Thawing Out: Your Go-To Guide for Frozen Pipe Resources

By: LMCIT Loss Control

When temperatures drop, frozen water and sewer lines become a recurring challenge for many Minnesota cities. To help you stay ahead of winter’s worst, we’ve pulled together our most useful guidance on prevention, preparedness, resident communication, and safe response.

Before diving in, please remember: LMCIT does not recommend that cities thaw frozen lines for private property owners. If your city chooses to offer this service, be sure the property owner signs a waiver first. Your loss control consultant can provide a sample waiver if needed.

Relevant Resources

• Responsibilities and Liability in Thawing Frozen Water Lines
• Dealing with Frozen Water Lines? Do Not Use Electric Current to Thaw the Lines!
• Water Line Freeze Ups – Guidance to Residents
• What cities may say to residents who have frozen water lines
• Frozen Water Lines and City Policies
• Frozen Water Lines … A “golden opportunity” to plan
• Frozen Water Lines – Educate the Public

Additional frozen water line resources can be found at Minnesota Rural Water Association.