Older homes may be charming, but they’re more susceptible to plumbing issues than their modern counterparts. This is because their plumbing is older and often built using materials that plumbers wouldn’t consider using today. If you live in an older home, here are three issues your plumbing might have.

3 Common Problems Plumbers Find with Older Pipes

1. Lead Pipes

Lead was the leading material for pipes until scientists in the late 1800s discovered that they were causing lead poisoning. This wasn’t the end of the use of lead, though. Using lead in pipes wasn’t strictly prohibited until Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986.

If your home was built before this cutoff point, it could have lead pipes, which were often used for sewer lines or water main lines in the past. Exposure to lead can lead to lead poisoning, which can affect children’s physical and mental development. Its side effects include joint pain, gastrointestinal pain, memory loss, and fatigue. If suspect you might have lead pipes, call a plumber immediately to take a look.

2. Failing Sewer Lines

Sewer lines in older homes were often built before modern appliances like the garbage disposal and dishwasher. Because the lines are under more stress than anticipated, they’re more likely to fail. When your sewer line fails, sewage will seep into the ground on your property or even end up backing up into your home.

3. Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized pipes were popular in homes built before the 1960s. These are iron pipes coated with a layer of zinc, which is meant to keep the iron from corroding. Unfortunately, the zinc doesn’t last forever. Once it erodes, your iron pipes will start to rust. This makes your water change color, which can be very alarming, especially if you aren’t aware of the cause. If you have galvanized pipes, you may need to have them replaced.

The professional plumbing contractors at Colorado River Plumbing Incorporated in Needles, CA, can inspect your older pipes to make sure they’re safe, and repair or replace them if there’s an issue. They’ve been serving commercial and residential customers in California, Arizona, and Nevada since 2003. If you’re having issues with your older plumbing, they offer emergency services around the clock. Visit their website or call (760) 326-2626 to schedule an appointment today.