Well-kept and architecturally sound historic homes can be beautiful, and even functional as residences, but there are a few major issues that homeowners need to be aware of with houses older than 50 years. One of those major concerns is the plumbing. Here are three of the most common, major plumbing issues that often crop up in older houses that you will want to call a plumber if you’re experiencing:
Corroded or Damaged Pipes
While houses in most US cities have been required to have indoor plumbing since the early 20th century, the earliest indoor plumbing pipes were most often made of lead, copper, or galvanized steel. Lead is no longer used in home plumbing–in fact, it’s illegal. And both copper and steel have a lifespan of around 75 to 90 years. If you’re interested in buying an older home, you will definitely want to get the plumbing inspected. If you already own an old home, you’ll want to get your system checked regularly, and even replaced if needed.
Trusted Plumbing & Heating offers Renton plumbing services, including sewer line replacement, in Renton, Washington, and the surrounding areas. A sewer line replacement would fully replace your plumbing pipes. Trusted also offers trenchless sewer line repair, a less invasive and cost effective alternative. Trenchless repair may not be viable for all homes, so be sure to consult your plumbing contractor about your options for plumbing repairs.
“Pipe Bellies”
Another issue that can develop with the plumbing in older homes is what’s called a “pipe belly.” “Pipe bellies” refer to the downward shifting of pipes buried in the ground or encased in the concrete slab of a home’s foundation, which creates a negative slope. This shift restricts water flow and creates pools that accumulate waste or sediment, which leads to blockage. Failing sewer lines and outdated fixtures can also cause concern when dealing with the plumbing in older homes.
A sewer camera inspection, which Trusted also provides, will reveal if the sewer line is bellied. Unfortunately, the only way to really fix it is to have it dug up and replaced. In other words, it requires excavation and replacement. Excavation is the only effective way to get at the problem and correct the slope of the pipe. If this isn’t done, the pipe will continue to cause larger issues as it collects more water and debris in the belly.
Subpar or Amateur Repairs
The most “wild card” issue you might encounter when dealing with an old home is what repairs have been done previously on the home’s plumbing. If previous owners didn’t keep records of their plumbing repairs, you may have no way of knowing what has been done over the decades.
“When you’re dealing with an old home’s plumbing, you’re possibly dealing with decades’ worth of DIY repairs,” says Jim Cunningham, owner of Trusted Plumbing & Heating. “There are a lot of plumbing problems that are going to be exacerbated by the home being older, and these will require a professional plumbing contractor. I don’t think you can be too cautious when it comes to something as important to your home as the plumbing.”
There are plenty of other issues you might encounter with the plumbing in any home, not just older homes, and Trusted is here to help. Give them a call today or send them a message to book a consultation at www.trustedplumbingheating.com/
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