Plumbing service in Minnesota
Call NowMinnesota plumbing is built for some of the coldest winters in the lower 48, with deep frost, basements, older Twin Cities homes and lake-country cabins.
Minnesota weather and your plumbing
Minnesota winters are long and severe, with extended subzero stretches and deep frost, especially in the north. Summers are warm and humid with strong storms. Spring snowmelt raises groundwater and rivers.
Season by season in Minnesota
- Deep winter
- Frozen water services, frozen pipes in exterior walls and failed heating systems lead the calls.
- Spring thaw
- Snowmelt floods basements, pushes sump pumps hard and can back up floor drains.
Problems the Minnesota climate causes
Frozen water service lines
Cause: Deep frost in severe winters.
Result: The underground line to the house freezes.
Do: Follow your city's guidance on running water during deep-frost winters, and call a plumber to thaw a frozen line.
Cabin plumbing freeze
Cause: Long, unheated winters.
Result: Seasonal cabins freeze if not drained.
Do: Winterize the cabin fully, or keep heat on with remote monitoring.
Housing in Minnesota
Minneapolis and Saint Paul have many pre-1940 homes whose basements still carry original iron stacks, clay laterals and steel supply runs. Suburban homes are typically post-war or newer, and lake-country cabins up north usually have a shallow well and a holding tank or drain field.
Where calls are covered in Minnesota
- Covered ZIP codes
- 319
- Cities and towns with coverage
- 225
Most covered ZIP codes
- Minneapolis · 51 ZIPs
- Saint Paul · 31 ZIPs
- Duluth · 4 ZIPs
- Rochester · 4 ZIPs
- Eden Prairie · 3 ZIPs
- Saint Cloud · 3 ZIPs
- Elko New Market · 2 ZIPs
- Inver Grove Heights · 2 ZIPs
Check whether your exact Minnesota ZIP code is covered (coverage changes over time)
Minnesota questions
Why do Minnesota cities sometimes ask residents to run water in winter?
In very deep-frost winters, frost can reach water service lines. Running a small stream keeps water moving and helps prevent freezing in at-risk areas.
How do I winterize a lake cabin?
Shut off the water, drain the lines, water heater and pump, and put antifreeze in traps and toilets.
How do I check a plumber's license in Minnesota?
Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry licenses master and journeyworker plumbers and plumbing contractors. A plumbing contractor must have a licensed master plumber as its responsible individual and carry the required bond, liability insurance and workers' compensation.