How to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

Winter can arrive like a frosty blast in Minnesota with snow flurries and freezing temperatures, both of which can cause serious damage to your home. This time of year, many homeowners begin to wonder how to avoid frozen pipes—one of the most common and costly issues during the winter months. A single frozen pipe that bursts can leak hundreds of gallons of water inside your home within minutes, causing extensive water damage that requires emergency cleanup and restoration.

To avoid the devastation of frozen pipes, learn how to prevent this issue by taking precautions. And know that if it does happen, quick action on your part can lessen the extent of the damage.  Here’s what you need to know about frozen pipes, how to handle them if they burst, and what you can do to prevent a plumbing disaster this winter.

When the water temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), it expands. Standing water in pipes can quickly freeze and expand in Minnesota’s cold winter months if not properly insulated. As the water expands, it puts pressure on the pipe walls, which can cause them to crack or burst under this immense pressure. Even a small frozen section can block water flow and create pressure buildup, which often leads to a burst pipe.

Don’t be fooled into thinking your metal or plastic pipes are safe—these are also susceptible to bursting. Regardless of the type of plumbing system in your home, these conditions can make your pipes more vulnerable to freezing:

• Poor Insulation: Pipes running along exterior walls, in attics, basements, crawl spaces, or garages with poor insulation are most at risk because they are susceptible to the cold air.
• Sudden Temperature Drops: Rapid temperature changes can cause freezing even in pipes that are normally safe.
• Cold Drafts: Gaps around windows, doors, or foundation openings can allow frigid air to reach plumbing lines.
• Low Water Flow: If water isn’t moving, such as when you’re away on a winter vacation, the risk of freezing increases significantly.

The telltale sign of a frozen pipe is turning on the faucet and only a trickle of water comes out. If this happens, act fast but don’t panic. Responding quickly can help prevent costly damage. Follow these three steps at the first sign of a frozen or burst pipe:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply and Turn on the Faucets: Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. This stops more water from entering the plumbing system and reduces pressure inside the pipes. Turn on the faucets on your lowest level to also reduce pressure.
2. Turn Off Electricity if Needed: If water is leaking near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power at the breaker box before attempting any cleanup.
3. Call in the Professionals: Look for visible signs of leaks, damp spots, or frost on the exterior of the pipes. Even if you don’t see an obvious leak, frozen pipes can still crack internally. Call a plumber right away. If there are visible signs of water damage, call a restoration company that offers 24/7 water damage restoration services.

There are simple steps you can take to help unfreeze a frozen pipe. If you’re unsure where the freeze occurred—or if you can’t safely access the area—wait for the professionals. Otherwise, try one of these safe methods:

• Use a Hair Dryer: Start warming the pipe from the faucet end (the part closest to the open tap) and move slowly toward the frozen section. Keep the heat source moving and avoid direct contact with plastic pipes.
• Wrap with Warm Towels: Soak towels in hot water, wring them out, and wrap them around the frozen section of pipe. Replace them every few minutes until the water begins to flow again.
• Use a Space Heater: Place a space heater near—but not directly on—the frozen area to gently raise the temperature of the surrounding air. Keep it at a safe distance from any flammable materials.
• Open Interior Doors and Cabinets: Allow warm air to circulate around your plumbing, especially under sinks and along exterior walls.

Remember to keep faucets open so water can flow once the ice melts. And never use an open flame or blowtorch to thaw pipes—it’s a serious fire hazard.

Prevention is always better than water damage. These simple steps can go a long way in protecting your home:

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages. This extra layer helps retain warmth even when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Seal Drafts and Gaps: Inspect your home for areas where cold air can enter, especially near plumbing. Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps around windows, doors, and foundation openings.
• Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature: Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C), even when you’re away. A steady temperature helps prevent pipes from freezing in hidden areas.
• Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold: A small, steady trickle of water keeps water moving through the pipes and helps relieve pressure, reducing the chance of a freeze.
• Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Exterior Faucets: Drain water from outdoor lines and hoses before the first freeze. Leaving them connected can cause ice to back up into your indoor plumbing.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Have your plumbing system inspected before winter each year. Professionals can identify vulnerable pipes, fix minor leaks, and suggest upgrades like frost-proof spigots or improved insulation.

Even with the best preparation, unexpected freezing can still occur during harsh Minnesota winters. If you experience a burst pipe or water damage, you’ll need a water mitigation company. Restorations by Highmark is here to help 24/7. Our expert team specializes in water damage cleanup, structural drying, and full restoration to get your home back to normal.

We understand the stress that comes with winter water damage. That’s why we handle everything from emergency response to working with your insurance company, so you can focus on what matters most—your home and family.