Common Plumbing Problems Found in Older Homes |
Posted: July 1, 2018 |
Do you own an older home, or are thinking about buying one? Older homes are filled with charm and character, but they also can be littered with problems. The condition of any home can be tied back to the previous owners and how well they maintained the home. Homeowners also can make updates to older homes to bring them up to the standards we have today. The plumbing in older homes and older dating back earlier than 1970 was much different than it is today. Plumbing wasn’t as well thought out, and pipes are typically placed in awkward places. A noticeable difference between modern plumbing and older is the materials. If you have ever looked at an older home, perhaps in the basement, you would see the use of copper piping. Copper piping is a better quality material than what is most commonly used in today’s homes. The reason it isn’t used much anymore is the cost. When copper prices went up, plumbing switched to PVC. This also explains why plumbing thefts in older homes happen. Some of the issues found in older homes plumbing are not so surprising. Leaks are among the most substantial problems. Leaks throughout the homes system can happen just about anywhere. Places, where the temperature isn’t kept constant, are prone to pipes swelling and then shrinking at the connectors causing anywhere from a small drip to massive water leaks. A Tulsa plumber will find a leak faster with leak detection equipment or just through their experience with older homes. Water heaters are also a huge problem in older homes if they haven’t been replaced. Most water heaters are only rated for a certain number of years. During this time they need to be serviced periodically to ensure they are running the way they should and last longer. Many people who are looking to buy an older home will want to have this feature inspected and made sure it has been replaced. Water heaters will have sediment buildup that can cause the coils not to work, and they can also start to leak over time. Leaks throughout a home can cause severe damage to the house's foundation, walls, and flooring. If you notice moisture anywhere throughout the home, calling a professional plumber to investigate, find the source, and fix the problem is the best solution. Waiting will not fix the leak, over time it will just worsen. Quickly correct any leaks found or replace the water heater if not working or is an older unit.
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