Old homes are the perfect place to live, however, they also often need to be renovated in order to be livable and safe. Wiring and especially plumbing are often old and outdated, posing danger to all tenants and visitors alike. Therefore, it’s essential to be familiar with the most common plumbing issues, so you’ll know how to fix them. Here are some of them that you should know of.

Broken sewer lines 

Broken and blocked sewer lines are common in old homes due to out-of-date materials and years of use or even neglect. This is why it’s essential to upgrade them as soon as you move in, and make sure to use modern appliances such as a laundry machine or a dishwasher. Today’s piping work is more complex compared to before, so it’s important to make sure that everything is up-to-date, so it won’t lead to failures and issues such as blockages, slow drains and unpleasant smells. In case you notice moldy areas, sewer smell, gurgling toilet, then it’s likely you’re dealing with broken sewer lines, so it’s up to you to find the most suitable way to fix that.

Lead pipes

Lead piping is often found in old homes, which is no surprise, considering the fact that lead was the main plumbing material well into the 1990s. Being exposed to lead water can cause a whole slew of health issues, mainly cardiovascular ones, hypertension, kidney failure and reproductive problems. So, after they’ve been discovered as toxic, its use dropped and lead was banned under the safe drinking water act. So if you’re purchasing a new home, be sure to inspect the pipes, so you can be sure they’re made of safe plumbing materials that won’t harm your wellbeing. If they’re made of lead, then be sure to replace them with modern piping materials. 

Clogging and drain problems

Old homes are often in bad condition due to long-term neglect. When it comes to plumbing, it’s essential to take care of every issue in order to ensure maximum safety and personal comfort. One of the common plumbing problems includes clogged drains. They’re usually caused by hair, pieces of soap, oily substances, foreign matter,  dirt and dust accumulating in the pipes. Clogged drains can be stressful because they can result in slow drainage, water leaks, property damage, health hazards, and even unpleasant smells. Because of this, you need to address a blocked drainage system as soon as possible to prevent more serious problems from happening.

Generally, there are home remedies to resolve clogged drains. For instance, you may use white vinegar and baking soda to remove the clogs. You may also use boiling water if debris like hair and grease block your drainage system. If you have a plunger, you may use it to address clogged drains. Another instrument you may use is a snake to reach the clogs deep down into the drains.

However, if clogging happens regularly, then it’s important to remember that DIY work might not be fully effective, since this issue requires more than a simple plug. Therefore, if your old home has blockage and drain issues, feel free to use Hello Plumbing services as they specialize in this, together with leaking taps and drain relining, to name only a few. Consistent clogging can cause a serious havoc on your household, so it’s essential to deal with it promptly, by finding the best professional team. 

However, choosing the proper plumbing professional can be challenging if there are too many options. In that case, performing thorough research about your prospective plumber is essential. Read client reviews online to verify the experience and reputation of your prospects. If you need a plumbing company like Limcora Plumbing and Drainage that specializes in high-quality and safe drainage services, it’s best to visit their website for more information. Doing this lets you find a reliable plumbing company for your drainage problems.

Low water pressure

This is one of the most taxing plumbing issues that can happen in old homes, but also in new ones. There’s nothing worse than coming home from work wanting a shower, only to see low water pressure in your bathroom. This type of issue often happens due to clogged or damaged pipes. Hence, it is advisable to ask professional plumbers to evaluate your entire plumbing system in order to find the root cause of the issue. Depending on the severity, you might be required to renovate your entire piping system. In case that’s too much work, then it’s recommended to fix the issue using the epoxy pipe repair as that will likely be helpful. 

Galvanized pipes

Back in the day, mainly in the 1960s, the majority of homes had galvanized steel piping. This was a much better alternative, especially compared to lead and copper. However, there was an issue: they also got corroded with time, which seriously impacted their quality and efficiency. In case you’re about to live in an old home, then make sure to replace the old pipes with new ones, as that will help you avoid constant plumbing like breakages and clogging. Replacing pipes might seem like a big investment, but it is one of the best decisions to make in the long run. 

Living in an older home can be a unique and beautiful experience. Yet, due to their old age, it’s crucial to make it livable and safe, mainly when it comes to plumbing. Once you get familiar with these common plumbing issues, you’ll also be able to fix them properly and enjoy your amazing home to the fullest.