Living in Fairhaven, we are used to the beauty of the Buzzards Bay coastline, but we also know how quickly a mild autumn day can turn into a punishing “Polar Vortex.” Unlike homeowners in warmer climates, we know winter is coming—but it’s those sudden, extreme temperature drops that often catch our pipes and properties off guard.
At Paul Labonte Insurance, we’ve helped our neighbors in Fairhaven, New Bedford, and Mattapoisett navigate the aftermath of frozen pipes and winter weather claims for years. To help you avoid the headache of a claim, we’ve put together this checklist to prepare your home before the next deep freeze hits.
💧 Protect Your Water Lines
In our older New England homes, plumbing often runs through additions or crawl spaces that aren’t perfectly insulated. When water freezes, it expands, and a burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage in minutes.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Check your basement, attic, and garage. Wrap any exposed copper or PVC pipes with foam insulation. It’s a $10 fix that can save you a $1,000 deductible.
- The “South Coast” Spigot Rule: Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets. If you have older non-frost-proof valves, shut off the water from the inside valve and drain the line completely.
- The Slow Drip: If the forecast calls for sub-zero temperatures, let a faucet on an exterior wall (like a kitchen sink) drip slowly. This relieves pressure and keeps water moving, making it much harder for the line to freeze solid.
🌬️ Seal Out the Atlantic Chill
Coastal winds in Fairhaven can drive the wind chill down significantly. Keeping that cold air out is key to protecting your furnace and your wallet.
- Check Windows and Doors: Feel for drafts around your frames. In older homes, a simple bead of caulk or new weather stripping can make a massive difference in maintaining your home’s internal temperature.
- The Ceiling Fan Trick: Switch your ceiling fans to “reverse” (clockwise). This pulls the rising warm air off the ceiling and pushes it back down into your living space.
- Mind the Heat: If you are leaving for the weekend, never turn your heat off. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F to ensure the internal skeleton of your home stays above freezing.
🏠 Exterior and Emergency Prep
New England winters are unpredictable. A cold snap often comes with ice or heavy snow that can knock out power across the South Coast.
- Clear the Perimeter: Ensure your gutters are clear of leaves. When a cold snap hits, clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which can force melting snow under your shingles and into your ceilings.
- Supply Check: Ensure your snow blower is fueled, your shovels are ready, and you have a supply of ice melt (pet-safe is best!) for your walkways.
- Emergency Kit: Have flashlights, fresh batteries, and a portable charger ready. If the power goes out during a cold snap, your home will lose heat quickly—keep extra blankets and a “go-bag” ready just in case.
Is Your Home Fully Protected?
Even with the best preparation, New England winters can be unpredictable. Now is the perfect time to review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have the right coverage for water backup, pipe bursts, and weather-related damage.
Stay warm, Fairhaven! If you have questions about your coverage or want a local perspective on protecting your property, give us a call at (508) 997-3103.