St. Paul, MN
Frozen pipe and water line help in St. Paul
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In St. Paul, problems in the private part of the water system, including frozen pipes in the house, are the property owner's responsibility. Saint Paul Regional Water Services owns the meter, but homeowners must protect it from freezing and are charged if a frozen meter has to be replaced.
What's different in St. Paul
Saint Paul Regional Water Services says problems within the private portion of the water system are the property owner's responsibility. [1]
The utility owns the meter and the couplings on either side, but homeowners are responsible for protecting the meter, and are charged for a replacement meter damaged by freezing. [1]
SPRWS recommends opening doors to basements and other areas with exposed pipes so warm air circulates, and keeping the thermostat at 55°F or higher. [1]
Protecting your water meter
St. Paul meters are usually in basements, often on an exterior wall near where the line enters. Cold drafts from rim joists, basement windows or vents can freeze the meter even when the rest of the house is warm. Seal drafts near the meter, keep the area heated, and never close off the meter in an unheated space, since a frozen meter is billed to you.
If your pipes freeze
Check the meter and service line
If no water reaches any faucet, the meter or incoming line may be frozen; contact SPRWS.
Thaw interior pipes gently
Open the faucet and use a hair dryer or space heater, never an open flame.
Watch for bursts as water returns
Shut off the main if a pipe splits; see burst pipe repair.
Minnesota winter prevention
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away.
- Open basement and cabinet doors so warm air reaches pipes.
- Seal rim joist and foundation drafts near pipes and the meter.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor faucets in fall.
Further reading: How to thaw frozen pipes safely.
What St. Paul homeowners usually check next
- SymptomNo water in the house
Common questions
Who pays for frozen pipes in my St. Paul house?
The property owner; problems in the private portion of the water system are the owner's responsibility.
Will SPRWS charge me for a frozen water meter?
Yes. The utility owns the meter, but owners must protect it and are charged if it's replaced due to freezing.
What temperature should I keep my St. Paul home in winter?
SPRWS recommends at least 55°F.
How do I keep my St. Paul water meter from freezing?
Seal drafts near it, keep the area heated and let warm air circulate to the basement.
No faucets work in my St. Paul home in winter. What now?
The meter or service line may be frozen; contact Saint Paul Regional Water Services.
Can I thaw a frozen pipe with a torch?
No. Use a hair dryer, heat lamp or space heater; open flames cause fires and can damage pipes.
Should I open cabinet doors in a Minnesota cold snap?
Yes, so warm air reaches pipes on exterior walls.
What if a frozen pipe bursts in St. Paul?
Shut off the main water valve and call a plumber for burst pipe repair.
Do suburbs like Roseville have the same rules?
Suburbs served by SPRWS or their own utilities publish their own guidance; check your provider.
When should I shut off outdoor faucets in St. Paul?
In fall, before the first hard freeze; disconnect hoses and drain the line.
More plumbing help in St. Paul
How other cities handle it
- Frozen water lines in AnchorageFrozen service lines in Anchorage: AWWU's rule that customers thaw lines from the main, the key box and thaw wire you must keep exposed, and what AWWU maintains.
- Frozen water service lines in MinneapolisFrozen water lines in Minneapolis: owners own the line from the main to the meter, who pays to thaw it, the City's contractor list and emergency number.
- Frozen pipes and water meters in BuffaloFrozen meters in Buffalo: the Water Board rule that owners protect meters from freezing, charges for damage, shutoff if unpaid, and prevention.
- Frozen pipes and meters in PhiladelphiaFrozen pipes in Philadelphia: keep the meter area above 40°F, trickle a faucet, shut off outdoor lines, check neighbors first.
- Frozen pipes in San AntonioFrozen pipes in San Antonio: pipes past the SAWS meter are the owner's, how to shut water off at the meter, SAWS freeze tips, and what not to do.
- Frozen pipes in DallasFrozen pipes in Dallas: DWU's freeze prep, the private shutoff you're responsible for, required sprinkler freeze sensors, and what to do in a water emergency.
- Frozen pipes in Houston: why the city says don't dripFrozen pipes in Houston: Houston Public Works' prep tips, why it has advised against dripping faucets (pumps, not towers), and shutting off and draining instead.
Sources (1)
- Saint Paul Regional Water Services, Prevent Frozen Pipes · checked 2026-10-03