While there is a lot of charm that comes with buying an older home, there is also often a lot of work—especially if it hasn’t been well maintained over the years. One critical area that home buyers frequently overlook is the plumbing. Below are some common issues to be aware of if you are considering moving into a house built several decades ago.

What Are Some Common Plumbing Problems in Older Houses?

1. Bellies

Often, the sewer pipes are the first ones installed when a home is built. This means they frequently end up under the concrete foundation. Over time, the house will begin to settle as the ground shifts. This movement of the earth and foundation will cause these pipes to develop bends, or “bellies.” As the bend increases due to more sediment settling inside them, stoppages can form in your drains.

2. Galvanized Pipes

Up until the 1960s, it was common for homes to be built with steel pipes that were coated in zinc, known as galvanized plumbing, to prevent rusting. Unfortunately, this coating didn’t hold up for more than 40 to 50 years. If you happen to move into an older home that still has its original piping, you could be looking at pipes that have corroded from the inside out. This will typically result in discolored water due to the rust in it.

3. Polybutylene Pipes

Although home builders did move away from galvanized pipes throughout the 70s and 80s, the swap to polybutylene was probably worse. These low-cost systems are actually no longer accepted by U.S. building codes, as they do not react well with oxidants found in water and tend to fail as a result. If you happen to move into an older house with this type of plumbing, have it replaced to avoid costly damage.

Don’t be put off by potential plumbing problems found in older houses. With the right plumber by your side, all of these issues can be quickly rectified. At Norhio Plumbing, they have provided quality plumbing repairs and installation services to Aurora, OH, and the Greater Cleveland and northeast Ohio areas for over 40 years. When their fully-trained technicians arrive at your home, you can expect a well-stocked truck, guaranteed upfront pricing, and 100% satisfaction on their work. Call them today at (330) 562-9671 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.