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Clean regularly with non-abrasive cleaners, avoid pouring grease down the drain, and check for leaks under the sink.

If your sink is on an exterior wall that isn’t insulated, or if pipes travel through a cabinet against an exterior wall that prevents heated air from circulating around the pipes, the pipes can freeze, causing them to burst. The best way to avoid leaking sinks is to insulate the pipes and open cabinets in the short term to warm the water line up and prevent freezing.

Yes, even though frost-free and freeze-proof faucets are designed to withstand winter weather, it is still recommended to cover them with an insulated cap, especially during periods of extreme cold. These faucets work by keeping excess water inside the home's heated space and using a downward slope to drain, but this protection can be compromised. For the faucet to work correctly, you must always disconnect any attached hoses before temperatures drop below freezing, as a hose can trap water and lead to freezing. Ultimately, covering all outdoor faucets, even freeze-proof models, is the best way to prevent frozen and burst pipes.

How much it will cost to install an earthquake shut-off valve depends on who’s doing the installation. The price of the earthquake shut-off valve itself can cost between $250 and $750, and you’ll pay between $150 and $200 for labor if you hire a licensed plumbing contractor. If you install the valve yourself, you’ll save on labor, but you might need to spend $50 to $300 on the right tools for the job (and it’s a complex job that we don’t recommend DIYing).