The design and materials used in constructing old homes make them very appealing to many people. But like modern houses, old houses have their own hidden issues. Are you planning to buy an old home? Here are some of the most common plumbing problems in old homes that often need fixing.
Old plumbing
Nothing lasts forever. Remember that plumbing systems in old houses were installed many years ago. This makes them very worn and sometimes outdated. Also, they may have been repaired by many plumbers in the past, and in many cases the previous homeowners too, making them susceptible to further issues.
Old plumbing issues are mostly minor problems such as low water pressure, leaks, and corrosion which you can easily find local plumbers to fix. Note that if you ignore minor plumbing issues, they may get worse in the long run and become more expensive to fix.
Clogging
Older homes have many years of draining dirty water, sewage, soap scum, and shampoo. This also includes kitchen fats and food bits. With these substances ending up down the drain, old houses often end up having more issues with clogged drains and clogged kitchen sinks. Toilet drains also clog easily because children sometimes flush solid items down the drain. If your old home’s drainage is clogged, do not hesitate to contact a plumber to unclog it!
Tree root intrusion
Old homes face tree intrusion because when the roots of nearby trees over-grow, they penetrate the home’s sewer lines. This can be quite complicated because it is such a difficult issue for homeowners to notice. Routine inspection by a plumber is the best way to detect tree root intrusion and find a solution before it is too late.
Bad repairs
The plumbing systems of homes that were built more than 30 years ago have already been repaired many times by different plumbers or handymen. Some homeowners also do such repairs and, of course, they do them poorly since they are not professionals. Poorly done repairs can cause plumbing issues like unsecured pipes, faulty water heaters, leaks, and more. As the owner of an old home with bad plumbing repair problems, you need to hire a professional plumber to conduct inspections and fix them.
Low water pressure
The most common reason homes built more than 20 years ago have low water pressure is because they used steel pipes which have now become clogged with lime deposits that obstruct water flow. Faulty fixtures also cause low water pressure. The same applies to old showerheads and faucets. The best way to solve this problem is to look for a plumber to re-pipe your old home with upgraded pipes.
Pipe belly formation
Pipes that are installed underneath houses, either in the ground or covered in a concrete slab, usually develop bellies when a house undergoes gradual movement and shifting, year after year. When this happens to pipes, the flow of water becomes obstructed. Pipe belly formation also creates pools which cause waste or sediment to accumulate. If left unchecked, pipe bellies can eventually result in stoppages or leaks. You do not want your old home to have issues like poor drainage, slow draining toilets, and clogged sewer lines. So, hire a professional plumber to diagnose pipe bellies using an inspection camera and get the pipes or the entire system replaced with upgraded materials.
Corrosion
Corrosion affects every metal and when it comes to metal pipes in homes that were built some decades ago, corrosion is obvious. Besides, the most used plumbing materials in the 1970s were galvanised steel water pipes. Unfortunately, the lifespan of these types of pipes is only between 20 – 50 years. So, if your old house’s plumbing is made of galvanised steel, it will corrode after this time, once the zinc coating protecting it erodes. This causes rusting to affect the galvanised pipes. If you do not want to see your water turn orange and unsafe for use, get the pipes checked and replaced immediately.
If you are living in a 20+ year home or moving into one, make sure you reach out to a local plumber company. Make sure they’re highly experienced and licensed expert plumbers who are readily available 24/7 to conduct a thorough inspection of your old house’s entire plumbing. With high expertise, you can get professional advice and access to any necessary plumbing services.
