Common Plumbing Problems To Look Out For In An Older Home

Older homes are a small reminder of days gone by and can be a wonderful place to raise your family. Unfortunately, living in an older home generally means you have to deal with plumbing problems that a newer house hasn’t yet experience. Knowing the common plumbing problems to look out for is the first step in protecting your older home.

Noisy Pipes

While noisy pipes are usually more of an annoyance than a serious problem, their creaking and rattling sounds can leave you feeling a bit uneasy. These sounds are often caused by the metal pipes contracting and expanding due to temperature changes. Covering the pipes with insulation can help eliminate noisy pipes in your home.

Aging Plumbing

Aging plumbing will begin to rust and corrode, which leads to leaks and the potential for costly repair bills. These problems are often seen in older homes with galvanized steel pipes instead of the plastic and copper alternatives used now a days. Relining or replacing failed pipes with durable plastic or copper will correct the problem.

Lead Poisoning

Homes with galvanized pipes that were built before 1986 have a higher chance of causing lead poisoning than newer homes. Lead poisoning is a serious concern that can lead to development problems in babies and children, while causing kidney damage and an increase in blood pressure in adults. If your older home has lead pipes, you should contact trusted professionals to inspect and replace your leaded pipes to prevent future health complications.

Slow Drainage

Before the onset of appliances that use a large amount of water, homes were built with small vent pipes that measure about 2-inches in diameter. These smaller pipes can lead to several problems such as a slow drain. Replacing them with the larger 3-inch diameter vent pipes will help improve drainage. Another possible cause of slow drainage is excessive mineral deposits. Poor water pressure in older homes is sometimes caused by a buildup of mineral deposits clogging the inside of the pipes. Sediment and contaminants from water cause these deposits to form over time.

Constantly Running Toilet

A toilet that runs continuously is not only a nuisance, it wastes water and increases your utility bill. In older homes with older toilets, the flapper malfunctioning is usually to blame for the problem. If the flapper doesn’t work properly, it will cause the toilet to constantly cycle the water. Replacing the flapper or installing a new toilet will fix the problem.

Damaged Sewer Lines

When it comes to older homes they most likely also have old trees surrounding the house. The roots of these trees can become an issue as they begin to damage some of your pipes. Sewer lines are the most at risk because the roots can get wrapped around the pipes causing them to crack.

If you have a damp area of your lawn that won’t dry up then it’s most likely a damaged sewer line. Water may also drain slowly inside your home or have water back up. The best option of getting this fixed is hiring a plumber to find the damage in the sewer lines and come up with the best option to fix it.

Savannah Coulsen is a freelance  writer. She lives in Raleigh. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru. Savannah got information for this article from plumbers in Sandy, Utah.