Here's how to take care of the outdoor water faucets and other items before the cold weather really hits.

1. Outdoor Water Faucets (aka: Hose Bibs, Yard Faucets, Sillcocks)

• Frost-proof Faucets. Most outdoor faucets are the frost-proof type, including all newer homes. When nothing is connected to the faucet, turn the valve off and it will winterize itself. Otherwise, make sure to unscrew hoses, splitters, timers or anything else connected to the faucet. If anything is connected to the faucet, water can't drain out. Some faucets may have a vacuum breaker that requires pushing up a little stem to release the water that remains in the pipe. Any water left inside even frost-free faucets can cause the trapped water to freeze and expand, causing the frost-free faucet to split and leak in the spring.
• Non-frost-proof Faucets. If the handle is on the top part of the faucet, it is probably not a frost-proof faucet. The non-frost-proof faucet should have a shut-off valve inside the house close to the faucet. Turn off the valve inside the home and open the valve outside the house to let any water drain out.
• Caulk any air gaps or openings around the outdoor faucets. Sealing the gaps on the outside of the home will prevent the cold air from blowing in.

2. Sump Pump Discharge Hoses.

Sump Pumps are the last line of defense to protect a home against flooding. The hose removes any water to a safer location away from the home's foundation. Make sure the hose is properly pitched at a downward angle away from the home so it can't trap water and freeze.

3. Main Vent Pipes.

Clear leaves from the main vent pipe on your roof. During winter, a clogged vent pipe can cause toilets to flush inadequately and waste pipes to drain poorly.

Nancy Wilkes represents the Professional Plumbers & Contractors (PPC), an organization representing union plumbers and contractors in Milwaukee, Wis. Her articles and videos help homeowners with tips to handle easy plumbing problems and solutions, including "green" plumbing, to keep plumbing systems properly maintained and even improved.