Protecting vulnerable plumbing pipes from frigid winter weather can dramatically reduce the chance that a water pipe will rupture and flood your home. If left unprotected, the water inside the pipe can freeze, expand and literally rip open the pipe, causing a major leak. And depending on where the pipe is located, the resulting water damage can be extensive.For example, if a pipe ruptures on the second floor, you might not notice the leak until water has seeped through the first floor and down into the basement.Fortunately there are several do-it-yourself steps you can take to protect your plumbing pipes — and home — from water damage. Here are eight winterizing strategies:Install pipe insulationOne of the most effective and affordable ways to keep water pipes from freezing is to cover them with pipe insulation. And as an added benefit, hot-water pipes won’t cool down as quickly, which helps cut energy consumption. Pipe insulation comes in two basic types: foam-rubber sleeves that you slip onto the pipe, and insulated wraps that you wind around the pipe. Both types work well, but the sleeves are quicker and easier to install.Block crawlspace ventsIf your home has a crawlspace foundation, it likely has several air vents that allow fresh air to flow in and hot, moist air to flow out. However, during winter, cold air entering the vents can cause water pipes to freeze. After covering the pipes with insulation, temporarily block off the open vents with pieces of rigid polystyrene foam. Cut the foam at least 4 inches larger than the vent and secure it with double-sided tape, or length of wire: From outside, pass the wire around the vent’s louvers, through the foam block, and then twist together the wire ends on the inside. When spring arrives, be sure to unblock the vents.Fix drafty mudsillsThe mudsill is the lowest wood member in a house. It’s typically made of pressure-treated lumber and it sits right on top of the foundation. To stop cold air from blowing into the basement or crawlspace, fill any gaps under the mudsill with expanding foam sealant. Then, cut pieces of fiberglass insulation or rigid polystryrene foam to fit tightly between the floor joists and up against the rim joist, which is the wide board that sits on-edge on top of the mudsill.Install a frost-proof faucetOutdoor faucets, which are known as hose bibs or sillcocks, are particularly susceptible to freezing. One option is to install rigid-foam covers that simply slip over the faucet, but a much better option is to replace the existing faucet with a frost-proof sillcock. Frost-proof sillcocks have long stems that shut off the water deep inside the house, where it’s not exposed to freezing temperatures. And to make installation easier, join the new sillcock to the existing piping with push-fit solder-less fittings.Install a heating cableIn extreme situations when insulation alone can’t keep water pipes from freezing, protect them with an electric heat cable. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. Some heat cables are wrapped around the pipe, while others run alongside it and are secured with tape or zip ties. Then, simply plug the cable into an electrical outlet. The electrical current running through the cable will warm the pipe just enough to keep the water flowing.Consider a space heaterA strategically placed electric space heater can create just enough warmth to keep pipes from freezing. This approach is particularly effective in compact spaces, such as a small crawlspace or utility room. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, including never placing the heater near combustible materials.Open cabinet doorsIt's not unusual for water pipes running through a kitchen sink cabinet or bathroom vanity to be vulnerable to freezing, especially when the cabinet is against an exterior wall. To reduce the chance of the pipes freezing, turn up the heat and open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to flow into the cabinet. Another option is to place an electric space heater in front of the cabinets for an extra measure of cold protection.Turn off the waterFinally, if you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time during winter, turn off the main water valve and then open all the faucets and flush the toilets to drain the system of trapped water. And keep the thermostat at 50 to 55 degrees, which will help keep pipes from freezing.