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How to Handle Frozen and Burst Pipes in Portland, OR

Let’s talk about something super un-fun but totally necessary: frozen and burst pipes. Yeah, I know, not the sexiest topic, but if you’ve ever walked into your kitchen and found a mini-Niagara Falls pouring from your ceiling, you’d wish someone had given you a heads-up. Portland winters don’t mess around, and you shouldn’t either. Let’s get into it. I promise to keep it real and actually useful.

shows image of a wet Portland street that has a lot of rain and can cause a freeze storm with bursting pipes

When Pipes Fight Back: A Portland Reality Check

So, picture this: Elias Cairo, the guy who runs Olympia Provisions (Big food processing factory in Portland), told KGW News about his experience with burst pipes back in 2024. He opened his back door and found knee-deep water. KNEE-DEEP. That’s not a little inconvenience; that’s a full-on disaster. If it can happen to a successful CEO with resources, it can happen to anyone.

And with Portland’s ancient water infrastructure (seriously, some pipes are over 100 years old), the odds aren’t exactly in our favor when the temperature drops. So if your pipe just burst, dont be surprised. It happens to the best of us.

Why Do Pipes Freeze, Anyway?

Here’s the science: water expands when it freezes. That expansion puts pressure on your pipes, and if they’re old or exposed to the elements, they’re basically ticking time bombs. Add in Portland’s notorious freeze-thaw cycles, and you’ve got a recipe for a very wet, very expensive problem.

Want to see this in real life? Do a quick experiment. Take a bottle of water and put in your freezer overnight. Check back next morning you will see exactly what I mean by water expanding.

How to Outsmart Winter (or At Least Your Pipes)

Before it gets ridiculously cold, here’s what I found you can do:

  1. Insulate your pipes. Think of it like giving them a winter coat. Wrap pipes in unheated areas—attics, basements, crawl spaces—with foam or heat tape.
  2. Seal the drafts. Check around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation for any spots where cold air might sneak in. A little caulk goes a long way.
  3. Let your faucets drip. This one’s easy. Moving water is less likely to freeze. Look at the Columbia river, it never freezes. But this one is a but overkill, only do this if the temperatures get extreme.
  4. Open those cabinet doors. Especially if your sink pipes are on an exterior wall. Let some of that toasty indoor air circulate.
  5. Keep your thermostat steady. Don’t play the “turn it down at night” game during a freeze. Just keep things warm and consistent.

Some of these are tips I’ve acquired owning a home in Vancouver, WA and avoiding bursting pipes over the years. Others come from State Farm and Portland Water Bureau. Two great sources!

image of a bridge in Portland Oregon to help explain how pipes burst in our area when it is cold

Oh No, My Pipes Froze—Now What?

First of all, don’t panic. Here’s your game plan:

  1. Find your main water shut-off valve. Seriously, do this right now if you don’t already know where it is. It’s usually where the water line enters your house like the front yard spigot, or basement near the water heater, or garage.
  2. Open your faucets. Relieve that pressure so things don’t escalate.
  3. Thaw your pipes safely. Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or warm towels. No open flames. I don’t care how desperate you are—don’t turn this into a fire safety PSA.
  4. Keep the water flowing. Once the pipe is thawed, let a small stream of water run to prevent refreezing.

Its not the end of the word and if you are worried give us a call. No need for us to come out but we can answer some of your questions to give you peace of mind.

When Pipes Burst: The Not-So-Fun Part

If the worst happens and you’ve got water gushing everywhere, here’s what to do:

  1. Shut off the water ASAP. That’s why knowing where the valve is so important.
  2. Turn off your water heater. There’s usually a dedicated shut-off valve on the cold-water inlet.
  3. Call for reinforcements. If you’re in an apartment, get your property manager on the phone. If you’re in a house, it might be time to call a plumber. And if you’re completely stuck, the Portland Water Bureau’s 24-hour emergency dispatch line (503-823-4874) has your back.
  4. Deal with the water. Standing water = mold city. This is where professional-grade equipment (hint, hint) can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Now I’m definitely biased in saying this but Droplet Restoration is my #1 options when it comes to water damage. We’ll be on the spot in 90min and work directly with your insurance so you get a payout to cover the costs.

We are simple to reach, just one phone call to (360) 544-6171 and were on our way. Give it a try.

Real Talk: Why Acting Fast Matters

Frozen or burst pipes aren’t just annoying. They’re also quite expensive and potentially dangerous. Water damage can mess up your walls, floors, and even the foundation of your home. And don’t get me started on mold. That stuff spreads extremely fast. Bottom line? Time is not your friend here.

If your car was leaking water when you drove to work you’d take it to the shop. Why not the same for your home? I mean you live in it? Do you really want to sit on a moldy couch when you watch the Sunday game? Probably not, so give us a call at (360) 544-6171. Talk soon