1 Leave the heat on low, around 45 degrees, so the moisture already in the house does not freeze and damage walls or painted surfaces. 
 2 If you have a water shutoff valve inside the house, make sure it is all the way off. If you don't have a water-shutoff valve, the utility company can turn the water off at the meter.&nbsp; 
 3 Before shutting off the water, turn off the electrical power or gas supply to the water heater, and then drain the tank by connecting a garden hose to the bottom drain and draining it to a sump pump or to the exterior.&nbsp; 
 4 Do not drain an electric water heater while the power is still on, or the heating elements will be damaged. After the tank has drained, disconnect the hose and leave the drain valve open.&nbsp; 
 5 Open all faucets inside the house, including the outside hose faucets, and disconnect the icemaker where it connects to the freezer. Use an air compressor to force or blow out residual water from the lines. Air compressors and fittings designed to connect to an outside hose faucet are available at most equipment rental stores.&nbsp; 
 6 Fill the drain-line traps below the sinks, tubs and showers with antifreeze to prevent any water from freezing. When adding antifreeze, use the nontoxic kind sold at RV dealers. Add a small amount of nontoxic antifreeze to the toilet bowl to mix with the water that remains in the bowl and add a small amount to the toilet's tank.&nbsp; 
 7 Alert local law enforcement about how long you plan to be away and leave a phone number so you can be reached in an emergency. Ask the police if they will check on your home occasionally. 
 -- Scripps Howard, News Service

1 Leave the heat on low, around 45 degrees, so the moisture already in the house does not freeze and damage walls or painted surfaces. 2 If you have a water shutoff valve inside the house, make sure it is all the way off. If you don't have a water-shutoff valve, the utility company can turn the water off at the meter. 3 Before shutting off the water, turn off the electrical power or gas supply to the water heater, and then drain the tank by connecting a garden hose to the bottom drain and draining it to a sump pump or to the exterior. 4 Do not drain an electric water heater while the power is still on, or the heating elements will be damaged. After the tank has drained, disconnect the hose and leave the drain valve open. 5 Open all faucets inside the house, including the outside hose faucets, and disconnect the icemaker where it connects to the freezer. Use an air compressor to force or blow out residual water from the lines. Air compressors and fittings designed to connect to an outside hose faucet are available at most equipment rental stores. 6 Fill the drain-line traps below the sinks, tubs and showers with antifreeze to prevent any water from freezing. When adding antifreeze, use the nontoxic kind sold at RV dealers. Add a small amount of nontoxic antifreeze to the toilet bowl to mix with the water that remains in the bowl and add a small amount to the toilet's tank. 7 Alert local law enforcement about how long you plan to be away and leave a phone number so you can be reached in an emergency. Ask the police if they will check on your home occasionally. -- Scripps Howard, News Service

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