March 17, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
SERVPRO of Downtown Minneapolis has released guidance to help property owners protect their homes and businesses from frozen and burst pipes during the winter season. The company, which has served the Minneapolis community for more than a decade, is sharing preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of costly water damage during periods of extreme cold.
Minnesota winters routinely bring temperatures that drop well below freezing, creating conditions that can cause water inside pipes to freeze and expand. When this occurs, the resulting pressure can lead to burst pipes, which may release hundreds of gallons of water into a structure within a short period. Such incidents frequently result in significant property damage and require professional water damage restoration services to address the aftermath.
The guidance provided by the company emphasizes several preventive steps that residential and commercial property owners can implement before temperatures plummet. Property owners are encouraged to insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and garages using foam pipe insulation or heat tape. Allowing faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold can help relieve pressure buildup within the plumbing system and keep water moving through vulnerable sections of pipe. Maintaining indoor temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when away from the property for extended periods, helps keep interior pipes from reaching freezing temperatures.
Opening cabinet doors beneath sinks along exterior walls allows warmer indoor air to circulate around pipes that might otherwise be exposed to colder temperatures. Property owners should also know the location of their main water shutoff valve so they can act quickly if a pipe does burst. Disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses before winter arrives prevents ice from forming in exterior spigots and backing up into connected interior pipes.
“Our team responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year, but we see a marked increase in calls related to frozen and burst pipes during January and February,” said Scott Clemente, Owner of Servpro of Downtown Minneapolis. “Taking a few preventive steps now can save property owners from dealing with significant damage and the disruption that comes with it.”
The company noted that basements are particularly vulnerable in the Minneapolis area, where most properties include below-grade living or storage spaces equipped with sump pumps. Sump pump failures during the winter months can compound problems when combined with burst pipe incidents, leading to more extensive flooding. Property owners are advised to inspect their sump pumps regularly, test backup batteries, and ensure alternative power sources are available during outages.
SERVPRO of Downtown Minneapolis maintains IICRC certifications in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and fire damage restoration. The company operates a 24/7 emergency response service with an average response time of 60 minutes. When water damage does occur despite preventive efforts, the company provides comprehensive restoration services that include mitigation, dryout, and reconstruction, while also handling documentation and communication with insurance adjusters.
Commercial property owners and managers face additional considerations during winter months that require proactive planning. Large buildings with complex plumbing systems may have pipes running through exterior walls, above drop ceilings, or in unheated mechanical spaces where temperatures can drop rapidly. The company recommends that facility managers conduct thorough inspections of vulnerable areas before temperatures drop and maintain adequate heating in all spaces where pipes are present.
The release of this guidance reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to serving the Minneapolis community through both emergency response and preventive education. As a locally owned and family-operated business, the organization has established deep ties within the region it serves.
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For more information about 1 Hour Rescue Restoration, contact the company here:
1 Hour Rescue Restoration
Susan Casaus
(952) 900-7444
contact@1hrrescue.com
5850 Opus Parkway, Suite 201
Minnetonka, MN 55343
