Frozen Pipe Repair in Portland, OR
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 plumbers and upfront pricing.
- Same-day & 24/7 in freezes
- Safe pro thawing
- Freeze-burst repair
- Discuss the repair scope before work
Before arranging repairs
Do not use an open flame to thaw a pipe. Keep away from wet electrical equipment and avoid entering a flooded or otherwise unsafe space.
Pipe repair — all materials, first-visit fix
- PEX, copper, CPVC, cast iron — all materials
- Flat-rate price before we touch a tool
- Discuss the repair scope before work
- Stocked truck — most repairs same visit
What to do if a pipe freezes
- Shut off the main water valve. If the frozen section has cracked, this stops it from flooding the house when it thaws.
- Open the faucet the pipe feeds — hot and cold — to relieve pressure and give melting water somewhere to go.
- Apply gentle heat. A hair dryer, heat tape, or a space heater (kept clear of walls), starting near the faucet and working back. Never use an open flame or blowtorch.
- Call us if you can't reach the pipe, it's already cracked, or heat won't restore flow — we thaw and repair same-day.
Signs your pipes are frozen
- Little or no water when you open a faucet
- Frost or ice on an exposed pipe
- A pipe that's extremely cold to the touch
- A bulging or distended section of pipe
- Gurgling, clanking, or whistling when water runs
- A sewer-like odor from a drain
How we thaw frozen pipes safely
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.
Why Portland pipes freeze
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.
Pipes most likely to freeze
- Uninsulated crawl space pipes
- Pipes in exterior walls & attics
- Unheated garage & basement lines
- Outdoor hose bibs / spigots
- Any pipe near a draft or vent
How to prevent frozen pipes
- Insulate exposed pipes and add heat tape
- Let a faucet drip during a hard freeze
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses; cover hose bibs
- Seal drafts near pipes; open cabinet doors
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or above
- Know where your main shut-off is
Want it done before winter? Ask about our pro winterization.
Pipes frozen — or already burst?
Shut off your main water valve, then call. We dispatch a plumber the same day to thaw, inspect, and repair — 24/7 through every Portland cold snap.
Local help for Frozen Pipe Repair
From the first call to a clean finish, our Portland plumbers handle frozen pipe repair with upfront, flat-rate pricing and no overtime fees — day, night, weekends and holidays.
Call (971) 367-8197Frozen pipe questions
No water this morning? Call — we answer 24/7.
How can I tell if my pipes are frozen?
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.
What should I do first if a pipe freezes?
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.
Will frozen pipes thaw on their own — is it safe to wait?
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.
How long does it take to thaw a frozen pipe?
The time depends on the fault, access, parts availability and the work agreed after diagnosis. Ask for the expected repair duration and any follow-up before approving the scope.
Can I thaw a frozen pipe myself, and what should I never do?
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.
Why do frozen pipes burst?
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.
My pipe froze and burst — what now?
Shut off your main water valve immediately, then call us. We dispatch a plumber the same hour to stop the leak and repair the line. See burst pipe repair for what to expect.
Why do pipes freeze in Portland if our winters are mild?
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.
Which pipes are most likely to freeze?
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.
How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?
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.
Other Plumbing Services in Portland
One call covers every plumbing need, anywhere in the metro.
Water Heater Repair
No hot water or a leaking tank? Same-day gas, electric & tankless repair.
Water Heater Replacement
Old or failed unit swapped same day, hauled away and code-compliant.
Water Heater Installation
New tank or tankless installs sized right for your home.
Tankless Water Heater Repair
Flow-sensor, ignition, scale and control-board fixes.
Drain Cleaning
Clogged or slow drains cleared fast — no harsh chemicals.
Hydro Jetting
High-pressure cleaning that blasts grease, roots and scale.
Sewer Line Repair
Camera diagnosis and trenchless repair of damaged laterals.
Sewer Line Cleaning
Roots and blockages cleared from your main sewer line.
Sewer Line Replacement
Trenchless pipe bursting or a targeted dig that lasts decades.
Sewer Camera Inspection
HD camera locates the exact problem underground.
Burst Pipe Repair
We stop the flood and repair burst pipes the same visit.
Leak Detection
Non-invasive location of hidden water leaks before they spread.
Slab Leak Repair
Pinpoint and repair leaks under your concrete slab.
Pipe Repair & Repiping
Repair or repipe for copper, PEX and old galvanized lines.
Gas Line Repair
Safe repair and leak-testing of natural-gas and propane lines.
Water Line Repair
Repair leaking or broken main water-service lines.
Faucet Repair
Drips, low water pressure and worn cartridges fixed fast.
Toilet Repair
Clogged, running, leaking and overflowing toilets repaired.
Garbage Disposal Repair
Jammed, humming or leaking disposals repaired or replaced.
Backflow Testing
Backflow testing requirements, scheduling and reports.
Commercial Plumbing
Same-day plumbing for restaurants, offices and retail.
How the repair scope is decided
Assessment identifies which fixtures have lost flow, the likely frozen section and whether there is visible damage. Supply interruptions and closed valves are considered before assuming ice is the cause.
The immediate work may involve controlled thawing by a professional, isolation and replacement of a damaged section. Afterward, exposed sections, insulation and air leakage can be reviewed to reduce future risk.
Insulation and freeze protection must suit the pipe and the space. A repaired split should be checked under operating conditions; thawing alone does not prove the line is undamaged.
What to have ready before a visit
Tell us which fixtures have no flow, when temperatures dropped and whether the line is in an exterior wall, garage or crawl space. Mention any sound of running water or new dampness.