Hi folks.

I bought a little house in middle of rural Missouri. My neighbor lives
in his house next door for 50 years, and he told me that my house has
a history of frozen pipes. Unfortunately, I have to travel in
December, and the house will be likely empty for two weeks. He told me
that I should get straw bales and put them around the house to prevent
freezing. But is that enough? But a friend of mine told me that I
might get bugs inside using organic stuff around the house.

Through the purchase of the house, I have not much money left anymore.
I can afford an expensive pipe prevention system right now.
I also had to buy a new water heater and pipes because the former
owner allowed the pipes to freeze last year.

Do you know any cheap way to prevent my pipes from freezing also when
I am gone in December for 2 weeks?

I appreciate your advice.

Johnny