How To Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter in the Twin Cities
When winter hits the Twin Cities, freezing temperatures can put real stress on your plumbing. Water expands as it freezes, and that pressure can crack or burst a pipe. The damage can be costly, but with a few smart steps, you can prevent most frozen pipe issues before they start. The team at Right Away Sewer & Drain Cleaning works all winter to help homeowners avoid emergencies.
Know Which Pipes Are Most at Risk
Pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls face the highest risk. These areas cool down quickly, and copper or PVC pipes can freeze long before you notice a problem. A quick walkthrough of these spaces at the start of winter can help prevent surprises.
Prepare Your Home Before the Cold Arrives
Insulating exposed pipes with foam sleeves or pipe wrap is one of the simplest ways to prevent freezing. Heat cable can also help in problem areas. Many homeowners rely on Right Away Sewer & Drain Cleaning for this kind of prep, and details about those services are listed on the main site.
Sealing gaps around pipe entry points, foundation cracks, and wall openings keeps cold air from hitting pipes directly. Disconnecting outdoor hoses and shutting off exterior faucets also protects the short pipe section inside the wall, which is one of the first spots to freeze.
Smart Habits During Extreme Cold
Letting vulnerable faucets drip keeps water moving and reduces the chance of freezing. Keeping your thermostat at a steady temperature is also important during overnight lows. The Department of Energy explains recommended settings in its programmable thermostat guide.
Opening cabinet doors under sinks helps warm air reach pipes along exterior walls.
What To Do If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts
If a faucet slows to a trickle, you may have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open and warm the line with a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use an open flame. If a pipe bursts, shut off your main water valve right away.
When You Should Call a Professional
If freezing becomes a recurring issue or you suspect a leak, it’s best to call a trained technician. Information about repair and prevention options is available on our Residential Services page. If you need immediate help or want to schedule seasonal work, the fastest way to reach us is through our Contact Us page.
Help is always on the way, especially during the coldest months.