Old houses and plumbing problems

Old houses have a certain charm and appeal to them, and it’s no wonder many people opt to live in them. However, they also come with a fair share of responsibility, not the least of which is taking care of the condition of the building —including its old network of pipes.

Plumbing problems do go together with old properties, as much as owners would like it to be otherwise. Especially when you’re dealing with a flipped house, it could be that the exterior was renovated but all the interior stuff like plumbing has not been touched. Or you may simply have neglected the maintenance of your old home. In any case, there are some common problems in the plumbing of old houses. Let’s examine them here.

Old galvanized pipes

It is likely that your old house was built with pipes that were galvanized. As the years pass, the zinc layer of these pipes erode and the pipe loses its protective armor from within. This makes the pipes that much more prone to corrosion.

Replacing the full set of pipes is recommended, but it can be quite costly. This is why many people opt to just replace the affected segments. Sooner or later, however, the other old galvanized pipes would likely need to be replaced anyway.

Water damage

Leaks and standing water can lead to water damage in the surrounding area, especially in old houses that rely on wood for a large part of the structure. You’ll be able to find areas with water damage thanks to certain telltale signs: odd moldy smells, buckling floorboards, and stained walls or ceilings. Once you’ve located a leak, it’s best to identify the problem and act on it.

Sewers

Sometimes problems arise not within the house, but right from the edges. To be more specific, we’re talking about the connection the house has to the sewer. Roots can clog that sewer line and cut off the water flow, and sometimes parts of it can even break or collapse with age, coupled with wear and tear.

Discarded items that get into the disposal – toilet paper, diapers, grease, etc. – can also accumulate over time to clog the line. It’s important that the line is cleared so that the water that needs to be disposed from your home flows exactly where it needs to go: out.

Component age

The plumbing system inside a house is a complex one, made up of many different components, each playing a part in the complete function of the whole. Each part, like all physical things, has a lifespan. From piping to fixtures such as valves, sinks, and heaters, it may be beneficial for you to know the expected lifespan of these and how soon the ones in your house are likely to need replacing.

If you own an old house, you need to make sure that any plumbing problems are taken care of as soon as possible. Otherwise, the leaking water and troublesome drains can contribute to the speeding up of your home’s deterioration. If things get too tough, don’t think twice about calling plumbing professionals to give your home a look and get rid of any problems that might lurk within.