While purchasing an older home can be a great way to save some money and enjoy the added character of old architectural designs, it does come with its own set of problems. One in particular is your plumbing system. Below, we’ll address some key issues that are common with older plumbing systems and provide you with the necessary guidance on how to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes
One of the biggest problems with plumbing in older homes is outdated fixtures and corroded piping. Over time, especially in regions with hard water, the metal components of your piping and plumbing fixtures can corrode. This can lead to decreased water flow as rust takes up more of the inside of your piping. It can also cause those plumbing fixtures to malfunction and your pipes to develop unpleasant leaks.
Another common issue with older homes is tree root intrusion into sewer lines. This can happen as many homeowners don’t fully think out the extensive root systems that trees produce when they originally plant them. Over time, as tree roots sprawl out, they can intrude into your sewer line, seeking nutrients. This will not only allow raw sewage to seep into the local water supply and contaminate it, but it can also restrict the flow of wastewater through your sewage line and lead to unfortunate backups.
Different piping materials have been used over the years in home construction. Unfortunately, not all of these materials are equally effective in home plumbing. If your older home has lead piping for any of your water supply lines, replacing it is necessary, as lead can be harmful to your health. Galvanized steel and cast iron are both highly susceptible to corrosion.
Preventative Steps Homeowners Can Take
As a homeowner, you can take various steps to prevent and manage many of these unfortunate issues. A plumbing inspection should be at the top of your to-do list. This is where one of our plumbers will examine and test all the components of your home’s plumbing system to identify problems. By catching issues early on, we can repair them before they turn into much bigger and costlier issues to deal with.
Another routine service Stang Plumbing offers is drain cleaning, which can be highly beneficial for minimizing your risk of experiencing a sewer backup at your home. Our plumber will use hydro jetting to clear any debris on the inside of your sewer line, including tree roots. We can also perform a video camera inspection of your sewer line to identify any problems and let you know when it’s likely time to plan for an upgrade.
Furthermore, consider replacing any outdated plumbing materials in your home instead of putting it off. For example, if you know that your drainage system is made of galvanized steel, we can upgrade it to modern PVC before it completely fails. This minimizes your risk of experiencing a major problem and can bring you peace of mind about the state of your home’s drainage system.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
When you notice an issue with your household plumbing system, call Stang Plumbing sooner rather than later to get professional repair service. Anytime you notice an unexplainably high water bill, mold and mildew growth on your walls, or other signs of a plumbing leak, the sooner we can repair the issue, the less likely you’ll experience extensive water damage.
Many homeowners deal with slight clogging of their sink drains, shower drains, and toilets on their own. However, if you start to notice recurring clogging, it’s time to get professional assistance. Frequent clogs point to an underlying issue.
Long-Term Benefits of Preventative Plumbing Maintenance
Keeping up with preventive plumbing maintenance will help provide you with long-term cost savings, as you experience fewer plumbing issues. Your home value will continue to go up as your plumbing system is regularly addressed. You can also enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with knowing the components of your system are in good working condition.
Expert Plumbing Repair Services
Stang Plumbing offers expert plumbing repair services for the Gaithersburg, MD area. We can also assist with all your plumbing installation, replacement, and inspection needs
