10 Ways to Stop Pipes From Freezing

Winter in Minnesota can be beautiful, but it can also be harsh on your plumbing. When temperatures dip below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze, expanding and potentially causing them to burst. This not only creates a need for frozen pipe repair, but it can also lead to water damage. There are steps you can take to stop pipes from freezing in Minnesota’s cold weather. Here are some tips and DIY ideas:

How to Stop Pipes from Freezing

Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature both during the day and at night. A sudden drop in temperature can cause your pipes to freeze, so it’s important to keep the temperature consistent.

Keep your garage doors closed. If your pipes are located in your garage, make sure to keep the doors closed to protect them from the cold.

Insulate your pipes. Exposed pipes are more likely to freeze, so make sure to insulate any pipes that are located in unheated areas of your home, such as the attic or basement. You can use heat tape, foam pipe insulation, or even old towels to wrap around your pipes and keep them warm.

Allow faucets to drip. When the temperature outside is very cold, allow your faucets to drip slightly. This can help prevent your pipes from freezing by keeping a small amount of water moving through them.

Keep your cabinet doors open. If your pipes are located in your kitchen or bathroom, keep the cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around them.

Seal air leaks. Drafty windows and doors can let in cold air, which can cause your pipes to freeze. Make sure to seal any air leaks in your home to keep the cold out.

Disconnect your garden hoses. Before the winter weather arrives, make sure to disconnect any garden hoses from your outside faucets. This will prevent any water left in the hose from freezing and expanding, which can cause your pipes to burst.

Use heat lamps. If you have pipes located in a particularly cold area of your home, such as a crawl space, you can use heat lamps to keep them warm. Just be sure to use the lamps safely and keep them away from flammable materials.

Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature even when you’re not home. If you’re going on vacation during the winter, make sure to set your thermostat to the same temperature as when you’re home. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing while you’re away.

Know where your main water shut-off valve is located. In the event that your pipes do freeze and burst, you’ll need to shut off the water quickly to prevent any further damage. Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located so you can act quickly.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your pipes from freezing in Minnesota’s cold weather. However, even if you take all of these precautions, there’s still a chance that your pipes could freeze. If you suspect that your pipes are frozen, you should call a local plumber with Dean’s Home Services. A Dean’s Minneapolis plumber can assess and take the appropriate steps to thaw your pipes safely and prevent them from bursting.

Frozen pipes can be a major headache in Minnesota’s cold winters. But by taking some simple precautions, you can help prevent your pipes from freezing and save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress.