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The charm, character, and high-quality construction are a few reasons older houses are appealing to homebuyers. In some cases, an old house might still be outfitted with the original plumbing system. For a better idea of when plumbing repairs or replacements are in order, keep the below problems on your radar. 

3 Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes

1. Sewer Line Bellies

Sewer line bellies are attributed to various factors, including foundation settling, soil erosion, earthquakes, or faulty sewer line installation. The strain placed on pipes from the soil shifting or the concrete foundation movement causes the bellies, or low points. Water pools in the sagging sections instead of flowing through the channels. If you notice clogged toilets or slow drainage in sinks, showers, and bathtubs, sewer line bellies could be to blame. 

2. Corroded Galvanized Pipes

Eagan-Minnesota-plumbing-repairsGalvanized steel pipes were commonly installed in homes through the 1960s. The fixtures were coated in molten zinc to prevent corrosion. However, the protective membrane wasn’t engineered to last a lifetime.

Decades later, the zinc coating has likely deteriorated, meaning the steel is exposed to moisture and will begin to rust. The iron particles can turn your water into a reddish-brown color.    

3. Leaky Fixtures

Original faucets, handles, and other plumbing fixtures wear down over time. Metal washers, for example, break down due to the friction from opening and closing to turn a faucet on and off. The worn-down washer doesn’t fit snuggly next to the valve seat, which is why leaks form.

Sediment buildup and scale from the calcium and minerals in hard water can cause metal seals to deteriorate. When this happens, the seals can’t stop the flow of water when the faucets are turned off. With repeated use, handles can leak as the adjusting ring and packing nuts become loose, and you’ll see droplets of water forming at the handle base. The compression component of a toilet’s shut-off valve also wears down over the years, causing water to leak from the valve.

 

If you’ve noticed any of the above problems in your older home or additional causes for concern, contact the plumbing repair providers at locally-owned Do It Right Plumbing Sewer & Drain Services in Eagan, MN. With over 25 years of experience, the licensed and insured plumbers are known for solving residential plumbing issues. Call (612) 388-8524 for plumbing repairs and read customer testimonials online

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