Common Plumbing Problems With Older Homes

If you have an older home, you may notice signs of deterioration in your plumbing system. Plumbing issues are one of the most prevalent problems homeowners find in their aging homes. While the charm and elegance of old houses cannot be denied, most of these houses are built with older materials that are no longer used in today’s plumbing. This is because older materials are not as efficient and reliable as the ones used today.

 

This article will discuss some of the most common issues we see in older residential properties.

 

Most Common Plumbing Issues in Older Homes

 

Here are some of the common plumbing issues you’ll find in older homes.

 

1.   Outdated Material

 

One of the most common plumbing issues shared by homeowners with older residential properties is outdated materials. While metal and copper pipes were the most reliable materials years ago, we now have longer-lasting, safer materials available. If your house is more than 20-30 years old, you might want to update your plumbing pipes. Older pipes are known to deteriorate over time, causing costly damage and severe health issues.

 

Here are some of the most common older plumbing pipes that cause problems for homeowners:

 

  • Lead: Lead was one of the most common metals used for plumbing years ago. After lead was proven to be highly toxic and cause serious health problems, it was banned. If a plumbing system was installed before the lead was banned, the chances are that your pipes are made of lead.
  • Polybutylene: Introduced as an alternative to copper piper, polybutylene turned out to be defective as well. The antioxidants present in water were found to cause a reaction with this material, causing the pipes to break and crack.
  • Galvanized: Commonly used in houses built before the 60s, galvanized pipes were trendy years ago. Galvanized pipes are traditional iron pipes coated with zinc. Unfortunately, zinc erodes over time, exposing pipes to rusting and cracking.

 

2.   Defective Sewer System

 

A defective sewer system also contributes to the plumbing issues in older houses. Deep, underground sewer systems are more likely to be affected by tree roots, as well. If your sewer system was installed before the use of modern and refined appliances, your property is at risk for significant issues with the quality of your water supply. The most common solution to this problem is installing a trenchless sewer line replacement.

 

3.   Bellied Pipe

 

Over time, due to your house’s gradual shifting and moving, the plumbing pipes installed beneath your home can become bellied. As the house shifts downward, a slope or “pipe belly” is formed that either causes sediment and debris to accumulate or restricts the water flow into your property. This can also be the cause of severe leaks over time.

 

4.   Improper Installation

Nothing is as harmful to your plumbing system as improper installation. Improper installation might work temporarily, but it is incredibly damaging to your property over time. The only way to fix this problem entirely is to update your plumbing system.

If you need a reliable Plumber In La Habra, One Way Rooter is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our dedicated team and update your outdated plumbing system!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *