Don't Get Caught Off Guard: The Truth About Frozen Pipes in Oakdale

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.

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