Watch Out for These Plumbing Dangers in Older Homes

Sometimes older homes can have serious plumbing issues. When addressing older homes with aged plumbing systems, often preventative maintenance is key. Replacing and updating worn plumbing before an issue gets out of hand can be done according to your own budget and time table. Here’s what you need to look for when it comes to older homes and their plumbing problems.

1. Low Water Pressure

One key sign of plumbing that’s slowly deteriorating is low water pressure when turning on faucets. The low pressure itself could stem from water supply lines that are clogged with rust and mineral deposits. Many older homes have undersized pipes.

2. Slow Drains

Drainage, Waste, and Venting (DWV) pipes can also get severely clogged as well. If only one sink drains slowly, it could indicate a localized clog, while all sinks draining slowly throughout the house could mean that all the pipes are becoming more and more clogged with rust and mineral deposits. Ideally, bathtubs and sinks should drain quicker than the water coming out of the faucets, even if they’re fully open. If the drain is not stopped by a plug, the water shouldn’t collect in the tub or basin.

Another reason for slow drains is improper ventilation. Every drain system needs air to enable waste water to flow freely down the pipes. Some homes in the past were plumbed with copper or lead pipes. Today, however, most drain pipes basically consist of cast iron or plastic. A professional plumber from Plugged Piper Drain Service or similar businesses can find the clog, clear the pipe, and check the home’s venting system as well as replace any DWV pipes if needed.

3. Rust Stains

Another clue that an older home’s plumbing may need attention is visible rust stains that start to appear on the surface of bathtubs, toilet bowls, and sink basins. Severe corrosion within iron supply piping may be the culprit. If this occurs, the supply system is in serious danger of springing a major water leak or failing altogether. If this unfortunately happens, it would cause further damage to the home due to extensive water damage.

4. Water Hammer

Water hammer is caused by pipes that vibrate. Some pipes pulsate and throb when quick-acting valves from a certain appliance like a washing machine tend to trap air. What’s the solution for water hammer? Call a plumbing expert to install a new water hammer arrester near the affected appliance in order to effectively absorb the shock.

If you live in an older home and have any concerns about the plumbing system, it’s best to have a thorough inspection performed by a professional. They can properly evaluate your home’s plumbing and find any decrepit and aged materials that need to be addressed.