As Minnesota temperatures plummet in January, your plumbing system faces one of its biggest challenges of the year: the risk of frozen pipes. A single frozen pipe can burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage—not to mention major headaches.

At Tony’s Plumbing and Heating, we want to help you avoid winter plumbing emergencies. Here’s what every homeowner should know this season.

Why Do Pipes Freeze in Winter?
When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and eventually cause the pipe to burst. Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas—like basements, garages, crawlspaces, or exterior walls—are the most vulnerable.

Common causes of frozen pipes include:

• Lack of insulation around plumbing
• Cracked windows or air leaks near pipes
• Thermostat set too low when you're away from home

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
The good news? With a few simple steps, you can prevent frozen pipes and protect your home.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Insulate pipes in cold areas with foam pipe insulation.
• Keep cabinet doors open (especially under sinks) to let warm air circulate around pipes.
• Let faucets drip slightly on bitterly cold nights—moving water is less likely to freeze.
• Seal cracks and openings around pipes to prevent cold air from creeping in.
• Keep the thermostat consistent, even when you're away—ideally 55°F or higher.

Signs Your Pipes May Be Frozen
Catch the warning signs early to avoid disaster. Look out for:

• Little or no water flow from faucets
• Frost or condensation on visible pipes
• Odd smells from drains (which can mean a pipe is blocked with ice)

If you notice any of these red flags, don’t wait—take action immediately.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
First things first: turn off the water supply to prevent damage if the pipe bursts.
Then:

• Use a hair dryer or space heater to gently warm the pipe (never use an open flame!)
• Open nearby faucets to allow melted water to flow out
• Call a professional plumber if you can’t access or safely thaw the pipe

At Tony’s Plumbing and Heating, we’re just a phone call away and ready to help with emergency service.

Winter Plumbing Tune-Ups: Peace of Mind All Season
January is a great time for a plumbing and heating checkup. During a winter tune-up, our licensed technicians can:

• Check for vulnerable pipes
• Ensure your furnace is running efficiently
• Look for leaks, cracks, or signs of wear
• Test your water heater performance

It’s a small investment that can save you from big problems later.
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Call Tony’s Plumbing and Heating Today! 
​Don’t let frozen pipes ruin your winter. Whether you need help winterizing your home, thawing a pipe, or upgrading your system, Tony’s Plumbing and Heating is here for you.

Call us today to schedule your winter plumbing check-up and enjoy a warm, worry-free season.

It’s easy to think of a Minnesota winter as being a long way off, but as any local knows, the first hard freeze can sneak up on us. Here at Tony's Plumbing & Heating, we've seen firsthand the damage that a single night of sub-freezing temperatures can cause. A burst pipe isn't just a simple leak; it can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage to your walls, floors, and personal belongings.

In our over 35 years of serving the Oakdale community, we've helped countless homeowners navigate this stressful situation. We want to help you avoid it entirely! This post is dedicated to a very important topic for any Minnesota homeowner: preventing frozen pipes.

What Causes a Pipe to Freeze?
It’s not just a lack of heat. A pipe can freeze for several reasons:

• Poor Insulation: Pipes in unheated areas like your basement, crawl spaces, garage, or even behind a wall with an outside faucet are at high risk.
• Open Vents or Cracks: Cold air can easily enter your home through small cracks or gaps in your foundation, especially near plumbing lines.
• Leaving Water Trapped: As we mentioned in our last post, leaving a hose connected to an outdoor spigot is a classic mistake.

What Are the Warning Signs?
While a frozen pipe doesn't always burst immediately, there are a few signs that you have a problem:

• No Water: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, or no water at all, it's a strong indication that the pipe leading to that faucet is frozen.
• Frost on the Pipe: If you can see the pipe, look for visible frost on the outside.
• Strange Smells: A blocked frozen pipe can sometimes emit an odd smell from the drain.

The "Do's and Don'ts" of a Frozen Pipe
DO:

• Call a professional! This is always your safest bet. A professional plumber has the right tools and knowledge to thaw your pipes safely and check for potential damage.
• Locate the Main Water Shut-Off Valve: If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water supply is your first line of defense to minimize damage. Every homeowner should know where this is.
• Open the Faucet: If you can locate the frozen section of the pipe, open the corresponding faucet. This will help relieve pressure and allow water to flow out as the pipe thaws.

DON'T:

• Never Use an Open Flame: This is extremely dangerous and can cause a fire. The last thing you want to do is trade a plumbing problem for a fire problem.
• Don't Use a High-Heat Device: Using a blow torch or a high-heat gun can cause the water to boil, creating even more pressure and leading to a rapid burst.
• Don't Ignore It: A frozen pipe is a ticking time bomb. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of it bursting.

At Tony's Plumbing & Heating, we're dedicated to keeping your home safe and warm all winter long. Don't wait for the first hard freeze to call us. We offer professional, fast, and friendly service to our Oakdale neighbors.

When the weather outside gets cold, we run the risk in the midwest of having our pipes freeze. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during cold weather and can cause thousands of dollars in damage. 

Pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces like attics, basements, and garages, but other pipes can freeze as well. There is good new though! THere are simple things you can do to prevent those pipes from freezing and we're here to tell you about them:

Keep Your Garage Door Closed! If you have water supply lines in the garage, keep your garage door closed when it's not in use.

Open Up Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Doors. If you are worried about indoor pipes freezing, help the air in the home circulate by opening up your cabinet doors. This works well especially if your sinks share an exterior wall. If you have small children or pets in the home, be sure to remove objects or chemicals that may cause harm before doing so. 

Set Your Thermostat to the Same Temperature. Keeping  your thermostat at a consistent temperature during the day and night can help save your pipes. During a cold spell, be sure to keep it consistent as well! 

Keep the Heat on if You Plan to Be Away. Planning a vacation during the winter months? Be sure to keep your heat on no lower than 55 degrees. 

Consider Adding Insulation for Long Term Results! If your worried about pipes freezing over the years, consider adding insulation to your basement, crawl space, or attic. You can also consider options to heat your garage. 

Of course, these aren't your only options for preventing your pipes from freezing, but we're confident this is a good place to start. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.