How to maintain and improve your plumbing this fall and winter

Along with shorter days and dropping temperatures, fall brings a sense of urgency to get your home in shape before winter arrives. This is especially true for plumbing, as frigid temps can wreak havoc on pipes and outdoor faucets. Along with maintenance, homeowners can use the season to make simple plumbing repairs or upgrades so essential household functions run more smoothly throughout the colder months.

To help you tackle these tasks, plumbing experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company, offer tips for jobs you can do yourself, and those that might be better left to the pros.

Freeze-proof your pipes

Be proactive to safeguard against freezing weather. Start by ensuring any exposed pipes are insulated to prevent freezing, especially in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. This is also the time to disconnect and drain outdoor garden hoses and shut off water to any exterior faucets to avoid burst pipes.

In the winter, your water heater may need to work harder, so make sure to have the tank inspected, cleaned and flushed if needed. If you have a sump pump that experiences extreme weather conditions, ensure that it's properly cleaned and insulated.

Need help preparing your plumbing for winter? Contact the pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

Prevent laundry hazards

The laundry room is one of the most used but often overlooked spaces in your home. To keep appliances in top shape, focus on the plumbing. Key tasks to ensure your washing machine will continue working problem-free include inspecting hoses, pipes, and valves around your washer and laundry sink for leaks. You could consider replacing rubber hoses with durable, braided stainless steel hoses.

Check that the trap seal, the pipe that prevents sewer gases and odors from backing up into the laundry room, is full of water. Occasionally pour a bucket of water down the drain to flush the line and keep the trap fresh and sealed.

Pro tip: Secure exposed pipes or hoses with zip ties to keep the washer's movement from shaking them loose.

Keep toilets problem-free

While you're checking areas needing repair, toilets should top your list. Fortunately, some common problems are easy DIY fixes. For example, you can often resolve a running toilet on your own. It may be caused by a flapper or ball float that's not working correctly.

Troubleshoot by first turning off the water. Turn the small knob on the wall, usually near the toilet's right side, clockwise (to the right). Take off the toilet tank's ceramic lid and place it on a towel to prevent breakage. Then look inside to check if the flapper's working. Over time, rubber or silicone flappers deteriorate, collect dirt, or become brittle, so they no longer work as a seal.

You can find replacement flappers at hardware and home improvement stores. Installation instructions are typically included when you buy toilet replacement parts. Other fixes for running toilets include chain link adjustment, trimming the toilet fill tube, adjusting the ball float arm, or replacing a broken ball float. If repairs seem too challenging, consult a plumbing professional.

Pro tip: Take pictures of parts that need replacing before heading to the store.

Upgrades to consider

Some household issues may be improved by making plumbing upgrades.

Soften your water: If you find your skin and hair experiencing soap buildup and dryness or you see soap buildup on your shower and tub surround, you may have hard water. The high mineral content in hard water can be detrimental to your plumbing as well as your personal care.

Installing a water softener can make a big difference in terms of your skin and hair, and for your home's pipes. Contact your plumbing professional if you're interested in a water softener for your home.

Upgrade your faucet: Today's kitchen faucets use cutting-edge technology to offer convenience and cleanliness in two new ways: You can choose a faucet requiring a simple touch (even from a wrist or elbow), or that you only need to wave your hand under to turn on. Either option helps keep your faucet and sink cleaner — and is easier to use for children, older adults and with messy or full hands.

Consider a bidet: Choosing a bidet can enhance your bathroom and improve personal hygiene. While getting a full bidet needs professional installation, a simple bidet toilet seat is something that's easy to install yourself. Most of these products include instructions and require minimal tools for installation.

For all your plumbing maintenance, repair and upgrading needs, you can find a trained, licensed plumbing professional at MrRooter.com/fallmaintenance.