If you recently purchased or have been living in an older home, you may face numerous problems requiring professional plumbing repairs. The sooner you deal with any plumbing issue, the less it will cost you in money, time, and frustration. Here are some of the most common plumbing issues in older houses so that you’re aware of potential problems and can schedule timely services.

What Are Some Typical Plumbing Issues in Older Residences?

1. Degrading Galvanized Piping

Common in homes built before 1960, galvanized pipes are made of iron and steel and coated with molten zinc. While such pipes were more affordable than copper, zinc coatings break down, causing the metal underneath to rust. Rusted galvanized iron pipes are also problematic because the metal is toxic.

2. Failing Water Heater

Water heaters rarely last more than 10 years, so if the appliance came with your older home, it could start experiencing numerous age-related problems. Without annual flushing, tank sediment hardens and bangs against the tank when the heater is on, resulting in dents and leaks. The heating mechanism may fail to work, and you may notice discolored water from tank rust.

3. Pipe Bellies

Homes settle over a period of years, causing soil shifts that can create pipe “bellies,” or sags. Negative pipe sloping impedes water flow and causes pooling that can lead to leaks and blockages. Pipe bellies also interfere with gravity’s effect on sewage, causing slow-flushing toilets, drainage problems, and clogged sewer lines.

4. Faulty Repairs

Years of poor professional and DIY plumbing repairs eventually catch up with an older home, contributing to leaks and clogs. Typical low-quality fixes include replacing metal pipe sections with flexible plastic, ignoring problems such as worn gaskets, using liquid drain cleaners, and working with temporary remedies such as duct tape and hose clamps.

5. Severe Drainage Problems

Sagging pipes and tree roots contribute to drainage issues in older homes, as does infrequent drain cleaning to remove soap scum, hair, food particles, and mineral accumulations. Mismatched pipes can also cause clogs because the joints don’t sync up. This creates ridges for personal product residue, oil, food, and other agents to build up. 

If you experience any plumbing-related issues in your older home, contact Economy Plumbing in High Point, NC. Serving the Southern Triad area since 1970, they help with a variety of problems, including clogged drains, leaking pipes, and malfunctioning water heaters. Call (336) 883-4491 to make an appointment, or learn more about their plumbing repair services online.