Time to winterize your home

AUSTIN (KXAN) - It costs the average home $40 to $50 to insulate the pipes outside of their homes. The cost of not insulating can be a lot higher.

"Even if it doesn't get really cold, better be safe then sorry," said Arie Freeberg of Breed & Co. off 29th Street.

But the mild winter so far is leaving some home owners in no rush to winterize their home.

"We just cross our fingers and say it will be OK," said one homeowner.

ABC Home and Commercial Services has a few suggestions to protect your home, in case winter throws Central Texas an unexpected blast.

"On these hard freeze nights, it's better to let the whole home get a little bit warmer, " Randy Pederson of ABC Home and Commercial Services.

The kitchen sink is a popular place for busted pipes.

"Open the doors over night because the warmth of the house will get back to the pipes better, "Pederson said.

When temperatures go below 25 degrees for a 24 hour period, drip your faucets.

The No. 1 safety measure this winter, know where your water cutoff valve is.

Odds are if your pipe busted so did other homeowners, keeping plumbers busy.

A good portion of cost from a busted pipe is not repairs but from damages.