Burst Pipes in Mankato, MN: How to Protect Your Home and Recover from Frozen and Burst Pipe Water Damage
When temperatures drop across southern Minnesota, frozen and burst pipes are among the most common causes of residential water damage. A single cracked pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes—soaking drywall, damaging flooring, and flooding basements.
At Premiere Restoration, we specialize exclusively in water mitigation and restoration following plumbing emergencies. We don’t repair pipes or offer plumbing services—our role begins once a licensed plumber has stopped the water. From there, we step in to dry, sanitize, and restore your home to its original condition.
Why Frozen and Burst Pipes Are So Common in Mankato, Minnesota
Anyone who’s lived through a few Minnesota winters knows how quickly the cold can create plumbing issues. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes begins to solidify and expand. If left unchecked, that expansion can cause the pipe to crack or split, especially in unheated areas.
Some of the most common reasons pipes can freeze include:
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Exposure to Cold Air
Pipes in the winter that run along exterior walls, inside crawl spaces, or through attics are most at risk. These areas often lack insulation and consistent heat, allowing cold air to freeze the line. -
Lack of Insulation or Heat Source
Without insulation or a nearby heat source, water inside the line can freeze solid. Even with heat tape, small cold spots may form in older homes, leading to weak points that eventually burst. -
Sudden Temperature Swings
Minnesota winters are unpredictable. A mild week followed by a rapid freeze can cause a frozen water line to thaw and refreeze, creating internal stress that can lead to cracks or leaks. -
Inconsistent Water Flow
When there’s little or no water flow, freezing happens faster. That’s why experts often recommend letting faucets trickle during deep freezes—it helps relieve pressure and keeps water moving.
What Happens When a Water Pipe Freezes
When a water pipe freezes, an ice blockage forms inside. As ice expands, pressure builds up between the blockage and the closed faucet. Eventually, this pressure can cause the pipe to burst, usually at the weakest point—often behind walls, inside basements, or near sewer lines.
Once the burst pipe begins leaking, water travels quickly through insulation, drywall, and flooring. Within minutes, you’re dealing with standing water—and that’s when you should call your plumber to stop the water and then reach out to Premiere Restoration for immediate mitigation.
What to Do After a Burst Pipe
If a burst pipe floods your home, here’s what you should do immediately:
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Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Turn off your main water supply to stop the flow. This simple step can drastically reduce damage. -
Call a Licensed Plumber
A plumber must locate the break, repair or replace the damaged section, and ensure your plumbing system is safe. Premiere Restoration begins work only after the leak has been fixed. -
Call Premiere Restoration
Once the plumber has resolved the issue, our certified mitigation team begins water extraction and drying to protect your property from further damage. -
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos before cleanup begins. Documentation helps with insurance claims and supports your coverage for restoration.
The Premiere Restoration Process
After a plumber has fixed the burst pipe, Premiere Restoration takes over the restoration process. We handle every aspect of water mitigation, from initial cleanup to final reconstruction.
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Water Extraction and Containment
Using professional extraction equipment, we remove standing water from affected areas—including floors, walls, and basements—to prevent secondary damage and mold growth. -
Moisture Detection and Monitoring
Our technicians use thermal cameras and moisture meters to locate hidden water in exterior walls, subfloors, and attics. -
Drying and Dehumidification
We use commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry the structure, helping relieve pressure within building materials and prevent warping. -
Sanitization and Mold Prevention
Any remaining dampness can lead to bacteria or mold growth. We sanitize affected surfaces and apply antimicrobial treatments to ensure the area is safe and odor-free. -
Structural Restoration
Once fully dry, we replace damaged drywall, insulation, and flooring—restoring your home to pre-loss condition.
Our job is to mitigate water damage, not to repair or replace pipes. We partner with plumbing professionals throughout southern Minnesota to ensure a seamless handoff between leak repair and restoration.
Preventing Pipes from Freezing
You can’t control the weather, but you can take steps to prevent future burst pipes and avoid costly repairs.
Insulate Vulnerable Areas – Add insulation to crawl spaces, basements, and walls where water pipes are exposed.
Seal Drafts – Use caulking and foam sealants around foundation openings and vents to reduce cold air infiltration.
Keep Consistent Heat – Maintain your thermostat at a steady temperature and avoid turning off the heat entirely when away.
Open Cabinets and Let Faucets Trickle – Allow warm air to circulate and keep water moving to minimize the risk of freezing.
Use Heat Tape Wisely – Apply heat tape to problem areas for added protection.
Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is – Familiarize yourself with your main water supply so you can act fast if a pipe bursts.
These prevention steps reduce risk, but if your pipes freeze and burst despite your efforts, you can rely on Premiere Restoration to manage the aftermath.
Why Professional Mitigation Is Critical
A burst pipe can cause more than visible flooding—it can compromise your home’s structure and create conditions for mold growth. Without proper mitigation, moisture can remain trapped in walls, flooring, and insulation long after surfaces appear dry.
That’s why calling Premiere Restoration immediately after the plumber finishes is essential. Our drying process removes hidden moisture, protects your home from long-term damage, and prevents costly repairs down the road.
We also document every step of the process for your insurance company, making it easier to get coverage for your residential plumbing disaster.
Common Damage from Frozen Pipes
When water pipes burst in Minnesota, the results can be severe:
Flooded basements and soaked drywall
Buckled hardwood or laminate flooring
Insulation damage in attics or exterior walls
Contamination from drain and sewer backups
Mold growth and odor problems
Premiere Restoration’s team moves fast to replace the damaged materials, dry the structure, and restore your home safely and efficiently.
Serving Southern Minnesota
From frozen pipes in Mankato, Minnesota, to flooded basements in Lake Crystal, Premiere Restoration proudly serves homeowners throughout southern Minnesota.
We’re not a plumbing company—we’re the restoration experts who step in after the plumbing is repaired. Our goal is simple: to mitigate the water damage, dry your property completely, and help you recover faster.
Final Thoughts
A burst pipe during a harsh Minnesota winter can be devastating—but with the right response, the damage doesn’t have to last.
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Stop the water by shutting off your main water supply.
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Call a licensed plumber to handle the plumbing system.
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Then call Premiere Restoration to begin water mitigation and cleanup.
We’ll remove standing water, dry every affected surface, and restore your home so it feels safe again.
For burst pipe water damage cleanup and residential or commercial restoration in southern Minnesota, call Premiere Restoration or visit premiererestorationmn.com.
