Older homes were designed to endure time, but their central systems will only go so far. The plumbing in a historic home requires special care, and you need to be mindful of common issues. Below is a helpful guide you can use to create a plumber-approved maintenance plan.

A Guide to Old Home Plumbing Maintenance

Common Issues With Older Plumbing

Homes built before the 1960s typically include galvanized pipes rather than PVC or copper. These pipes will erode over time since, and corrosion will lead to leaks and broken connections. Discolored water may also flow from the faucet from running over rust.

The soil around the home has likely shifted over the decades, which means your pipes were involuntarily shifted, as well. The sewer line may now be crooked or damaged, or the pipes below the home may have sunken into belly shapes. Invading tree roots may have also encroached on your exterior plumbing. Root damage, coupled with the clog-contributing debris, can slow down your system, and eventually lead to damage and leaks.

How to Prevent Problems

If you’ve recently bought a historic home, contacting a plumber is a must. They’ll check the entire visible system to determine weak areas and point out which pipes need to be replaced. They can also address outstanding clogs or portions of your plumbing that may have shifted.

Going forward, you’ll want to leave drain cleaning to a plumber. Avoid chemical cleaners that may damage the pipes and always be mindful of what goes down the drain. Grease and fats, starchy foods, coffee grounds, hygiene products, and non-soluble liquids can create blockages.

Older homes may not be as well insulated. When freezing temperatures set in, you’ll want to apply insulated sleeves to your pipes and leave faucets on a drip to prevent frozen pipes and bursts. Have a plumber show you where the main shut off valve is, as well as common areas to check for leaks, such as around appliances or below fixtures and sinks. Schedule yearly inspections to stay ahead of plumbing problems.

 

If your home’s pipes are overdue for an inspection, the team at Don's Plumbing can help. This Canyon Lake, TX, residential plumber provides a wide scope of preventive and repair services, including toilet repair, water heater installation, and sewer cleaning. You can learn more about the company online or call (830) 964-4477 to schedule an inspection.