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COLUMBIA -- Weather across the Midlands is far colder than normal this week thanks to a blast of arctic air. The official reading at Columbia Metro airport Monday morning was 16 degrees, just three degrees shy of the record. The mercury measured 17 degrees Sunday morning.

With unusually cold weather expected to remain throughout the week, experts are cautioning everyone to take action now to prevent water pipes in your home from freezing and bursting.

According to State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson, the average cost of a claim related to water damage from frozen pipes is about $15,000.

Freezing temperatures can cause water in pipes throughout your home to freeze and expand, which can burst pipes and cause widespread water damage throughout a home.

“A small crack in a pipe can cause extensive damage,” said Gadson. "Spending a few minutes to protect your pipes could save you time and expense down the road."

State Farm also recommends the following tips to minimize your risk of freezing pipes::

• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to piping under sinks and vanities near exterior walls
• Run a small trickle of water from hot and cold faucets during extreme cold
• Keep exterior doors to unheated spaces closed as much as possible during winter months
• If you plan to be away for an extended period have the water system professionally drained or ask a neighbor to check on the house

Gadson also says homeowners can further reduce the chance of their pipes freezing by insulating pipes in unheated areas, disconnecting outside garden hoses and sealing any cracks in the outside foundation that lets cold air creep in beneath the house.