How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Bend’s Cold Weather
When winter settles into Bend, Oregon, freezing temperatures can put your home’s plumbing system under serious stress. With our high-desert climate, wide temperature swings, and frequent sub-zero nights, frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies we see at Renew Plumbing®. A frozen pipe isn’t just inconvenient, it can burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage and unexpected repair costs.
The good news? With a few preventative steps, you can dramatically reduce your risk of frozen pipes this winter. Here’s what every Bend homeowner should know.
Why Pipes Freeze in Central Oregon
Water expands when it freezes and when that expansion happens inside a pipe, pressure builds until the pipe cracks or bursts. In Bend, the risk is higher because:
Nighttime temperatures regularly dip below 20°F in winter
Homes built before the 1990s often have less-insulated plumbing
Unheated crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls get extremely cold
Vacation rentals and second homes sit unoccupied for long periods
Whether you’re a full-time resident or managing a rental property, winterizing your plumbing should be a top priority.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas are the first to freeze. Protect pipes located in:
Garages
Crawlspaces
Attics
Basements
Exterior walls
Outdoor hose bibs
At Renew Plumbing®, we recommend high-quality foam pipe insulation or fiberglass wrap. These materials provide a thermal barrier that keeps water inside the pipes from reaching freezing temperatures.
For homeowners who want extra protection, heat tape or pipe-heating cables can also be installed. These products keep vulnerable pipes warm using an electric heating element — ideal for harder-to-access or repeat-problem areas.
2. Disconnect and Winterize Outdoor Hose Bibs
Leaving hoses attached during winter traps water inside the faucet, increasing your risk of a freeze. Always:
Disconnect all hoses before freezing weather hits
Drain any remaining water
Install insulated faucet covers for added protection
If your home has older, non–frost-free hose bibs, consider upgrading. Renew Plumbing® installs frost-free options that automatically drain excess water and significantly reduce freezing risks.
3. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent
Even if you’re leaving for vacation, or closing up a short-term rental for the season, your heat should never be turned off. For freeze prevention, aim to:
Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
Close garage doors to maintain warmer temperatures around internal piping
These small steps make a big difference, especially during Bend’s temperature swings.
4. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
Running water freezes much more slowly. During exceptionally cold nights (especially below 10°F), allow faucets on vulnerable lines to drip a small, steady stream. This keeps water moving and helps prevent a freeze.
5. Seal Air Leaks Around Pipes
Cold drafts can freeze pipes even in heated areas. Check for gaps near:
Pipes running through exterior walls
The crawlspace foundation
Basement windows
Attic access points
Use expanding foam, caulking, or weatherstripping to close gaps and stop cold air from reaching your plumbing.
6. Know the Signs of a Frozen Pipe
If you catch the freeze early, you may prevent a burst pipe. Watch for:
Little to no water flow
Frost or ice on exposed pipes
Strange smells from drains
Unusual banging or clunking sounds
If you suspect a freeze, call Renew Plumbing® immediately. Avoid using space heaters or open flames near pipes. Improper thawing can cause fires or further pipe damage.
7. Schedule a Professional Winterization Service
Preventative plumbing is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make as a Bend homeowner. Winterization services include:
Full inspection of vulnerable plumbing
Insulating exposed pipes
Replacing outdated hose bibs
Checking crawlspace conditions
Identifying freeze-risk areas unique to your home
We help homeowners, rental property managers, and commercial businesses protect their plumbing before the coldest weather arrives.
Stay Ahead of Winter with Renew Plumbing®
Bend’s winters are beautiful, but they can be brutal on your plumbing. Taking proactive steps now can save you stress, money, and major damage later.
If you’d like help preparing your home for winter or suspect you may already have a frozen pipe, Renew Plumbing® is here for emergency and preventative service.
