You can do the following to help prevent frozen pipes:

• Disconnect water hoses from outdoor faucets before the temperature drops below freezing.
• Wrap outdoor pipes and faucets with insulating materials.
• Wrap pipes and faucets located in unheated garages, attics, and crawl spaces with insulating materials—especially those located close to outside walls that are not insulated.
• During periods of freezing temperatures, temporarily let cold water trickle at a slow, constant drip from faucets—especially those located close to outside walls.
• Leave cabinet doors open under kitchen and bathroom sinks which allows warm air to circulate around plumbing fixtures.
• Cracks in outside walls or foundations should be sealed to keep cold air away from pipes.

Contact a licensed plumber for information on thawing frozen pipes.

If a pipe has broken at your property and you need assistance with temporarily shutting off your water, contact Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.