Preventing frozen pipes is easy. Repairing the damage from frozen pipes that burst is not.

Few homes are truly immune to the threat of frozen pipes. Whether you live in a cold climate that expects deep freezes every year or in a “mild” area that only gets the occasional cold snap, one bad night of subfreezing temperatures can unleash a flood of destruction through your home.

Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of winter property damage — flooding basements, wrecking finished spaces, and quietly creating mold problems behind walls. The good news? With a little planning and a few simple habits, frozen pipes are one of the easiest disasters to prevent.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens when pipes freeze and burst, the quick steps you should take every time a cold snap is coming, and some longer-term upgrades that can protect your home for years.

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