Common Plumbing Problems In Old Homes And How A Plumber Can Take Care of Them | Houston Heights

4/12/2021

Photo By jhorrocks at istock

If your home was built before the 1980s, there might be plumbing problems lurking behind your walls. Some of these issues may be minor, and you can fix them easily, but others may be a ticking time bomb resulting in significant issues down the road.

Whether you want to buy an older home or are already living in one, an experienced plumber can always look at its plumbing lines to detect such issues before they worsen.

If you wonder what your home may be hiding beneath its fancy moldings and pretty hardwood floors, here are a few common problems you may uncover.

Old and Outdated Pipes

Per the US building codes, any house that stands since before the 1980s may have pipes made from materials that aren’t approved anymore.

Galvanized piping is common in older Huston homes. It is a steel piping system with a layer of zinc covering the pipes. Over the years, the zinc erodes and leaves the pipelines vulnerable to decay and deterioration. If your house has this version of pipes beneath the floors and behind the walls, you may frequently experience problems like clogged faucets and low water pressure.

When pipes corrode, they have sediment buildup that blocks the water flow and makes your plumbing system susceptible to bigger damage and problems like discolored water or leakages.

Apart from galvanized pipes, many local properties have lead pipes that can be toxic and harmful to your family’s health. Replace them immediately by calling an expert plumber in your area.

An experienced professional can also inspect the conditions of the existing piping system and drainage layout to trace the leakages or other piping issues that remain unnoticed for years.

Tree Root Damages

Many old homes with beautiful gardens may have an aged tree in the backyard, causing water problems. It may be a simple leakage or total pipe damage when roots get inside your drainage system.

Periodic root removal is the best way to avert severe complications in the future, and your local plumber can handle this task easily. Remember, root damage can become an expensive endeavor if it gets deeper into your plumbing system and needs excavation to remove the roots.

Outdated Sewer System

Sewer is the most neglected part of your home’s plumbing system. Most homeowners in Houston Heights do not call a plumber for sewer inspection unless they witness foul smells, gurgling sounds, or seeping sewage.

In older homes built before the 1980s, the sewer lines are not upgraded to handle the higher flow caused by water flushed daily through modern appliances like dishwashers and garbage disposal systems. As a result, they crumble under pressure, leaving hefty expenses in their wake.

Your local professional can save these massive repairs and replacements with a camera inspection as soon as you notice the first sign of sewer problems. If they find any debilitating issue, the professionals can suggest trenchless line replacement or relining to resolve it before the pipes burst and leave you with a mess and a hole in your pocket.

Mold Infestations

Older homes are susceptible to mold due to the presence of air moisture and dampness. Many decades-old properties also have poor ventilation that propels mold growth, especially in areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement. If left untreated, this mold can lead to various health problems, including respiratory issues and allergies.

Though mold can grow even in new homes, older properties have many hidden areas that remain unchecked for leaks over the years. An experienced plumber can inspect every corner of your house and get rid of mold infestations using non-toxic cleaning solutions. Routine checks by professionals can prevent mold growth as they fix the water problems before they compound.

Pipe Bellies

You may not know, but your older house has many pipes buried in the ground or under its concrete slabs. Over the years, these pipes sustained a lot of movement and shifting due to it.

After some time, they bend downwards, creating a belly or negative slope. This belly can restrict the water flow and create pools of sediment or waste. Pipe bellies result in stoppages and severe leakages. The best solution to this issue is to call an expert plumber for trenchless pipe repair after an in-depth inspection.

The professional will conduct a detailed on-site inspection to check the severity of the condition and suggest the best solution.

Leaky Roofs

You may enjoy the Texan downpour in hot summers, but what about the implication of rain on the interiors of your old home.

If you do not notice the roof leaks, they may cause extensive damage as water seeps inside your home through the ceilings and ruin your home’s structure. A poorly installed or undersized gutter leads to water leakages around the house or an old, renovated roof leaking incessantly.

Whatever is the cause of roof leaks, call a local plumber immediately to inspect the water damage before it becomes problematic.

Outdated Plumbing Systems

Older homes have outdated fixtures, faucets, and pipelines that are nothing short of a disaster waiting to happen. With corrosion and general wear, these plumbing systems may lead to leakages, broken faucets, and restricted water flow that affect your lifestyle.

Rusty water lines under your kitchen sink need immediate replacement by an experienced plumber. Instead of waiting for the issue to grow out of control, schedule a timely plumbing inspection for preventive maintenance of old plumbing fixtures.

Call Local Plumbers for Addressing Plumbing Issues in Your Old Home

If your house or property you want to purchase has any of these issues, schedule an appointment with bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston in Houston Heights. Our experienced team can deal with any plumbing issue plaguing your house and offer preventive measures to nip the problem in the bud. Call us today at 346-800-3316.