"A true misconception is that plumbers like to fix frozen pipes, somehow the public thinks that we plumbers enjoy thawing and repairing pipes. I of course am only speaking for myself, but I can truly say that I would rather not have to fix or thaw my customers pipes! I rather like to help my customers avoid such a catastrophe.
  A quick story to explain why I chose the word 'catastrophe'. Early spring 1976, a customer of the family (Luciano plumbing) takes a trip to Florida. He is not too concerned about the house or heating system in April.While enjoying the beautiful sun and fun of the "Sunshine State"his boiler goes into "safety" mode:in other words it shuts down!The temperatures plummet to the low twenties for three days or so.
Do you know what can happen to a house in those conditions?I will explain, first the cast iron radiators of the heating system froze; this caused the sides of these huge radiators to be blown right off! Then the toilets and copper tubing in the house as well froze! They also had burst, can you guess what happened when the weather warmed up?That's right! The water began flowing, everywhere!There was thousands and thousands of dollars of damage to that home, what can a person do to avoid such a catastrophe?  The following is not an exhaustive list, but a good guide for protection:        
                1.Add a temperature monitor to your alarm system
                2.When away have friend or family visit house each day
                3.Hire a house sitter!
                4.Be sure to check for drafts or broken windows etc.(wind chill)
                5.If there is a chronic problem of pipes freezing the water should be
                    kept running, a pencil size stream is a good gauge, even streams
                    in the wild will freeze if they run too slow!
                6.If heat tape is used, use strictly according to instructions (fire hazard)

I hope this list is a help, spring is coming but remember: the customer from 1976 had his loss in spring! One other help is to root for The Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl!It will at least make this plumber smile if we win! Go Pack Go!
     J J