Old homes have a lot of charm, but their plumbing can be like a ticking time bomb. Often, older pipes are made of materials that corrode and rust more easily, such as galvanized steel.
Over time, aging pipes shift downward and create what is called a pipe belly. This restricts water flow and can cause clogs and leaks.
Clogged Pipes and Slow Drains
Over time, soap scum, hair, food particles and mineral deposits can build up in old pipes. In addition, older drain lines may have smaller diameters and uneven surfaces that can facilitate the accumulation of debris. Regular drain cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Clogged toilets are another common problem in old homes. If a home’s sewage line encounters a full or partial blockage, it can cause serious plumbing problems including sewage backup and flooding.
Aging sewer lines can also be susceptible to intrusions from tree roots. As they seek moisture, tree roots can pierce or infiltrate aging sewer pipes and obstruct the flow of water. To keep this from happening, homeowners can employ root removal services and use a root control product such as Hercules R-D Root Destroyer that helps to stop pesky tree roots in their external drain lines. This product works by releasing an organic formula into the pipe that is absorbed by the roots and inhibits their growth.
Broken Faucets and Fixtures
Nothing lasts forever, especially in older homes where pipes and fixtures are nearing the end of their lifespans. Whether due to general wear and tear or corrosion, these issues can lead to broken knobs and leaks that are a hassle at best and expensive disasters at worst.
Many older homes use outdated pipe materials like lead, galvanized steel, and polybutylene that are prone to corrosion and rusting. These pipes may also contaminate your water supply, so it’s important to have them replaced with modern materials to prevent costly and potentially dangerous problems down the road.
In homes built before the 1960s, it was common for water lines to be run in exterior walls. Over time, these lines can freeze during colder weather and crack or burst inside the wall. Thankfully, professional inspection and repiping services can help mitigate these issues in older homes. These services can range from snaking the line to removing root intrusion and replacing the sewer line altogether.
Faulty Sewer Lines
If you notice sewage backups, it could be the result of a damaged or collapsed sewer line. Older homes may have aging pipes that are prone to corrosion and damage.
Home sewer lines, known as home sewer laterals, are the lifeline that connects your plumbing system to the main sewer line. If they fail, your entire plumbing system will be impacted.
A failing home sewer line can lead to a number of problems including wastewater backups, clogged drains, and leaking walls or basements. It can also expose you and your family to harmful bacteria.
Common causes of sewer line failure include corrosion, erosion, tree roots, aging, and damage from improperly-installed plumbing fixtures or changes made to the plumbing system. It’s important to have your sewer lines inspected by a professional to avoid costly repairs and replacements. An inspection can help detect any underlying issues like misaligned pipes, missing connections, or gaps. In addition, a professional can recommend the best solution to address any problems found. Plumbers have the tools and knowledge to fix plumbing problems. Old or new, houses all have plumbing problems that may need attention. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-canberra/blocked-drains-canberra/ have a lot of resourceful information.
Faulty Water Heaters
While this one may be less of a plumbing problem and more of a home maintenance issue, it still has the potential to impact your home. Older homes may have steel or iron pipes that are rusting, which can cause discolored water (in either the cold or hot supply). If you notice a rotten eggs smell from your water heater, this could indicate corrosion inside of the tank and that replacing the anode rod will be necessary. Low water pressure from the water heater can be caused by smaller 1/2″ plumbing, which was standard in older homes, and is best addressed by a full repipe.