Winter in Lake Oswego brings its share of picturesque beauty—snow-dusted trees, icy lakes, and crisp, clear mornings. But along with the charm comes a major homeowner headache: frozen pipes. When temperatures plummet, water inside your plumbing system can freeze, expand, and burst your pipes—causing thousands of dollars in water damage.
If you suspect you’re dealing with frozen pipes, acting quickly is essential. This guide will walk you through what to do right away, how to prevent long-term damage, and when to call the pros at Einstein Pros Lake Oswego.
🚨 Step 1: Turn Off the Main Water Supply
The first and most crucial step is to shut off your home’s main water valve. This stops the flow of water and reduces the chance of flooding if a pipe bursts.
If you don’t know where your main water shutoff is, it’s typically located:
- In the basement or crawl space
- Near the water heater or garage
- Where the water line enters your home
💡 Tip: Every Lake Oswego homeowner should know how to locate and shut off their water supply. Bookmark our Plumbing Emergency Guide for more info.
🔍 Step 2: Locate the Frozen Pipe
Look for signs of a frozen pipe:
- Little or no water coming from a faucet
- Frost on exposed pipes
- Strange clanking or banging when turning on water
- Damp walls or ceilings
Frozen pipes are most common in exterior walls, uninsulated basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Focus your search on those areas.
🔥 Step 3: Safely Thaw the Pipe
Once you find the frozen section, gently warm it to melt the ice. Here are safe methods to thaw your pipe:
- Use a hair dryer on the low setting
- Wrap the pipe with warm towels
- Place a space heater a few feet away (never leave it unattended)
- Use heat tape if available
⚠️ Never use an open flame (e.g., blowtorch or lighter). It’s dangerous and can damage your plumbing or cause a fire.
🧯 Step 4: Check for Leaks or Bursts
After thawing, turn the water back on slowly and monitor for any leaks. Look under sinks, behind walls, or in the basement for drips or pooling water.
If you notice a burst pipe:
- Shut off the water again
- Call a licensed plumber immediately
- Use buckets or towels to minimize water damage
🛡️ Step 5: Prevent Frozen Pipes in the Future
Once the emergency is under control, take steps to avoid another freeze:
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, crawl spaces, and attics
- Keep your home above 55°F, even when you’re away
- Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes
- Let faucets drip slowly on especially cold nights
- Seal drafts near pipes using caulk or foam
Want help winterizing your home? Our licensed Lake Oswego plumbers can inspect your system and recommend affordable long-term solutions. Learn more about our plumbing maintenance services.
🧠 Bonus: Why Frozen Pipes Are So Dangerous
When water freezes, it expands. That expansion creates tremendous pressure inside your pipes—up to 2,000 psi, according to the American Red Cross. Most household pipes can’t withstand that, which is why burst pipes are so common in winter.
And once they burst? You’re looking at:
- Water damage to drywall, flooring, and insulation
- Mold growth from lingering moisture
- Costly repairs that homeowners insurance may not fully cover
👷 When to Call a Professional
If:
- You can’t locate the frozen pipe
- You’re unable to thaw it safely
- You notice leaks, cracks, or water damage
…it’s time to call in a professional plumber. The licensed team at Einstein Pros Lake Oswego is trained in emergency pipe repair and frozen pipe prevention. We’re available year-round and offer prompt, reliable service tailored to Oregon’s climate.
👉 Visit our Lake Oswego Plumbing Services page or call us today to schedule an inspection or emergency repair.
✅ Final Thoughts
Frozen pipes can strike fast—but so can you. With quick thinking, proper steps, and help from your local experts, you can minimize damage and protect your home this winter.
Stay warm, stay safe—and when in doubt, trust Einstein Pros Lake Oswego to handle the pressure.