When Minnesota temperatures drop below freezing, frozen pipes become one of the most common (and expensive) plumbing emergencies homeowners face. A frozen pipe can burst without warning, leading to major water damage, ruined belongings, and costly repairs.

The good news? Frozen pipes are preventable with a few simple steps.

Below are 7 practical tips to prevent frozen pipes and keep your home protected all winter long.

1) Know where your pipes are most vulnerable

Frozen pipes usually happen in areas that don’t get enough heat, such as:

• Unfinished basements

• Crawl spaces

• Attics

• Garages

• Exterior walls (kitchen and bathroom sinks)

• Near rim joists

Pro tip: If you’ve frozen once before, you’re more likely to freeze again in the same area.

2) Insulate pipes in cold areas

Pipe insulation is inexpensive and makes a huge difference.

Insulate:

• Water lines in crawl spaces

• Pipes near exterior walls

• Lines in unheated areas

• Garage piping

This is one of the best returns-on-investment you can make for winter protection.

3) Keep garage doors closed

If your garage has plumbing lines running through it (very common), leaving the garage door open can rapidly drop the temperature around those pipes.

Even if it’s just for a short time, that cold air can be enough to freeze a pipe.

4) Let faucets drip during extreme cold

When temperatures are dangerously low, letting a faucet drip slightly can prevent freezing.

Why it works:

• Moving water is harder to freeze

• It relieves pressure in the line (which reduces the chance of bursting)

Best practice: Drip the faucet farthest from where the water enters the home.

5) Open cabinet doors under sinks

Kitchen and bathroom sink pipes often sit against exterior walls. If cabinet doors stay closed, warm air can’t circulate.

Open the doors to allow heat from the room to reach the pipes—especially overnight during cold snaps.

6) Maintain consistent indoor heat

One of the biggest causes of frozen pipes is turning the thermostat down too low at night or when leaving town.

To reduce risk:

• Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature

• Don’t shut heat off completely

• Keep interior doors open to help airflow

If you’re leaving town: Set your thermostat no lower than 60°F.

7) Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

Outdoor spigots are one of the first places pipes freeze.

Before winter:

• Disconnect garden hoses

• Drain hoses and store them indoors

• Shut off and drain exterior lines (if you have an interior shutoff)

If you have older outdoor faucets, consider upgrading to a frost-proof spigot.

What to Do If You Think a Pipe Is Frozen

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

1. Turn on the faucet (hot and cold) to relieve pressure

2. Check for visible frost on exposed piping

3. Use a hair dryer or warm towels to thaw slowly (never use an open flame)

4. If you see bulging, cracks, or leaks—shut off the main water immediately

Frozen pipes can burst while thawing, so acting quickly is important.

Need Help Preventing Frozen Pipes?

If you have cold spots, recurring freezing issues, or want to winter-proof your plumbing, we can help.

Augusta Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning can:

• Insulate vulnerable lines

• Install frost-proof spigots

• Repair freeze-damaged piping

• Provide emergency service if a pipe bursts