Most frozen pipes in the Portland and Vancouver area happen in the places that stay coldest: crawlspaces, garages, outside walls and hose bibs. Before a hard freeze, insulate exposed pipes, disconnect garden hoses, keep the heat on and let a faucet drip on the coldest nights. If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve first, then call a plumber for the pipe and a restoration company for the water.
Why freezes catch Northwest homes off guard
Our winters are usually wet more than frozen, so a lot of homes here were not built with long freezes in mind. When cold air does settle in, often with a strong east wind out of the Columbia River Gorge, temperatures can stay below freezing for days. Pipes in unheated spaces feel it first.
A pipe usually does not leak at the moment it freezes. The trouble often shows up when it thaws and water starts moving again, sometimes hours later and sometimes somewhere you can't see, like under a floor or inside a wall.
Before a freeze: protect the pipes most at risk
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets. A hose left attached can trap water in the faucet.
- Insulate exposed pipes in the crawlspace, garage and attic. Foam pipe sleeves from a hardware store are inexpensive and quick to put on.
- Keep the heat on, even if you are traveling. Don't turn the thermostat way down overnight during a cold snap.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls so warm air can reach the pipes.
- Let a faucet drip on the coldest nights. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
- Find your main shutoff now and make sure it turns. In many homes it is where the water line comes in, in the crawlspace, garage or basement, or at the meter box near the street.
Ready.gov keeps a short list of winter weather steps, including how to keep pipes from freezing.
If a pipe is frozen but not leaking
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, a pipe may be frozen. Leave that faucet open. Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or warm towels, starting at the faucet end and working back. Keep any space heater well away from anything that can burn. Never use an open flame. If you can't find the frozen section or can't reach it safely, call a licensed plumber.
Keep an eye on the area after it thaws. A crack can stay hidden until water is flowing through it again.
If a pipe bursts: the first steps
- Shut off the main water valve. If you can't find it or it won't turn, call us. We can help you work out how to stop the water.
- Stay away from electricity and water together. Keep clear of standing water near outlets, cords or appliances. Only shut off power at the panel if you can reach it without stepping in water.
- Call a plumber to repair the pipe.
- Call a restoration company to remove the water and dry the structure.
- Take photos and video before you move things, and keep receipts and the plumber's invoice. They help if you file an insurance claim.
Why fast drying matters
Water from a burst pipe goes further than it looks. It wicks up drywall, runs under flooring and settles into the crawlspace. The EPA says it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Box fans often dry the surface while moisture stays trapped underneath.
A restoration crew checks where the moisture actually went, removes standing water and sets drying equipment for the rooms and materials that are wet. You can see how that works on our Vancouver water damage restoration and Portland water damage restoration pages, or read what to do when your house has water damage.
Does insurance cover a burst pipe?
Many homeowners policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, but details matter, such as how the pipe failed and whether the home was heated. Your insurer decides what your policy covers. We wrote a plain guide to how homeowners insurance treats water damage. Superior can help document the damage and coordinate with your insurance provider.
When to call Superior
Call us any time, day or night, if a pipe has burst, water is coming through a ceiling or wall, or you can't get the water shut off. We serve the Portland metro and Vancouver and Clark County, and we usually arrive within 45 minutes. Call to confirm the arrival time for your address. For offices, stores and rental buildings, see commercial water damage restoration. If it is not urgent, you can request a callback.