Being one of America’s oldest major cities, Richmond is well-known for its aged architecture. It’s not uncommon for first-time homebuyers to purchase an existing home that is over 80 or 100 years old. To be a knowledgeable homeowner, it’s crucial that you understand some of the more common plumbing issues that come along with older homes.
Outdated Piping
As years have gone by, the technology used for plumbing pipes has gotten better. Older homes were commonly constructed with galvanized steel or polybutylene. While galvanized steel was coated with a layer of zinc to keep your pipes protected, it’s been found to be extremely corrosive. Additionally, polybutylene has been broken down over time due to the chemicals that most municipal water systems utilize. Homeowners can expect to repipe their home if they have either galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes.
Faulty Sewer Lines
Your sewer lines are likely something that you don’t think a lot about. However, as time goes by, the trees in your yard are spreading their roots. These roots can break through your sewer line and cause unwanted leakage and obstructions. Assure in Richmond, VA commonly deals with root obstructions inside of the sewer lines of older homes.
Outdated Fixtures
If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t replace your outdated plumbing fixtures that often. You probably just continue to use them. Unfortunately, outdated fixtures are more prone to limescale buildup, which can decrease their operating efficiency. Additionally, outdated fixtures are more likely to break or leak over time. Even if your old plumbing fixtures seem to be working well, it pays to give them a good washing from time to time to remove unwanted hard water buildup.
Pipe Bellies
Over time, your house will settle into the ground. The piping for your main drain will run underneath the home and is susceptible to being pushed down by your home settling. When this happens, it creates a pipe belly where water and waste will get stuck in a low section, known as the “belly” of the pipe. This can eventually lead to a backup of waste inside of your home.
Non-Code Compliant Repairs
While it may come as first nature for you to contact a plumbing expert when you experience a problem with your home’s plumbing, that wasn’t always the norm. Many homeowners would take to trying to fix their plumbing issues on their own decades ago. This typically leads to non-code compliant repairs that can be costly to remedy. With an older home, you’re always taking on the chance of having more DIY problems than a house that was newly constructed within the last decade.
Plumbing problems will plaque every home from time to time. Unfortunately, if you have an older home, you’re likely to undergo more problems. Luckily, you can rely on Assure to handle all of your plumbing problems.