Common Plumbing Problems In Old Homes
Whether you are living in a home you’ve owned for decades or are in the process of buying an older home, the years have taken their toll on the home’s plumbing system. In fact, there are many common plumbing problems in old homes that require the expertise of a licensed and experienced plumber to properly fix. If you’re concerned about plumbing issues in old houses and want to know what to look for and what’s involved in getting them fixed, here’s what you need to know.
How Do I Know If My House Has Plumbing Problems?
Whether it’s a home you own, are considering buying, or have purchased and are looking to flip, an old home is bound to have its share of plumbing problems. As for how you can tell, begin by noticing any strange smells that may be coming from drains, since this can indicate buildups or potential clogs. Also, it’s a good idea to check for outdated fixtures, since these can break and begin leaking and causing other problems.
What Kinds of Pipes do Old Houses Have?
In homes that were built in the 1960s and earlier, galvanized piping was the norm. Unfortunately, these pipes can corrode over time and begin releasing iron through the pipes. Though covered in zinc, this alone does not prevent the pipes from corroding. Once this starts and is allowed to continue, you’ll find an older home that starts to have problems with water pressure, discolored water, and other things that require a plumber’s expertise to correct.
Poor Plumbing Service
When a home is older, chances are it has had visits from multiple plumbers through the years. However, not all plumbers are created equal, which means some repairs that were done probably were not of the highest quality. Eventually, this poor workmanship takes its toll on a plumbing system, resulting in leaking pipes, poor water pressure, and other costly issues. Thus, before you buy an older home, it’s best to have a licensed plumber who has years of experience working with older homes do a thorough inspection, explain any problems, and give you an estimate as to repair costs.
Water Contamination
In homes that are especially old, lead pipes have long been a major problem. Unfortunately, there are still some cities and other areas that use lead service lines, which can create problems for you if your home still has galvanized plumbing. In such situations, water contamination regarding lead can result, which can be extremely serious for your health and that of your family. By having a plumber you can trust from Boss Plumbing to examine your pipes and water, you can have a water filtration system installed, giving you clean water and peace of mind.
Filled with history and other unique aspects, an older home can be a great renovation project whether you’re looking to live in it or sell it to someone else. But along the way, always make sure the plumbing system is modernized as much as possible. From replacing pipes and fixtures to ensuring the water itself is safe to drink, trust these important aspects of your renovation to us here at Boss Plumbing. To have plumbers on the job who have the experience and training needed to tackle the toughest of problems, contact us here at Boss Plumbing today.
