Older homes are more likely to have plumbing complications than newer homes. Read on to learn about some of the plumbing problems you should consider if you live in an older home.
1. Pipe Corrosion
Most modern houses have PVC pipes and drains, while older houses use metal pipes—particularly galvanized steel pipes and copper pipes. Metal pipes rust and corrode easily, affecting the quality of water passing through the pipes. Rust can also cause corrosion on pipes and cause leakage.
2. Failing Sewer Lines
Sewer lines in older homes often lack modern appliances such as dishwashers and garbage disposals. This forces most of the wastewater from the home to pass through the sewer lines. The heavy use makes the sewer lines more susceptible to damage, particularly if you have remodeled the house extensively. Shifting and tree roots can also damage the sewer lines.
Here are some signs of failing sewer lines:
- Soft spots and unexplained puddles in the yard, even when the ground is dry.
- Simultaneous failure of several drains as well as partially blocked sewer lines.
- Bad odors that resemble egg-like smells in various rooms of your house.
- Bad-smelling wastewater leaks into various parts of your home.
You may have to hire a professional to dig out the sewer lines and install better ones.
3. Pipe BelliesOlder homes may have shifted and gradually moved over time, affecting pipes underneath the home. Sections of the pipe can move downward and have a negative slope belly that prevents proper water flow. This low water flow can cause sediment and waste to accumulate at various points of the pipes. Failure to address the problem can cause leaks and water stoppages over time.
4. Outdated Fixtures and Connections
Antique faucets and fixtures are part of the attraction in a historic home. But these features will cease to be functional due to various reasons. Connections and hardware can corrode and wear, reducing the water pressure in the fixtures and causing leaks.
Limescale can also accumulate in old faucets and affect the quality and speed of the water. The result will be a sudden hike in your utility bills. Showerheads and faucets can also start to produce unpleasant smells.
5. Improper Repair or InstallationThe original plumber may have used methods to install the plumbing system in your home that are now outdated. You may also have difficulties tracking down the plumber to get more insights about the plumbing installation techniques. Another possible cause of planning problems is the failure to identify the correct plumbing problem during repairs.
6. Tree Damage
If your house is several decades old, old trees are also likely to be on the same property. While the trees improve the ambiance of your home, their roots pose a danger to your home's plumbing system. The roots won't grow around the pipes but will instead break their way through. Such can cause various problems, including blockages, water leaks, and low water pressure.
7. Lead PipingLead is a harmful material that can cause various health problems, such as fatigue, constipation, and aches. The metal can also interfere with optimum brain function and decrease fertility. But scientists only discovered the dangers of lead in the recent past. Before the discovery, lead was popular for pipe fittings, water means, and sewer lines.
You may not easily know whether your old home uses lead plumbing fixtures. The solution is to hire a professional to test your water and know whether the pipes use lead.
If your old house has any plumbing problems, the best approach is to hire a professional plumber to fix the problems. Peter Piper's Plumbing provides professional plumbing solutions, including emergency service repairs and preventative maintenance.
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