Frozen pipes are one of the most common, costly and avoidable ways winter can wreak havoc on your home. A burst pipe isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a hazard that could cause extensive water damage to a home if not properly addressed.

Once temperatures are below freezing, water pipes can freeze up in just a matter of hours, especially in buildings that are not well-insulated or properly climate-controlled.

Pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing tend to be those exposed directly to cold weather, like outdoor hoses and sprinkler lines; water supply pipes in unheated areas, like basements, attics and crawl spaces; and pipes that run along exterior walls.

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