The $1,000 Mistake Minnesotans Can Easily Avoid This Fall

Ah, Minnesota. We love the changing seasons, but there's one fall chore I’m here to remind you about, and while it may seem like a small task, it can turn into a big disaster if overlooked.

If you've lived here long enough, you know that Minnesota winters can be brutal, and they can do a number on your home. One year, I made a classic (and costly) mistake... spoiler alert: it didn’t end well.

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Winter had finally wrapped up and I needed water for my spring yard work, so I grabbed my hose, attached it to the spigot, and cranked it open. But instead of the steady gush of water, I got barely a trickle. That’s when it hit me.

The hose! I had forgotten to disconnect it before the first freeze in the fall. I did end up disconnecting it very soon after the first freeze, but apparently, it was too late. I ran down to the basement, and sure enough, I was greeted by what can only be described as a mini-waterfall pouring down the wall near the spigot.

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It turns out that the trapped water inside the pipe froze and expanded, causing the pipe to burst. I hadn’t noticed all winter because the damage only showed when I tried to use the spigot in the spring. Let me tell you, the repair bills were not fun!

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Burst Spigot Pipe in Minnesota?

Getting that pipe fixed cost me a pretty penny. Repairing a burst pipe can run anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 depending on the extent of the damage. And if you’ve got water damage on top of that? Well, you’re looking at even more.

My final bill was around $700 to fix two broken pipes and replace two spigots, which is not the kind of spring surprise anyone wants!

Overnight lows are expected to drop below freezing in much of Minnesota on Monday, October 14, so, before you get too cozy in your fall sweaters, go outside and disconnect those hoses. A few minutes of prevention can save you hundreds—or even thousands—come spring. Trust me, your wallet will thank you!

FALL BUCKET LIST: 18 Things To Do Right Now In Minnesota

Before you start prepping your home to avoid costly freeze-related repairs, check out the list below of surprising signs nature gives that might hint at an especially harsh Minnesota winter ahead!