Common Plumbing Problems in Older

Homes

But Wait, There’s more. No matter how good older homes look on the outside, they often come with their fair share of problems, particularly if they haven’t been maintained properly.

Although a home’s exterior may appear updated and new, the skeleton of an old house still exists on the inside.

MAX ALEXANDER said:

A lot is at stake: One leaky joint can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. An undersize, improperly sloped drain will continually clog. And supply pipes that aren't anchored every 6 feet or so will rattle and thump every time a faucet is turned off.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1206559,00.html

VARIOUS TYPES OF PIPES

Understanding the type of plumbing materials in an older

home can make the repair decisions more straightforward.

It also enables plumbers to provide you with a more

detailed assessment before work begins.

A plumbing system is usually a mix of different types of pipe, which are utilized for various purposes, such as:

Galvanized

Old galvanized pipes produce discolored water and are highly susceptible to leaks. If you are repairing faucets or toilets repeatedly, you probably have galvanized pipes.

http://imgur.com/gallery/agpzU

Reuben Saltzman said:

To identify the presence of galvanized pipes, start by looking in the basement. As soon as the water supply pipe enters the house, there will be a shutoff valve, a water meter, then another valve. After that, the water distribution pipes will branch off to the rest of the house. If the home has been re-piped or partially re-piped, it will probably have been done with copper or PEX tubing. It’s easy to tell the difference between copper tubing and galvanized pipes because galvanized pipes have threaded fittings, while copper tubing has soldered joints.

http://structuretech1.com/2014/05/galvanized-steel-water-pipes/

ConcreteConcrete doesn’t deteriorate, but it does shift and move under the foundation of the home. The result is cracks and leaks.

Watch this concrete pipe get fixed

Kevin Lisota said:

Clay and concrete pipes can be susceptible to cracks and tree root infiltration at the joints between section of pipes. Plastic pipes are glued together and impervious to roots. However, there can be issues with new plastic pipes as well. Cracks, pipe shifting, low spots and roots can all cause the sewer to backup into your home.

http://www.findwell.com/blog/buying-a-home/why-you-need-to-have-the-sewer-scoped-when-buying-a-home/

Cast iron

Cast iron pipes were traditionally used before 1960 for vent stacks, vertical drains, and sometimes horizontal drain lines. Unfortunately, it rusts and deteriorates over time.

Watch this rotted 4"cast iron drain pipe

replaced

DBL Check says:

When cast iron pipes carry waste hydrogen sulfide gasses are created. Whenthese gasses oxidize, corrosive sulfuric acid is created, rusting the pipes from theinside out. The rust flakes within the pipe can gather in one location and restrictthe flow of water: slow drainage is often the first indication of a problem, andhomeowners may find themselves calling the plumber every six months to clearout the pipe.

http://dblcheck.net/archives/573

Although valves wear out, hoses break, and

appliances fail, the underlying network of pipes

should last as long as the house itself if

maintained properly.

Causes Of Blocked DrainsSewer pipes are installed under the concrete foundation when a house is being built. Over time, the home shifts, causing dips to form in the piping. As the dips worsen, sewage, sediment, residue, and other debris settles inside the bellies, causing obstructed drains that back up continuously.

Every old home is different because of the materials used in the pipes, the angle of the pipes to the main line, the structure of the house, the soil and the trees in the yard. All of these elements can work to cause you problems with clogs. Some plumbers will work with you to help you uncover the problems with your home, but lots of them do make a living out of handling your clogged drain problems and may not have the interest or knowledge to help you prevent clogs at your house. Since plumbing calls are often eighty dollars or more just to unclog a drain, it pays to be pro-active in solving your own drain problems.

https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/Old-Houses-and-Clogged-Drains-Causes-and-Solutions

Check out this amazing infographic on how to prevent clogged drians.

http://www.knightplumbing.ca/blog/prevent-drain-clogs-home-infographic/

Other Older Home Plumbing ProblemsAnything that is attached to water heaters, drains, pipes, and all other plumbing systems need to be checked thoroughly on a regular basis, particularly if they haven’t been properly maintained or used for years. As parts age, they corrode and require replacement. Some of those components include:

Here is a great article on how to DIY your shut-off valves.

http://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/valves/how-to-replace-a-shutoff-valve/view-all

● Supply lines

● Faucets

● Angle stops

● Shut-off valves

Sometimes a valve on a line may appear fine, so you might not think there’s a problem. However, if it’s decades old and isn’t functional, it needs to be replaced.

The attractive details of older homes, such as hardwood

floors, crown molding, and leaded glass windows, are not

found in newer construction. Unfortunately, some

elements have become problematic, such as plumbing.

The most efficient way to avoid any unanticipated costs

is to plan ahead. Involving a knowledgeable plumber

from the very beginning phases of your project will

provide you with a clear picture of the project’s budget,

and help avoid paying for any rework in the future.

For expert plumbing, drain, and rooter services, contact Apollo Drain today.