Do I Need to Prepare My HVAC & Plumbing Systems for Hurricanes in Massachusetts?

Hurricanes can bring powerful winds and heavy rains to Massachusetts, and although the chances of a direct hit from a storm are minimal—it’s likely to happen once every six years or so—it’s important to be prepared.

Even a weak hurricane or a tropical storm can quickly cause extensive damage to your home. Here are some tips to help prepare your HVAC and plumbing systems if a hurricane or heavy rain from a nearby storm is possible near your home:

Find Your Emergency Shut-Off Valve

Learn where the shut-off valve for the main water line is so that you can turn it off if a pipe bursts or starts leaking or if you need to evacuate your home. This can help to minimize flooding and water damage.

If your home does not have a shut-off valve, have one installed by a professional plumber. Finding a leak and repairing pipes can take time, so the shut-off valve is essential for limiting water damage to your home.

Clean Drains & Gutters

Heavy flooding and groundwater pressure can cause a clogged drain to burst during a storm, leading to sewage backup.

Schedule drain cleaning before the storm if you have a clogged drain, a slow drain, or tree root infiltration. This will help prevent unnecessary damage and costly sewer repairs.

Have your gutters cleaned as well so that water can be diverted away from your home properly.

Consider Upgrading Old Pipes

If you have outdated pipes made of cast iron or lead in your home, we strongly recommend upgrading your plumbing as soon as possible.

Older pipes can be more likely to break during a storm. By upgrading, your plumbing will be more resilient, and you’ll improve the value of your home.

Adjust the Thermostat Right Before the Storm Hits

Power outages are quite likely during inclement weather. To keep your home as comfortable as possible between the time the power goes out and the electricity is restored, consider adjusting your thermostat just before the storm arrives.

If it’s a hot day, turn the thermostat down several degrees; if it is cool outside, turn it up. This will give you a few extra hours before your home reaches an uncomfortable temperature.

Call a licensed HVAC technician for emergency heating or cooling repairs if your HVAC system will not start properly after the storm.

Secure Outdoor Furniture & Objects

During a storm, items like outdoor furniture, potted plants, or lawn and garden tools could become projectiles, causing damage to your air conditioner, roof, siding, windows, or doors.

Store smaller items in a shed, a garage, or inside your home, and secure large items with straps or tie-downs.

Protect Your Outdoor Unit

The condenser unit of your air conditioner or heat pump is extremely vulnerable during a severe storm. The condenser coils and refrigerant lines are made of soft metals like aluminum or copper that can be easily crushed or damaged.

Cover the outdoor unit with a tarp and use hurricane straps to secure it to minimize the risk of costly heat pump or AC repairs.

During an AC or heat pump replacement or a new AC installation, ensure a concrete slab is poured so the outdoor unit can be safely and permanently mounted.

Schedule Routine HVAC & Plumbing Maintenance

Schedule routine HVAC and plumbing maintenance at least once a year to make sure your Massachusetts home and its most critical system are ready for a storm.

Our Blue Care Maintenance Plan can make the process easy. By signing up, you’ll stay up-to-date on your heating, cooling, and water heater maintenance and enjoy exclusive benefits like priority scheduling, available after-hours service, and repair discounts.

Call Blue Bear for HVAC & Plumbing Repairs After a Storm

After the storm has safely passed, it is important to inspect your home and your HVAC and plumbing systems for damage right away. If you need repairs, contact our team at Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating & Air.

We offer plumbing, furnace, air conditioning, and heat pump repairs and replacements. Our company serves homeowners in the MetroWest and South Shore areas.

Count on our team for same-day service, 24/7 emergency service, and friendly customer care. Our business is locally owned and operated, and our 100% satisfaction guarantee backs all our services.

Call Blue Bear at 781-706-4682 today to request HVAC or plumbing services in the South Shore.