When temperatures drop well below zero in North Dakota and Minnesota, frozen pipes become one of the most expensive problems a homeowner can face. A pipe that freezes and bursts can release a large amount of water in a short time, damaging floors, walls and belongings. The good news is that most frozen pipes can be prevented with a little preparation.
Where Pipes Freeze Most Often
In our area, we most often see frozen pipes in these spots:
- Pipes along exterior walls, especially under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Plumbing in crawlspaces, garages and unheated porches
- Pipes near the rim joist in basements, where cold air can leak in
- Outdoor faucets (hose bibs) and the pipes that feed them
- Sump pump discharge lines, where water can freeze outside and back up
- Homes that sit empty or have the heat turned down while the owners are away
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Disconnect garden hoses before the first hard freeze. Even frost-free outdoor faucets can freeze and break if a hose is left attached.
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets that have an interior shut-off valve.
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages and unheated areas with foam pipe sleeves.
- Seal air leaks around the rim joist, dryer vents and where pipes and wires enter the home.
- Keep the heat steady. Avoid big temperature drops at night, and keep the heat at 55°F or higher if you are away.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps so warm air can reach the pipes.
- Let a faucet drip during extreme cold if a pipe is prone to freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
- Check your sump pump discharge line and make sure water can drain freely away from the house. Read our tips to prevent frozen sump pump pipes.
- Know where your main water shut-off is and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use it.
Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen
- Little or no water comes out when you turn on a faucet
- Frost on visible pipes
- Odd smells from drains
- Bulging or cracked pipes
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe Safely
- Turn on the faucet the pipe feeds, so water can flow as the ice melts.
- Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, heating pad or space heater (kept a safe distance from anything flammable). Start closest to the faucet and work back.
- Never use an open flame, such as a torch or propane heater. It can start a fire or damage the pipe.
- If you cannot find or reach the frozen section, or a pipe has burst, shut off the main water valve and call a licensed plumber.
Protect Your Home While You Are Away
Heading somewhere warm this winter? Keep your heat on, ask someone to check on the house regularly and consider shutting off the main water valve. Smart water sensors and thermostats can alert your phone if there is a leak or the temperature drops. Read why you should put water sensors in your home. If your furnace stops working, frozen pipes can follow quickly, so a pre-winter furnace check is always a good idea.
Get Your Home Ready for Winter
Not sure where your home is vulnerable? A Nordic Fall Home Checkup can help you find exposed pipes, air leaks, drainage problems and other issues before the deep freeze sets in. Buying a home this winter? Our inspectors check visible plumbing, crawlspaces and attics as part of every home inspection.