Winter in the North Metro Minnesota area is no laughing matter. With heavy snowfall and temperatures plummeting into the single digits, frozen pipes are a common problem for residents. By following these essential tips for preventing frozen pipes, you can avoid emergency plumbing issues like burst pipes, home flooding, and expensive cleanup costs.

Don’t Turn Your Heat Off if You Go on Vacation

If you’re planning a winter getaway from the North Metro area, especially during the holiday season, think twice before turning off your heat. While you might save a little on energy costs, the risk of returning to burst pipes is far greater. Instead, keep your heat running at a safe temperature—typically between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This small step can prevent frozen pipes and save you from costly damage and repairs.

Monitor Your Home

Monitoring your home while you’re away during the winter is a smart way to prevent potential issues, including frozen pipes that could lead to flooding. Consider setting up a remote monitoring system connected to your phone, so you can keep an eye on things from anywhere. Alternatively, ask a trusted friend or family member to check in on your home daily, walking through to ensure there are no leaks. Catching a burst pipe early is far better than coming home to a flooded house, unpleasant odors, and mold—a situation no one wants to face.

Turn Off the Main Water Supply

Turning off your main water supply before heading out on vacation is always a good idea, but it’s especially crucial during the winter to prevent frozen pipes. If you’re leaving pets at home with a sitter, be sure to leave enough bottled water for their needs, as the main water supply will be shut off. This simple step can protect your home from potential water damage while ensuring your furry friends are well cared for.

Let the Faucets Drip

When temperatures in the North Metro area start nearing freezing, let your faucets drip. This small but effective step keeps water moving through the pipes, reducing the risk of them freezing. After using the faucet—for instance, to wash your hands—be sure to set it back to a dripping position to maintain the flow and keep your pipes safe.

Check the Insulation

Winter is the ideal time to inspect the insulation around the pipes in your North Metro home. Check that it’s intact, in good condition, and free from mold. Damaged or deteriorating insulation isn’t protecting your pipes as it should, so if you notice any issues, it’s best to have it replaced by a professional plumber to ensure your pipes stay safe and sound.

Open Cabinet Doors

Cabinet doors do a great job of hiding what’s behind them and keeping kids and pets out, but they also block warm air from circulating around the pipes beneath your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room sinks. When these doors are closed, it’s harder for heat to reach the pipes, increasing the risk of freezing. To prevent this, leave cabinet doors open—especially overnight when temperatures are at their lowest. If the North Metro area’s daytime temperatures are extreme, it’s wise to do this during the day as well. If you have kids or pets, be sure to remove any hazards like cleaning supplies or chemicals before leaving the cabinet doors open to keep everyone safe.

Have a Plumbing Inspection

Scheduling an annual plumbing inspection for your North Metro home is a smart way to ensure your plumbing is in top shape—especially before winter sets in. This proactive step helps prepare your pipes for harsh temperatures and allows the plumber to check that your insulation is in good condition. If the plumber recommends any services, such as drain cleaning or leak repairs, it’s important to address them promptly. Taking care of these issues right away can prevent bigger problems, particularly if you’re planning to travel during the winter. Fixing potential trouble spots before leaving ensures you won’t return to unpleasant surprises.

Winterize Your Faucets

If you haven’t winterized your faucets yet, now is the time before winter to do so at your North Metro home. It’s a quick and easy task that can go a long way in preventing frozen pipes from bursting. Simply shut off the outdoor water supply, disconnect and store any hoses, drain the water from your spigots, and ensure all outdoor faucets are fully turned off. This small effort can save you from costly repairs and headaches later on.

Checking for Frozen Pipes

One of the most effective ways to protect your home during winter in the North Metro area is to regularly check for frozen pipes. When you wake up in the morning or come home from work, turn on your faucets to ensure water flows freely. While it might feel inconvenient, this simple routine is far better than dealing with the costly damage and stress of a burst pipe later on.

What Do I Do if My Pipes Are Frozen?

The first step is to confirm whether your pipes are actually frozen. Check your main water supply to ensure it hasn’t been accidentally shut off. If the water supply is on and water should be flowing, test your faucets to identify which ones are working. While it’s possible that none may work, you might find that one or more still have running water. At this point, it’s best to contact a plumber, even if some faucets are still functioning. Let them know which faucets are running and which are not. A professional plumber can locate the frozen section, safely thaw it, and inspect your pipes for any damage, such as leaks or corrosion. They can also provide valuable tips to help prevent your pipes from freezing again in the future.

Contact Us Today

Start preparing your home for winter now to avoid the hassle and expense of frozen pipes in the North Metro area. Don’t wait until temperatures dip below freezing—act today! If you need help winterizing your plumbing or have any questions, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® for expert assistance. We’re here to handle all your plumbing needs, including inspections, shower installations, toilet repairs, drain cleaning, leak repairs, and garbage disposal installations. Plus, we’re available for emergency repairs whenever you need us. Don’t risk costly damage—contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® today and enjoy peace of mind all winter long!