Common with pipes in old homes
Older houses have their own character and charm. However, living in an old home is not always fun. It comes with its own problems and you often have to spend a considerable time, effort, and money on repairs. Whether you are buying a fixer upper or you want to continue living in your decades old home, you should be prepared to deal with some plumbing issues. It is important to be aware of these potential plumbing issues before it is too late. Here are some common problems you may face with pipes in older homes:
Worn fixtures
It is believed that older houses are usually made of better materials and are sturdier than the modern houses. However, with time, hardware and fixtures begin to erode and start causing problems. Over time, the washers and valves get damaged, handles break. Faucets may become leaky. If there are old valves, faucets, handles, or other fixtures in your home, it is best to have them replaced before they cause a major problem.
Outdated piping
Homes that are older than 30 years old use piping materials that are now considered dangerous. For example, pipes in old homes may be made of galvanized steel coated with zinc. This was extremely popular in the 60s. Later it was found that it was extremely corrosive and increased the rust levels in water.
Polybutylene was another material popular during the 70s-90s, but it reacted with chemicals in municipal water. They cracked and got damaged sooner than they should have. If you are planning to buy an old house, make sure you have the pipes checked and if required, have re-piping done.
Drain issues
Over the years, soap, dirty water, and scum can cause damage to the drains. Drains in the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet tend to get clogged. The common signs of drain issues are water backups in sinks or toilet. You may notice bad smells that cannot be tracked to any other source. Most pipes in old homes have build-up of debris, which should be cleared to avoid major issues.
Pipe belly
The underground pipes tend to move and shift over time. When the pipes shift downward, they create a belly that can restrict the flow of water and can cause waste accumulation in pools. If left unchecked, pipe bely can lead to clogs and leaks. Only a plumber can inspect the pipes running under the house and see if there is a problem.
Water pressure problems
Houses that have old plumbing and have not been maintained well tend to have water pressure problems. It is commonly caused by corroded pipes, which get clogged due to deposits. Low water pressure is not only annoying but it also makes everyday tasks harder. Your household appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machines will also not run properly.
Root intrusion
With outdoor pipes in old homes surrounded by trees, it is possible for the roots to penetrate plumbing lines and sewer lines, and can cause problems. It is difficult to diagnose the problem on your own. You will need services of a plumber to carry out an inspection and repair.
A lot of plumbing issues in older homes are also a result of improper installation and repairs. If you are moving into a home that is more than 20 years old, it is best to have it inspected by an experienced plumber. Our licensed and skilled plumbers have plenty of knowledge about pipes in old homes. They are fully capable of carrying out all types of repairs and installation work. You can trust our team to make sure your home’s plumbing is in perfect order and that you don’t have to struggle with any plumbing issues in your old home.
