Many people love the charm of old homes, but these structures often have outdated plumbing. When these pipes aren’t updated, they can start to fail.
Leaky sewer lines are a common issue in older homes, as they attract nearby landscaping and encourage them to grow into the line. This can cause clogs and expensive repairs.
Faulty Sewer Lines
Faulty sewer lines in old homes are a common plumbing issue that can cause clogs, wastewater leaks, and more. They can also pose a health and safety risk as they may leak toxic chemicals into your home’s water supply.
Sewer pipes are buried underground, making them susceptible to ground shifts and movement. Natural occurrences like soil erosion, earthquakes, and changing groundwater levels can cause them to shift, causing them to bend or sag. This can lead to a negative slope that blocks water flow, called a pipe belly.
Negative slopes can also attract tree roots, which use the moisture in your sewer line as a type of fertilizer. You can prevent this by regularly cleaning your drains and avoiding the use of chemical-based “quick fix” products. It’s also a good idea to have your sewer line inspected by a professional plumber on a regular basis. They can use a digital camera to check for any cracks, blockages, or other damage.
Faulty Fixtures
Although older homes use superior materials, some fixtures wear out over time. Often, handles, washers and valves start to leak or stop working properly. This may result in water damage, clogged drains and foul smells. A quality plumber can help you find the problem, install new components and repair existing ones. For more information, helpful sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ will provide you with a lot of resourceful information.
Many old houses have galvanized pipes. These are steel pipes with a zinc coating that can corrode over time, leading to discolored water and pipe failure. It is advisable to replace galvanized pipes with modern ones to ensure the safety of your family and prevent water contamination.
It is also advisable to hire a quality plumber for your home inspection. They can look for improper plumbing repairs that were made by unqualified former owners or general handymen. They can also check for recurrent problems like slow drains and identify the cause. This will save you a lot of money in the long run. In addition, the plumber will recommend maintenance routines that will prolong the life of your home’s plumbing system.
Poor Installation
Whether they’re caused by faulty installation or by natural causes, old houses are often plagued with hidden plumbing problems. While they may not be as dangerous as lead paint or asbestos, these hidden issues can have a major impact on the home’s performance and value.
The older the house, the more likely it is that the piping is made from materials that are susceptible to corrosion and failure. For example, houses built prior to 1960 are more prone to issues with galvanized pipes, which corrode and can clog over time. These lines should be replaced with more modern, durable materials like copper or PVC to avoid future plumbing problems.
It’s also common for older homes to have poor water pressure. This is due to outdated plumbing systems that are struggling to meet the demands of today’s household appliances. A professional plumbing inspection can help to identify and address these issues. Additionally, it’s important to consider adding a water pressure booster system to ensure that all areas of the house receive sufficient water pressure.
Clogged Drains
Older homes often have pipes made from materials that corrode or experience residue build-up, resulting in restricted water flow and increased susceptibility to drain clogs. Upgrading to modern copper or PVC piping is the best way to avoid these issues.
Additionally, older pipes encased in concrete or buried underground can shift over time and sink downwards, creating what is known as a pipe belly. These bellies restrict water flow, pool waste, and increase the risk of clogs.
Finally, aging sewer lines can crack or break, allowing tree roots to infiltrate and block drains. Regular plumbing inspections and maintenance services can help reduce the risk of these problems. Keeping drains clean and refraining from placing anything other than waste down them is also key. Finally, installing a tree root barrier and repairing damaged sewer lines can help mitigate the risk of these dangerous issues.