Our recent arctic blast has kept local plumbers busy with frozen and bursting pipes and odds are, it won't be the only time this winter when homeowners could face the inconvenience and expense of frozen pipes. But here are ways to minimize the danger and safely thaw your pipes if they do freeze.

Water's unique property is that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever contains it, including metal or plastic pipes. Expanding water can cause pipes to break. And as you might expect, the pipes that are most apt to freeze are those exposed to severe cold, such as your outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or even kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls with little or no insulation are also vulnerable to freezing.

To prevent frozen pipes, drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer's directions. Never put antifreeze in these lines unless that is recommended by the manufacturer. Also, remove, drain, and store any hoses that are used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying the outdoor hose bibs. Then open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Check around your home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

Consider is installing specific products made to insulate water pipes such as pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape in exposed or vulnerable areas. Newspaper can also be effective. Even a fourth of an inch of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas like the Puget Sound that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

And when the temperatures plummet again, keep your garage doors closed, especially if you have water supply lines in the garage. It's also a good idea to open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, which allows the warmer air in your house to circulate around the plumbing. Just be sure to remove any harmful cleaners or household chemicals that might intrigue small children or pets.

Here in the Northwest we are dedicated to sustainability but if the temperatures are well below freezing, let the water drip from any faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at just a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Finally, keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night. It may raise your heating bill slightly but it will cost a lot less than a costly plumbing bill or water damage from a burst pipe. This also applies if you are going away during a cold snap. Keep your heat set to at least 55 degrees while you are gone.

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. You want to keep the faucet open as you treat the pipe. You can try wrapping an electric heating pad around the pipe, an electric hair dryer or even a portable space heater. You can also try wrapping the pipe in towels soaked with hot water. Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or any other open flame device. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, or if it is not easily accessible, call a qualified professional.