A cold morning is a bad time to discover that you do not know where the water shutoff is. Before freezing weather arrives in Bend, spend a little time checking what is accessible and what needs professional attention.
This is a preparation checklist, not a guarantee against frozen pipes. A property’s layout, heating, and exposed plumbing all matter.
Know how to stop the water
Locate the household shutoff while conditions are safe. If you cannot identify it, or it is difficult to reach, ask a plumbing provider to explain the arrangement. Make sure another responsible person in the household knows where it is too.
Do not force a stuck valve or interfere with a utility-owned meter or valve. Ask the relevant utility or provider which equipment you are permitted to operate.
Check outdoor and exposed plumbing
The City of Bend’s winter tips recommend disconnecting garden hoses, protecting outdoor faucets, and insulating exposed pipes. Ask for advice about plumbing you cannot reach safely or whose winter preparation is unclear. Irrigation systems may need separate attention.
Make a note of any fixture that lost flow during a previous cold spell. That history helps a provider decide which part of the system to assess. Avoid assuming that insulation alone resolves every exposure problem.
Make a plan before leaving home
Bend’s winter guidance recommends keeping the thermostat at least 55°F when away. Arrange for a trusted person to check the property, know how to contact you, and report a heating failure or leak. A thermostat setting cannot guarantee that every pipe stays warm.
If you are closing a property for an extended period, ask a qualified provider about a plan for that particular building. Do not drain or shut down connected equipment based only on a general online checklist.
If a tap suddenly loses flow
Note which fixtures are affected and call for advice. Frozen plumbing can be hidden, and loss of flow can have other causes. Never use a torch or open flame on a pipe. Do not enter a flooded space or use electrical equipment in a wet area.
The American Red Cross frozen-pipe guide explains warning signs and when to call a plumber. Our burst and frozen pipe page explains how to describe a service request. If water is actively leaking, make that clear when you call; submitting a form does not confirm an urgent appointment.
