Are your pipes under pressure?

Dear Readers: Temperatures should be chilly over most of the country now. Have you given thought to the pipes in your home? Water expands in the cold weather—this can put pressure on your pipes. Which pipes are at risk for freezing? Pipes on exterior walls with little insulation, pipes in unheated areas of your home such as the basement and outdoor pipes for your pool or sprinkler system. Here are some hints to help keep pipes running and warm:

■ Keeping kitchen and bath cabinet doors open can allow warm air to circulate (place chemicals up and away from curious kids and pets).

■ When temperatures outside plummet, a dripping faucet can help prevent frozen pipes.

■ Going away on vacation? Experts agree: Don’t let the temperature in your home drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

For more hints on pipes, contact a licensed plumber in your area.—Heloise

TIPTOP SERVICE Hi, Heloise: I saw a recent letter in your column about tipping housekeeping staff. Maids at hotels and motels are among the lowest-paid and hardest-working women in the workforce. Many are single mothers supporting families and barely earning enough to make ends meet.

When checking out, we always leave money on the pillow.—E.S., Redondo Beach, Calif.

Etiquette rules say to tip the housekeepers between $2 and $5 per day, since you may have different housekeepers. Tip daily, and leave the tip in a labeled envelope.— Heloise