When the temperature drops in Minnesota, homeowners face one of the season’s most stressful plumbing problems: frozen pipes.
That’s why it’s so important to act early and prevent frozen pipes before winter hits. Not only can they cut off water to your faucets, but if they burst, the repair bill can run into the thousands.
The good news is that with a few smart habits and a little preparation, you can avoid the hassle. If you’ve ever wondered how to prevent frozen pipes, this guide will walk you through proven steps from Minneapolis plumbers who deal with winter plumbing emergencies every year.
Why Frozen Pipes Are Such a Big Deal
Water expands when it freezes. Inside a pipe, that expansion creates enormous pressure, enough to crack copper, PVC, and even steel.
When a pipe bursts, thawed water can pour into your home, damaging floors, walls, and belongings. Home insurance may cover some of it, but the cleanup is still expensive and disruptive.
Minneapolis homes are especially vulnerable because of long stretches of sub-zero weather. Even newer houses with updated plumbing aren’t immune if pipes run along exterior walls, in attics, or through unheated basements.
Older Victorians, bungalows, and mid-century houses are particularly at risk since their plumbing often wasn’t designed with modern insulation standards in mind.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Start with pipes in crawl spaces, garages, or along outside walls. Foam pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install. For severe cold, plumbers recommend wrapping pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heating cables.
Think of it like giving your pipes a warm winter coat. In many Minneapolis basements, this one step prevents the majority of freeze-related calls plumbers receive.
2. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks
Cold air sneaks in through cracks around windows, doors, and where pipes enter your home. Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps. Even a small draft blowing directly on pipes can make the difference between free-flowing water and an ice blockage.
Pay close attention to basement windows and sill plates, common entry points for icy air.
3. Keep a Steady Indoor Temperature
Resist the temptation to lower your thermostat at night. A consistent indoor temperature, even when you’re away, keeps water moving and reduces the risk of freezing.
Energy bills may tick up slightly, but with this approach, you’ll avoid costly repairs and keep water flowing even during the coldest nights.
Plumbers often advise setting the thermostat no lower than 55°F, even if you’re out of town for several days.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
Kitchen and bathroom sinks often sit against outside walls. By opening the cabinet doors, you allow warm household air to circulate through the plumbing.
This simple step is especially helpful on nights when temperatures dip below zero. A homeowner in South Minneapolis once avoided a frozen-pipe disaster during a polar vortex simply by leaving cabinets under her kitchen sink open.
5. Let Faucets Drip
When a cold snap hits, letting faucets run at a slow trickle can keep water moving through vulnerable pipes.
Flowing water is less likely to freeze. It may feel wasteful, but it’s far cheaper than a plumbing emergency. Many Minneapolis plumbers advise this trick during Arctic blasts, especially for sinks located in older additions or above unheated garages.
6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses attached allows water to freeze back into the faucet and connected pipes.
Always disconnect and drain hoses before the first freeze. If your home has a shutoff valve for outdoor spigots, close it and drain the line. This step is often overlooked but is one of the leading causes of winter plumbing calls in the Twin Cities.
7. Add Extra Heat in Trouble Spots
If you know certain areas in your home are prone to freezing, like basements or crawl spaces, consider placing a space heater nearby during bitterly cold nights.
Just be sure to follow safety precautions: keep heaters away from flammable items and never leave them unattended.
Some homeowners also install permanent vented heaters in garages to protect both plumbing and vehicles.
8. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Professional plumbers can identify at-risk pipes you may not notice. They’ll check insulation, assess older plumbing, and recommend upgrading old pipes if they pose a risk during extreme Minneapolis winters.
An inspection before winter provides peace of mind and ensures you’re prepared for the deep freeze. Many local plumbers even offer winterization packages that combine inspection, insulation, and maintenance.
9. Know How to Shut Off Your Water
Even with all the precautions, accidents can happen. If a pipe does burst, knowing how to quickly shut off your home’s main water valve can minimize damage.
Every family member should know its location and how to operate it. Plumbers often suggest practicing once before winter hits, so you’re not fumbling in a panic if the worst happens.
Common Misconceptions About Frozen Pipes
Homeowners sometimes underestimate how quickly pipes can freeze. A common myth is that it takes days of cold weather, but in reality, pipes can freeze solid in just a few hours of subzero exposure.
Another misconception is that newer plumbing materials don’t freeze. While PEX tubing is more flexible than copper or PVC, it’s not immune to bursting under extreme pressure.
Finally, many assume pipes inside walls are always safe. If insulation is poor, those hidden lines can freeze just as easily as those in the garage.
What to Do If Pipes Start to Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, it’s a warning sign. Turn up the heat, open cabinet doors, and apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or space heater near the pipe’s path.
Never use an open flame. Plumbers see fires every year from people trying to thaw pipes with torches. If water flow doesn’t return quickly, it’s best to call an emergency plumber who can safely restore your pipes without causing further damage.
Why Professional Help Matters
DIY methods can go a long way, but professional plumbers bring added security. From installing heat cables to rerouting vulnerable lines, they know how to tailor solutions for your home’s layout and Minneapolis’ climate.
More importantly, they can safely thaw pipes if they do freeze. Leaving frozen pipes untreated risks bursting, which multiplies the damage.
Stay Ahead of Winter Plumbing Problems
The key to keeping pipes from freezing is preparation. Learning how to prevent frozen pipes with the right steps, like insulation, sealing drafts, and steady heat, can protect your home from costly water damage.
And if you ever face a plumbing freeze you can’t handle, trust Do It Right Plumbing Sewer & Services for expert frozen pipe solutions.
Our work goes beyond winter emergencies; we take care of leak repairs, toilet repairs, and kitchen drain problems, along with many other plumbing needs that keep your home protected year-round.
Contact us today, and let’s keep your plumbing in top shape!