The several inches of snow that has hit the Ohio Valley will come and go. The absolutely frigid temperatures coming with that snow will linger for a while — and that could spell big trouble for homeowners.

The National Weather Service isn’t predicting a high temperature above 19 degrees for the rest of the week. The lows are forecast to dip to 0 several days. That’s not good news for homes with exposed pipes.

When water freezes, it expands. If it expands too much, it can burst through those pipes and create a catastrophe, especially with the inclement weather.

AAA has some tips for homeowners to lessen the risk of a burst pipe.

– Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving. That’s a big one. Moving water should hold off the freezing process enough to keep pipes safe.

– Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.

– Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when away from home.

– Know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case a pipe bursts.

A burst pipe isn’t just a big, wet mess. It can be a big repair bill. If it happens when you’re away from home, it can be a huge water bill. A homeowner wants none of those things in weather like this, so follow the above tips to keep your pipes safe and your life easier.