Many old homes may attract some people due to their appeal and charm. Unfortunately, some of these buildings may come with several problems that you may not find with modern houses. Are you planning to purchase this kind of home? It would be essential to understand some of the plumbing problems you're likely to encounter.
Corrosion
If your house was built decades ago, chances are the plumbing pipes may have corrosion problems. For example, most of the homes may have galvanized steel pipes. These pipe types may not last for more than 50 years. That means if your house is this old, its plumbing pipes could have reached the end of its lifespan. This may occur due to deterioration after the zinc coating gets corroded. If you think your piping isn't optimally functioning, you may want to contact experienced plumbing contractors to get the work done.
Clogging
Homes built decades ago have been draining many substances, including soap scum, sewage, dirty water, shampoo, food bits, and kitchen fats. All these end up in the drain, which means old houses are likely to have clogging issues. Toilets drains could be the most affected because kids can flush solid items. If you discover your home has a sign of clogging, you want to call an expert to handle your plumbing issues.
Ineffective Sewer Lines
Having an ineffective sewer line in your old home can be a daunting experience. After long-term use, your sewers can get damaged because of environmental factors. For example, tree roots can spread around your sewer line, crushing it. If clay was used to make your old home's line, there's an increased risk of root damage.
Another significant problem with old sewer lines is that they may not be compatible with today's home appliances. These may include garbage disposals and dishwashers. That means forcing more water into the sewer line can lead to waste accumulation and blockage. If you aren't sure your sewer line isn't damaged, the sure-fire way to know this is by hiring reputable plumbing contractors to inspect and offer recommendations.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a problem for many old homes. This may occur due to various issues, such as leaking pipes. If your pipes have undergone corrosion over time, you're likely to deal with leaking pipe issues in your home. Don't let this problem ruin the comfort of your home when skilled plumbing contractors can get you sorted.
Do you live in an old home and experience some of the issues outlined here? Don't hesitate to contact a plumbing professional to tackle the problems.