, the Punctual Plumber.

Owens also says to cover those exposed pipes indoors and outdoors with cloths or rags to make sure they're insulated. Here's another tip: open cabinet doors to allow heat under sinks to keep those pipes warm. For outdoor pipes, its a good idea to cover them with rags or cloths.