Old homes have a lot of appeal. They have cultural value. They have a charm that you won’t find in a modern home. They also have their share of problems. There are definitely plumbing issues to consider if you’re thinking of moving into an old home.
Materials
Some materials used in the construction or renovation of an old house may no longer meet current standards. There are three types of conventional pipes that are obsolete.
- Lead – This is one of the oldest metals used in plumbing. It is durable and malleable. Even if your plumbing is copper, lead may have been used in solder during repairs. We now know that lead is highly toxic, especially to children. Symptoms include gastrointestinal and joint pain, irritability, fatigue, and memory loss. In children, it can lead to impaired physical and mental development.
- Galvanized – This is an iron pipe coated with zinc. When the zinc wears away, only the iron remains. This iron rusts easily, or the inside becomes clogged with rust. They will then be so fragile that they will have to be removed. Often plumbers will remove the damaged part, and leave the still solid pipes in place.
- Polybutylene – This was originally intended as a cost-effective alternative to copper pipes. Although the manufacturer never acknowledged the problem, it turned out that the substance caused a chemical reaction with antioxidants in public water. The pipes would flake, become brittle, and crack. Although no longer produced, they may still be found in homes built between 1970 and 1990.
Bulges
Pipes installed under the structure can sag, creating a “belly.” This is due to the gradual movement of the house, concrete, and soil structure over time. When this subsidence occurs, water flow is impeded, causing water “pools.” This is a perfect place for waste or other sediment to accumulate. This means you will likely experience breakdowns or leaks.
Sewer pipes
In older neighborhoods, sewer lines were installed long before appliances like garbage disposals or dishwashers were invented. If the home has been renovated to add more bathrooms, there will be even more water and waste flowing through the sewer system. Old pipes can move. Older neighborhoods have mature trees with extensive roots that can invade the sewer system. All of this will cause sewer backups, forcing sewage and other waste into your basement or home.
Incomplete repairs
Some of these points have probably already been covered. However, if the repairs were done poorly or insufficiently, the problems will persist. This includes improper installation of sink traps, showers, toilets, water heaters or pipes.
Conclusion
If you own an older home, or are thinking about buying one, it is recommended that you have the plumbing checked by a professional plumber. With modern technology such as remote cameras and computers, problems can be discovered, and fixed, before they become too serious.