No water on a freezing morning, or a pipe that froze and split? We thaw frozen pipes safely and repair freeze-bursts the same day — 24/7 during cold snaps and ice storms — with licensed plumbers and upfront pricing.
We locate the frozen section — often in a crawl space, exterior wall, or unheated garage — and apply controlled, even heat with professional thawing equipment and heat tape, never an open flame that can crack the pipe or start a fire. We thaw slowly from the faucet end so melting water can escape, then pressure-test the line to make sure the freeze didn't already split it.
If we find a crack, we repair it on the spot. A freeze that's already burst? See burst pipe repair — we handle both in one visit.
Portland's winters are mild — which is exactly the problem. Homes built for a temperate climate often have uninsulated pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls, and garages. When a hard cold snap or ice storm hits — like the January 2024 storm that triggered well over a thousand emergency water calls across the city — those unprepared lines freeze fast and burst on the thaw.
Older homes with galvanized pipe and minimal insulation are the most vulnerable.
Want it done before winter? Ask about our pro winterization.
Shut off your main water valve, then call. We dispatch a licensed plumber the same day to thaw, inspect, and repair — 24/7 through every Portland cold snap.
From the first call to a clean finish, our licensed Portland plumbers handle frozen pipe repair with upfront, flat-rate pricing and no overtime fees — day, night, weekends and holidays.
Call (971) 386-1515No water this morning? Call — we answer 24/7.
Little or no water when you open a faucet in freezing weather is the biggest sign. Look for frost or ice on the exposed pipe, a pipe that's extremely cold to the touch, bulging, or gurgling and clanking noises when you run water.
Shut off your main water valve, open the affected faucet to relieve pressure, and apply gentle heat to the frozen section starting near the faucet. Don't use an open flame. If you can't reach it or it's cracked, call us for same-day thawing.
They can as temperatures rise, but it's risky: trapped pressure often bursts the pipe as the ice melts, and you won't be there to catch the flood. Active, controlled thawing is safer and faster.
With active heat on an accessible pipe, often 30–60 minutes. Pipes left to thaw on their own can take hours to days depending on temperature and location — and risk bursting in the meantime.
You can use a hair dryer, heat tape, or a space heater on an accessible pipe. Never use an open flame, blowtorch, or boiling water — they crack the pipe and start fires. If it's in a wall, underground, or leaking, call a pro.
Water expands as it freezes. The ice traps water between itself and a closed faucet, and pressure builds until the pipe ruptures — which is why bursts often happen while a pipe is thawing.
Shut off your main water valve immediately, then call us. We dispatch a licensed plumber the same hour to stop the leak and repair the line. See burst pipe repair for what to expect.
That's exactly why — homes built for a mild climate often have uninsulated pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls, and garages. A short cold snap or ice storm, like January 2024, freezes them fast.
Uninsulated pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls, attics, and unheated garages, plus outdoor hose bibs and any line near a draft. Older Portland homes with galvanized pipe are most at risk.
Insulate exposed pipes, add heat tape, let a faucet drip during a hard freeze, disconnect and drain hoses, seal drafts, open cabinet doors, and keep the thermostat at 55°F or above. We also offer pro winterization.