How To Tell if Your Plumbing Pipes Are Freezing in Minnesota

Minnesota is no stranger to freezing cold winter nights, and these temperatures put your plumbing pipes at risk. When temperatures drop, the water in your pipes can freeze over. This doesn’t just mean that you don’t have running water, but it also puts your pipe at risk of bursting as the water freezes and expands.

In this blog, our plumbing team at Dean’s Home Services cover some common signs that your plumbing pipes are freezing and what to do about it.

6 Common Signs of Frozen Pipes

When temperatures fall below freezing, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of frozen pipes. The earlier you catch these signs, the better, as you can prevent the pipes from bursting.

Some common signs of frozen pipes to look for include:

• No water coming out of faucets: If you turn your faucets on and nothing happens, it could be because the water in your pipes is frozen.
• Low water pressure: Water pressure that is weaker than normal could be caused by water starting to freeze in your pipes.
• Visible frost on pipes: Do you see frost forming on exposed pipes? This is a strong indicator that your pipes are starting to freeze or have frozen over.
• Bulging pipes: Water expands when it freezes, which can cause your pipes to swell and look like they are bulging.
• Unpleasant odors: Sewage odors emanating from your drains can be caused by frozen pipes.
• Water damage or puddles: If you see damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, or puddles forming, a frozen pipe may have burst.

What To Do if You Suspect Pipes Are Freezing

If frozen pipes are left for too long, the expansion of the water and the buildup in pressure can cause the pipes to burst. This is a messy, expensive problem that can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it’s important to prevent this from happening. If you’ve noticed that your pipes are freezing, follow these steps to thaw them:

• Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve
• Open all faucets to relieve pressure
• Open cabinets under sinks
• Apply gentle heat from a hair dryer to frozen pipes
• Wrap frozen pipes in towels soaked in warm water
• Use space heaters in the area near the pipes

Make sure to only use gentle heat on your pipes and apply it gradually, otherwise you risk doing more damage. Never use open flames or kerosene heaters around your pipes.

When To Call a Licensed Plumber

When you notice frozen pipes, you should start taking DIY measures to thaw them. However, sometimes your pipes may be too frozen, in which case you’ll want to call a professional. If DIY methods haven’t thawed your pipes or if your pipes are bulging or swelling, it’s time to call a plumber. Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to fix frozen pipes, and they can also provide tips for preventing frozen pipes in the future.

Additionally, if your frozen pipe has burst, call a plumber right away. Burst pipes can lead to extensive damage if not addressed quickly.

Call Dean’s for Frozen & Burst Pipe Repairs

As a local team of professional plumbers, Dean’s Home Services is the one to call when you need pipe repairs in the Twin Cities area. Our team has served Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas since 1996, so we’re familiar with contending with the area’s freezing cold winters. We’ll work quickly to thaw or fix your pipes and restore your peace of mind.

Contact Dean’s today to schedule pipe repair and thawing services in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the surrounding areas.