When winter strikes in Minneapolis and St. Paul, it can sometimes be a rude awakening for the necessities of plumbing maintenance. It makes it easier going forward into chilly weather months, when you are aware of what to do to prevent a hazardous situation. Cold weather is a guarantee. Much of North America periodically experiences severe and sustained cold weather, with snowfalls scattered between periods of melting and freezing. These extremes can inflict considerable damage on homes and sewer systems. There are a few steps you can take to keep your home safe and in good working condition, as well as cut your insurance losses during prolonged and severe weather.
A few helpful tips include keeping your house heated to a minimum of 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees might not keep the inside walls from freezing. It’s also important to identify the location for the main water shutoff in your home. Familiarize yourself with how it works in the event you need to use it. Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. Keeping water moving within the pipes will prevent freezing. If there is a problem with frozen pipes or water leakage, attending to it quickly could mean far less damage. Watch for ice dams near gutter downspouts. Ice dams can cause water to build up and seep into your house. Clear gutters of leaves and debris to allow runoff from melting snow and ice to flow freely. If ice forms on tree limbs, watch for damaged branches that could break loose when stressed by ice, snow or wind and damage your house or other property. If you discover that pipes are frozen, don’t wait for them to burst. Take measures to thaw them immediately, or call Perma-Liner Industries for the best recommendation to a highly qualified, local plumber who will be able to assist you in a hurry. Standard homeowner’s policies will cover most kinds of damage that result from a freeze.
Fun Fact: did you know the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was just ranked #1 for airport restrooms? Next time you’re traveling through, why not go check out the restroom’s newest designs and innovations! There will be ongoing renovations that will continue through 2025 to include more than 100 sets of public restrooms. Interestingly, the restrooms are equipped with automatic doors to provide a touch-free environment. When visiting, you’ll discover the colorful artwork near the entrance that reflects the characteristics of the North Star State, all created by local and regional artists.
