Connect with us

Home Improvement

10 Most Common Plumbing Problems In Older Homes

historic homeOlder homes have a style and charm that many newer properties lack. However, they also have some problems that homeowners should be aware of.
Here are ten common plumbing problems that are seen in older homes and what you can do to correct them.

1. Age is a Factor

Nothing lasts forever, and components of your plumbing system will start to wear down as the home ages.
The age of pipes contributes to problems like leaks.
The use of harsh chemical drain cleaners also damages the pipes, and connections can start to wear down and leak. Consider having the pipes relined to avoid problems.

2. Decay of Galvanized Steel

Copper and plastic pipes are durable, but many older homes feature galvanized steel.
The issue with these types of pipes is that they starts to rust and corrode over time, and that can lead to pipe failure and serious leaks. It is particularly challenging when pipes are beneath the slab in the soil.
Have a plumber pressure test the pipes, and consider having them relined to keep them functional.

3. Undersized Vent Pipes

The needs of households have changed over the decades, and the small two-inch pipes used 50 years ago cannot keep up with the water demands of a busy family.
Invest in larger three-inch pipes that will allow for faster drainage and prevent other problems.

4. Creaking Pipes

Old metal pipes expand and contract, and the noise they make can be frightening. Luckily, this is a relatively easy fix.
Insulating the pipes will help them keep a constant temperature so you can avoid the uncomfortable noises.

5. Running Toilets

Plumbing parts wear down, and when the flapper in your toilet starts to go bad it will run continuously.
In addition to creating an unpleasant noise, it will also send your water bill through the room. Invest in either a new toilet or replace the inner mechanism of your toilet to stop the running water.

6. Temperature Fluctuations

Older homes don’t provide the most consistent water temperatures.
Part of the problem is that there just isn’t enough separation between the supply line for the toilet and the shower, so flushing the toilet will send a blast of hot water streaming into the shower.
However, the problem could be an aging water heater. Sediment building up in the heater causes inconsistent temperature, so you may have to invest in a new heater.

7. Growing Trees

That wonderful oak in the front yard may add charm to the house, but the roots may be destroying the main sewer line.
As the sewer line is backed up, you will have serious draining problems inside the home.
The line can be replaced or a liner installed, but you will also have to do something about the tree roots to prevent it from happening again.

8. Frozen Fixtures

When you walk through the house, you may notice aging faucets and decide that you can easily replace them. However, this may not be the case.
Fixtures where the nuts and bolts have rusted can be nearly impossible to remove.
Have a cutting tool ready to cut off the frozen bolts, and consider calling in the professionals if you still cannot remove them.

9. Excessive Pressure

As water companies strive to meet the demand of growing cities, they are increasing the water pressure.
That high level of pressure may seem like a good thing, but it wears your fixtures down rapidly and results in more leaking faucets. Invest in a pressure regulator to control the pressure and protect your plumbing fixtures.

10. Brown Water

When running water in an older home, you may notice that the water is a lovely shade of brown when you first turn on the faucet.
This indicates that you have galvanized steel pipes and they are starting to rust. If this is the case, then you may have to invest in plumbing repair services to have the damaged pipes replaced.
There are many benefits to buying an older home, but there are also drawbacks.
Problems with the plumbing system are common in older properties, but there are ways to correct these problems.
With the help of professionals, you can have pipes relined or replaced to make your plumbing system more functional and the home more enjoyable.

Featured images:

License: Creative Commons
image source
Rachel is a blogger for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, a plumbing company in Redwood City, CA that specializes in plumbing repair services such as water leaks, drain cleaning, and water heater installation.
You can follow Benjamin Franklin Plumbing @BFP_San_Rafael.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Green & Energy6 days ago

Air Conditioning Installation: What You Need to Know

When it comes to getting an air conditioning unit installed, can significantly improve your comfort and home environment, especially during...

Marketing1 week ago

Marketing Tips For A Gym Wear Brand

When starting a gym wear brand, there are a few things you need to do and one of them is...

General3 weeks ago

Social Media Marketing: What Are All The Types?

Social media marketing is a tool that is a must-have in today’s digital age. it’s very rare that businesses can...

Business4 weeks ago

How To Become A Property Developer

There are several reasons why an individual will want to become a property developer. One of the main reasons for...

Business1 month ago

Remote Delivery Innovations: Case Studies from Leading E-commerce Brands

People have gone through much change in the past few years when it comes to online shopping. Nowadays, when delivery...

Business2 months ago

Why are Brits turning to online-only banks?

For years, large, conventional banks held all the aces when it comes to citizens’ finances in the UK. HSBC, Lloyds...

5 Important Web Design Considerations to Make For Better SEO 5 Important Web Design Considerations to Make For Better SEO
Tech2 months ago

5 Important Web Design Considerations to Make For Better SEO

Ever since the birth of search engines, practices in optimising websites for better search rankings have changed considerably. Where it...

SEO3 months ago

The Importance of Local SEO for Small Businesses

There are many different types of businesses and all of them will require online marketing however, with a small business,...

General3 months ago

Understanding The Unsung Heroes: Cool Rooms And The Importance Of Regular Repairs

Everybody loves a breath of fresh air when entering a superstore! But have you ever wondered who’s working backstage to...

Home Improvement6 months ago

How To Add More Value To Your Home

If you have some spare cash in the bank, it is likely you would like to spend it on your...

Lifestyle6 months ago

What is a Deep Plane Facelift

Cosmetic surgery is a choice that needs a lot of research and when it comes to thinking about a facelift...

Entrepreneur6 months ago

Unveiling the Demand for Digital Marketing Courses: A Comprehensive Analysis

In recent years, the realm of marketing has undergone a seismic shift propelled by the digital revolution. As businesses increasingly...

Home Improvement7 months ago

What Does an Effective Wardrobe Spring Clean Entail?

Spring is upon us which means one thing and one thing only. It is time for the annual purge of...

Business8 months ago

Your Basic Guide To Creating A Unique Investment Blog

Starting your own blog is great and once you get the ball rolling, it can be a good passive income...

Business8 months ago

3 Low-Risk Ways To Get Your New Business Started

Once you’ve got an initial business idea and believe that it will be a success, there are some basic things...

Categories

Archives

Trending