Common Plumbing Problems in an Old Home

Owners of old houses can experience various problems with their property.

Owners of old houses can experience various problems with their property. Bad plumbing is one of the most severe issues. From backups to leaky pipes, plumbing problems in an old home can wreak havoc on walls, floors, ceilings, and other parts of the house.

Let’s explore some common plumbing problems in an old home:

Outdated materials

Houses that are more than three decades old have defective plumbing materials. The most common example is lead pipes, restricted over 100 years ago but weren’t banned until 1986. As a result, they increase the risk of lead poisoning and many other hazards.

Galvanized steel pipes don’t meet today’s standards either. These became more popular than lead in the 1960s and featured thick layers of zinc to shield the lines from damage. Unfortunately, this material is highly corrosive and can contaminate drinking water with extreme amounts of rust.

Pipe bellies

Bellied pipes can be a significant problem, especially in older houses.

Lines are generally encased in a concrete slab or lie underneath the house, raising the risk of damage caused by downward shifts of the home. These gradual movements create bellies—negative slopes restricting water flow and forming pools that accumulate waste. Consequences can include severe clogs if a plumber doesn’t address the issue.

Old fixtures

Outdated plumbing connections and fixtures are more likely to break than modern units. The risk is even higher if they’re caked in limescale, which can bring about leaks and floods.

Faulty drains

Decades of dirty water and soap scum aren’t easy on drains. In addition, they make bathroom and kitchen drains vulnerable to clogging since this is where most of this material is concentrated.

If a sink or toilet backs up in an old house and the owner picks up a strange smell, they should hire a licensed plumber to check the drains. Chances are debris has accumulated in various parts of the home’s plumbing system.

Tree roots

Many old homes have large trees in their backyards. They may make the property look better but pose a significant plumbing hazard.

Sewer lines are wet, so they often attract tree roots. The roots can puncture the pipes and cause large leaks if left unaddressed.

Improper repairs

The older the house, the more frequently it’s had plumbing maintenance and repair jobs. Some contractors might not have been very good at their trade so they may have provided poor services. Their work can make pipes deteriorate faster.

Get a thorough plumbing inspection

A comfortable life in an old house is possible, but only if the owner addresses any plumbing problems first. That’s where licensed plumbing companies come in. Reach out to a local provider, who will examine the place from top to bottom to reveal and fix any potential issues.

Simba Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services to Phoenix and surrounding areas. We are family-owned, meticulous and provide affordable, transparent pricing. Call us at 602-962-3537.