Old houses have a certain nostalgia and attraction to them, whether it’s the character of the home or the crown moulding. They are a great choice whether you are a first-time home buyer or long-term homeowner. But older homes aren’t without their quirks and are subject to common plumbing problems as well.
These older homse have a lot of history within their walls, while some are just simple minor fixes but other can be ticking time bombs if not addressed soon enough. Plumbing problems can cause significant damage to your home and can be expensive if overlooked for too long. We’ve outlined in this article the most common plumbing problems and the best ways to mediate them below.
Old Pipe Materials
Depending on when your home was constructed, especially if it’s over 30 years old, different materials such as lead, galvanized steel or polybutylene may have been used. Many materials that were used back in the day (or when your home was originally constructed) may no longer be in use or up to code.
Old pipes can pose a serious issue even more so if the plumbing wasn’t maintained throughout the years. The most efficient way to avoid any serious (not to mention costly) plumbing issues is to firstly understand the condition of your home’s plumbing situation.
Bellied Lines
As your home settles over the years, the pipes that are installed underground can begin shifting and begin to slope downwards creating a negative slope or belly. Bellied pipes can restrict water flow, cause blockages and leaks. If left unattended for too long, bellied pipes can also cause slab leaks which can cause damage to your home’s foundation.
Some tell-tale signs can include:
- Slow drains
- Frequent back-ups
- Lush patches of green patches on your lawn
If you suspect you have bellied pipes it is best to call in a professional right away for leak detection so they can identify which section of piping needs to be replaced.
Old Fixtures
Since older homes have older fixtures such as faucets, fixtures and supply line connections, it may need replacing or repair. General wear and tear or corrosion can lead to plumbing issues such as restricted water flow, broken knobs and leaks, while some may try to just get by. Ignoring the plumbing can lead to bad plumbing issues that can be disastrous and expensive to repair or even to replace.
Preventative maintenance is the best solution to prevent costly repairs down the road, by having your plumbing inspected once a year you can feel more assured that your pipes and plumbing will be flowing smoothly.
Root Intrusion/Faulty Sewer Lines
The sewer system is another aspect of your home culpable to old age, some issues can include sediment build-up and clogs in your line as well as root intrusion. Root intrusion is a serious plumbing problem that can cause significant damage. It occurs when you have trees or shrubs in your yard, the moisture from the lines can act like a fertilizer and encourage growth around the lines.
Professional plumber can offer sewer line repairs and replacement to help keep your lines running smoothly and with minimal disruption to your property.
Bad Repairs
Needless to say, it’s always best to leave the plumbing to licensed professionals. Amateur handymans or keen DIYers may be able to offer band-aid solutions but can really delay necessary repairs that cost more down the line. Improper repairs hold the potential to be costly but also can be dangerous. Skilled, licensed plumbers are capable of getting your plumbing issue handled correctly the first time and will help protect your home but also your peace of mind.
In conclusion, many common plumbing issues can easily be mediated and repaired by a licensed plumber. If you have a sinking feeling about your plumbing, it is always best to address it as soon as possible before it becomes unbearable and expensive. At Water Guard Plumbing, we have over 15 years of experience dealing with a multitude of plumbing issues. We understand your home is important to you and ensuring you have high quality plumbing service is important to us.
Avoid the big costly repair down the line and contact us as soon as you believe there might be a problem!
