Winter in Portland is full of cozy rainy days, warm mugs of coffee, and… the occasional freezing cold snap that has all of us scrambling. While we don’t see harsh winters like some parts of the country, those unexpected freezes can cause serious problems for your plumbing—and your wallet. Let’s take a look at how to prepare, a little history of Portland’s coldest winters, and what to do if your pipes decide to go rogue this season.
A Brief Look at Portland’s Notorious Freezes
Portlanders like to think of winter as mild and wet, but history tells a slightly different story. Here are a few times Mother Nature really flexed:
January 1950: Portland saw 41 inches of snow that month alone, with temperatures plummeting to -2°F on January 31. This remains the coldest temperature ever recorded in the city.
December 1996: The infamous snowstorm of ’96 blanketed the city, froze pipes, and left plumbers (and snowboarders) working overtime.
February 2023: Remember when an unexpected snowstorm shut down the city? Temperatures dropped, pipes froze, and we were all reminded to prep for the unexpected.
How Freezing Temperatures Mess with Plumbing
The science is simple: when water freezes, it expands. When it’s trapped in a pipe, that expansion can cause cracks or even full-on bursts. And when the ice melts? All that water comes rushing out—often into places you don’t want it. Pipes in unheated spaces, like basements, attics, and garages, are the most at risk.
Pro Tips to Protect Your Pipes This Winter
While Portland’s freezes might be rare, it only takes one bad night to turn a small oversight into a big repair bill. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Wrap Up Those Pipes: Got exposed pipes in a crawl space, garage, or along the exterior walls? Wrap them in foam insulation or heating tape.
Hose Bibs? No Problem: Disconnect those garden hoses and cover your outdoor faucets with insulated covers.
Let It Flow: On especially cold nights, let your faucets drip just a little. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
Seal the Drafts: Check for gaps around windows, doors, or anywhere cold air could sneak in and chill your pipes.
Keep It Warm Inside: Don’t let your thermostat dip below 55°F, even if you’re heading out of town.
Oops, My Pipes Froze. What Now?
First things first, don’t panic. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, it’s likely your pipes are frozen, but there’s still time to minimize damage:
Turn Off the Water: Shut off the main water supply to prevent a potential burst from flooding your home.
Warm Them Up Gently: Use a hairdryer or portable heater to thaw frozen pipes. Start near the faucet and work your way back.
Call the Experts: If you’re unsure or the pipe has already burst, it’s time to bring in the pros (hint: Alchemy Plumbing is always ready to help!).
Why Alchemy Plumbing Has Your Back
At Alchemy Plumbing, we’ve seen it all. Whether it’s a pipe that froze overnight or a sewer line that decided to act up after a snowstorm, our team is here to get things running again. We’re big believers in prevention, too. A quick inspection now can save you from major headaches later.
Winter Peace of Mind
Portland winters may keep us on our toes, but with a little prep and a trusted plumbing partner, you can focus on the things that matter—like enjoying those cozy rainy days. If you need help winterizing your plumbing or fixing a freeze-related issue, give us a call. We’ve got your back, rain or shine (or snow).