Why Inspect the Plumbing in Old Houses

Ungrounded outlets, antiquated heating and cooling systems, and one of the most insidious concerns, plumbing troubles, are all potential hazards in older homes. A lot of plumbing problems in elderly houses are silent. Hidden leaks can go undetected until the water bill skyrockets, or you begin to notice other signs of damage, such as discoloration or a musty odor in the home. Big Blue Plumbing always looks like a wonderful helper in addressing the situations like this. If you’re looking to buy an older home or your current place is getting on in years, you may want to have a plumber take a look. Here is why you should inspect the plumbing in old houses.

Understanding What to Anticipate From a Plumbing Inspection

Plumbing inspections performed by experts check every possible detail. The plumbing in old houses will be thoroughly inspected, from the foundation pipes to the water heater and even the hydrants for leaks. Simply, a skilled plumbing inspector will check wherever water runs on your property. Always keep in mind that plumbing checks are mostly preventative.

Why You Should Inspect Old House Plumbing

A plumbing inspection for an older home is important for several reasons, not the least of which is to stave off the aforementioned frequent issues.

So, you’re thinking of purchasing a vintage home. Inspect the Plumbing in Old Houses

The charm of a historic home is often impossible to ignore. Before making one of the biggest investments of your life, you want to make sure you’re not digging yourself into a hole. This is a smart purchase on your part, and it may even be mandated by your house insurance company. If your home is over 25 years old and hasn’t been examined in some time, your insurance company may demand a comprehensive examination as a prerequisite for issuing a basic policy.

Also, the home appraisal is a significant part of the home-buying process. A mortgage lender will often request an appraisal before making a loan. Appraisal work entails compiling a detailed report that accounts for the home’s location, condition, and market value relative to similar properties in the region. While your lender organizes the appraisal, you should schedule your inspection.

To put it plainly, knowing the state of the old plumbing pipes and the rest of the systems in an old property is essential to your peace of mind and confidence in making the purchase.

There may be toxic materials in your pipes.

Unfortunately, many of the materials used in piping systems in homes constructed before the 1990s are now thought to pose health hazards.

You may find any one of these three dreadful varieties of piping in your vintage home:

Polybutylene – This material becomes brittle and prone to leaking over time when exposed to disinfectants from public water treatment plants, which can result in significant water damage to homes.

Corrosion, rust, and calcium deposits form inside galvanized steel pipes as the zinc coating wears away, causing water pressure to drop and eventually bursting or collapsing the pipes.

Lead is a hazardous metal that, if consumed, can have serious consequences for a child’s health, including learning, development, hearing, and behavioral issues.

The insufficient water pressure causes limited flow.

The water pressure in your home may gradually drop over time. There are several potential causes, one of which is the accumulation of minerals and other deposits. Chemical interaction between the minerals and the pipe materials can lead to the growth of bacteria, which poses a health risk to the building’s residents.

Other factors that can limit water flow in older homes’ plumbing systems include:

The pressure gauge is malfunctioning.

There is an insufficient opening in the water meter valve.

The main water shutoff valve in the house is partially open.

Internal corrosion occurs in the pipes.

If you detect a decrease in water pressure, you should have your plumbing checked immediately. Lessening the amount of loss to your property depends on how quickly you react.

Deterioration of your sewage pipes is a possibility.

Sewer lines in older homes are more likely to deteriorate, which can significantly shorten the pipe’s useful life. The following are some of the most typical types of sewer lines found in older homes:

Tunnel through drainage systems.

Joint failures and leaks are common in these pipes, which were primarily erected between the 1950s and the 1970s. This kind of pipe usually lasts for around 70 years.

Ditch Clay Pipes

Clay pipes could be seen in homes built before the 1950s. These have an average lifespan of 50–60 years. The problem is that they’re not exactly common.

Pipes for Waste Water Treatment Systems Made of Cast Iron

These were commonly installed in homes from the 1950s until the 1970s. Their average life expectancy is between 70 and 100 years.

Ditch Connections in Orangeburg

From as early as 1860 until as recently as 1972, Orangeburg sewer lines were in operation. Unhappily, they only have a brief lifespan; after 30 years, they begin to distort and will probably collapse by the age of 50.

PVC Drainage Pipes

In other words, these are extremely risky. Lead pipes can last for a century, but they pose a serious health danger because they leach lead into the water supply.

Sewer Pipes Made of Polyvinyl Chloride

Having been in use since the 1940s, the lifespan of these products is a century. In case your 1940s home is equipped with one of these, there is no need for an alarm until the year 2040. Although, it is wise to perform inspections to guarantee your pipes are maintained.

If you are already living in an older home or are thinking about buying one, you should get it inspected. There are other benefits to inspecting your home. It can protect you and your loved ones from harm and offer you confidence in your home’s security.

Photo by Jason Yoder on Unsplash