This is an example of the kind of heat tape used to keep the water line from freezing as it goes from underground to inside the home. Newer homes all have an electrical outlet under the house near where the water line enters. This makes it convenient to plug the tape in there and minimizes the length required.
This second picture shows the tape uncoiled and fastened to the water line. This will be covered with some fiberglass insulation and that in turn covered with a water repellent plastic wrap. This kind of procedure works in areas like New Mexico where conditions are relatively mild. I would expect a much more substantial installation in a harsher climate.
If the lines do freeze in spite of such tricks as letting the water at the ends of the house trickle slowly you will have to get under the house and try to narrow down the problem area. If water to the whole house is off then it must be a problem in the main supply line and it might be a good idea to start by checking to make sure the heat tape is working and that there is power to the heat tape outlet. One of the favorite ways of burning the house down is using a propane torch to unthaw the lines. I would suggest that a blow dryer is probably safer.
You may also want to check out the page on frozen drain lines.