If your house is on the “mature” side, then you’ve likely come to expect extra maintenance issues popping up. Plumbing problems with older homes in the Atlanta area are sure to come up as our houses age. But if you know what to expect, you can tackle the problems head-on.
Some of the issues you might come across if your home was built in 1980s or prior include:
- 1. Galvanized pipes. Today’s pipes hold up better because they’re made of copper or plastic while older versions are galvanized. Galvanized pipes, which are made of steel and then coated in zinc, tend to corrode or develop rust over time. That can result in clogs, blockage, leaks, busted water pipes, and the coating flaking into the tap water. If you have galvanized water pipes and you notice your water is brownish-colored, spots of rust are appearing on your pipes or at the pipe joints, or water pressure is low, it might signal it’s time to replace them.
- 2. Smaller vent pipes. Older homes typically have 2-inch vent pipes while today’s houses use a larger, more-efficient 3-inch pipe. The smaller pipes will clog more easily over time and can lead to blockage and decrease water flow.
- 3. Tree roots. As your home ages, there’s a good chance you have trees that have matured right along with it. Sometimes the roots can grow right into the inside of the pipes, causing a jumbled mass and partial or full blockage. The mess will likely continue to worsen as sink and toilet debris contributes to the obstruction. Sometimes a plumber will need to run a camera down the pipe to determine the problem and the best way to fix it.
- 4. Old valves. Valves used up until 20 or 30 years ago should be replaced for a quarter-turn ball valve. These types of valves allow water to pass when it’s in the first position, but once it’s moved to the second position, water can’t flow. They have proven to be much more effective than gate and shut-off valves, and ultimately much better at preventing flooding.
- 5. General wear and tear. Like any other part of your house, the plumbing will start to show its age with normal wear and tear and everyday use. By swapping out and updating pipes and parts and staying on top of plumbing maintenance, you’ll help prevent potential disaster down the road.
By knowing what to expect, you’ll be prepared for some of the issues that can arise. For answers to your questions about plumbing problems with older homes, or any other plumbing concerns, contact the Pink Plumber today.
Image Source: Free Images
