People who own older homes often have plumbing issues because their pipes and fixtures need an update. These homes typically do not have the same standard of building materials or pipes as modern models. You should know when to call for plumbing repair to prevent extensive damage. Below are several common hazards to be aware of in older houses.

What Plumbing Issues Should Old Home Owners Know?

1. Underground Leaks

If contractors installed the sewer lines for your home before the 1980s, they are likely cast iron, which degrades over time, causing cracks and leaks. Also, the moisture of the pipes attracts tree roots, which can grow into them, creating holes that flood the yard.

A plumbing repair team can use drain cameras to inspect these pipes and find underground leaks. They may recommend replacing cast iron materials and replace them with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Trees are much less likely to penetrate this plastic, and it is lightweight, making it easy to install.

2. Drain Clogs

Through regular use, residential pipes develop a buildup of debris and grease that can clog the drains. You may notice this issue in the bathtub, sink, washing machine, or dishwasher when they drain slowly or not at all.

Contact a plumbing repair company to snake the drains and remove the debris before the waste backs up into the home. Never use clog-busting cleaning chemicals, as they often contain ingredients that can damage older pipes and increase the likelihood of leaks. 

3. Stolen Pipes

When you first move into a house, look for signs of vandalism. If there are holes in the walls, people may have removed the copper pipes, as they offer lucrative resale value. A plumber can replace copper pipes with newer materials like PVC to ensure all your water and waste systems work. This also much cheaper than copper, and it is easier to install.

4. Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene pipes were inexpensive, so many builders in the late 1970s through the early 1990s used them when constructing homes. Unfortunately, this material fails with repeat exposure to waste and water. A plumber can inspect your home and look for polybutylene pipes, replacing them before they corrode and spew moisture or waste into the house.

If you’re experiencing plumbing problems in an old home, call Joe Klosterman Plumbing in Hamilton County, OH. The family-owned and -operated company has been open since 1983 and features many long-term employees that can fix all your plumbing needs. Call the Cincinnati-area business at (513) 941-6766 to schedule an appointment. Visit the website for information on their drain unclogging, water heater, and sump pump installation services.