Plumbing problems usually happen at the worst possible times, especially during winter when cold weather puts extra stress on your pipes. Fortunately, regular maintenance on your plumbing pipes can prevent many of these weather-related problems from occurring. The adult education team at Berk Trade and Business School, located in Long Island City, NY, explains some winter plumbing maintenance tips you should follow.

Perform these three steps to prepare your plumbing for frigid temperatures:

• Insulate Your Pipes: If water freezes inside your pipes, it can result in an increase in water pressure and cause a crack in the pipes. If you have plumbing in uninsulated areas of your house, add insulating foam around the pipe to keep it warm. A professional plumber can assist if the pipes are difficult to reach on your own.
• Pack Up Your Garden Hose: Disconnect your garden hoses and drain any outdoor pipes to prevent damage from cold weather. If a hose is still connected, it can form ice and cause pressure to rise in the water lines inside your home.
• Run Water Periodically: Use all the faucets in your home at least once a week to help prevent your pipes from bursting. This practice ensures ice does not build up in your pipes, and it also lets you know if there are issues with the water flow in your plumbing.

If your pipes freeze during the winter, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. You can apply heat to the frozen pipe using an electric heating pad or a hair dryer. Never use open-flame devices inside your home.

The staff at Berk Trade and Business School provides adult education services to train people for high-demand jobs as electricians and plumbers. Give them a call at (718) 729-0909 or visit their website to learn more about their academic programs. You can also find the trade school on Facebook and Twitter.