Winter Preparation for Water Pipes

A homeowner's responsibility for maintaining plumbing begins immediately after the meter and continues through the entire home. 

Cold weather checklist

Prepare before freezing temperatures to avoid frozen and burst pipes at home.

• Drain outside pipes and faucets.
• Cover or insulate exterior faucets and vents.
• Caulk and seal openings to eliminate drafts.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas.
• Winterize irrigation systems and backflow devices.

Locate your main shut-off valve

Know where your main shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off. It may be near the water heater, near an outside hose bib, inside the garage, in the basement or crawl space, or near the water meter. 

If you need help locating your water shut-off valve or turning off your water at the meter, call 503-618-2626 (days); 503-823-3333 (evening, weekend and holiday).

During freezing weather

• Keep a steady stream of water running from faucets located farthest from the street.
• Keep heat at 55° F or higher.
• Open cabinet doors under the sinks.

If a water pipe freezes

• Do not try to thaw pipes with an open flame.
• Shut off the water at the main shut-off valve.
• Turn on a couple faucets (kitchen/bathroom).
• Thaw lines safely with a hair dryer, heat lamp or heating pad.

If a water pipe bursts

• If you need help locating your water shut-off valve or turning off your water at the meter, call the Operations Center at 503-618-2626. 
• After hours emergency? Call 503-823-3333.
• Call a plumber for pipe repairs.
• Do not call 911.  A burst pipe is not a life-threatening emergency. 

Visit Emergency Management for more winter preparedness tips.