When temperatures dip below freezing in Portland, Oregon, burst pipes become one of the most common — and most expensive — home emergencies. A single broken pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes, flooding walls, floors, and basements before you even know what happened. Acting fast can mean the difference between a quick repair and a full-scale water damage disaster.
This guide explains exactly what to do the moment a pipe bursts, how to limit damage before help arrives, and how to prevent it from happening again. All recommendations here are tailored for Portland homeowners facing December’s cold, wet weather.
1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately
The first and most important step is to stop the flow of water. Locate your main shut-off valve and turn it clockwise until it stops.
If you’re unsure where it is, the Portland Water Bureau recommends checking:
- Inside basements, crawl spaces, or near the water heater.
- For homes without basements, look near the water meter or curbside box.
Knowing where your valve is before an emergency happens can save thousands of dollars in damage later.
💡 Tip: Once water is off, open all faucets to relieve remaining pressure and help drain standing water from the system.
2. Turn Off the Electricity in Affected Areas
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If the burst occurred near outlets or appliances, cut the power to that part of your home at the breaker box.
If the area is flooded or unsafe to approach, do not enter — wait for a professional like Einstein Pros to assess the situation.
3. Drain Remaining Water and Relieve Pressure
Once your water supply is shut off, open cold-water faucets throughout the house to release pressure from the pipes.
Then, flush toilets and run warm taps to fully drain the system.
Doing this reduces additional bursts that might occur from trapped ice or pressure buildup — a problem especially common during Portland’s cold December nights.
For official cold-weather prep, refer to NOAA’s Winter Weather Guide.
4. Document the Damage for Insurance
Before you start cleaning, take clear photos and videos of all visible damage — walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings.
Documentation helps your homeowners insurance process claims faster. According to Allstate Insurance, insurers need proof of both the cause and extent of the damage.
Keep receipts for any temporary repairs or emergency service calls from licensed professionals like Einstein Pros.
5. Call a Licensed Emergency Plumber in Portland
Once the situation is contained, it’s time to bring in experts.
Einstein Pros – Portland Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Portland metro area, including Gresham, Beaverton, and Tigard.
Their team can:
- Locate the exact source of the burst.
- Replace damaged pipe sections safely.
- Inspect for hidden leaks inside walls or crawl spaces.
- Restore your plumbing system to prevent repeat incidents.
Einstein Pros’ local technicians are fully licensed and experienced with Portland’s aging plumbing infrastructure — crucial during cold snaps and high-rainfall months like December.
6. Start Cleanup and Drying Immediately
Standing water should be removed as soon as possible. Use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum to soak up what you can.
If flooding is severe, you may need professional water mitigation.
The EPA warns that mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours in damp environments — especially common in Portland’s humid winter climate.
Use fans and open windows to circulate air, and run a dehumidifier if available.
7. Prevent Future Bursts
After the repair, take preventive steps so it doesn’t happen again:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Use foam sleeves or heat tape for pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and garages.
- Keep indoor temps above 55°F: Even if you’re away for the holidays.
- Open cabinet doors: Let warm air reach pipes under sinks.
- Let faucets drip slowly: During deep freezes, this relieves pressure buildup.
For Portland-specific winter prep, see the Portland Water Bureau’s “Prepare for Winter” guide.
For more ongoing maintenance, Einstein Pros offers detailed tips on their Plumbing Maintenance Blog.
8. Know Who to Call — Einstein Pros Portland
When water damage threatens your home, every minute counts. Einstein Pros provides fast, licensed, and local emergency response in Portland — day or night.
They handle:
- Burst and frozen pipe repair
- Water heater leaks
- Sewer line emergencies
- Full plumbing system inspections
👉 Visit Einstein Pros Portland Plumbing Services or call (888) 671-7767 for immediate help.
Final Thoughts
A burst pipe can turn a cozy Portland winter day into a full-blown emergency. But knowing how to act quickly — and who to call — can minimize stress, damage, and cost.
Shut off your water, protect your family, document everything, and trust Einstein Pros for reliable, local, and professional plumbing help this December.