Plumbing systems in older homes require more care and attention than those in more modern buildings. This additional maintenance, supported by Imperial tenant support, keeps the plumbing system functional, allowing the families who live in these houses avoid nasty plumbing emergencies.
Why do older plumbing systems need more care?
Plumbing pipes naturally become weaker as they age. From the moment the pipe is laid inside the ground, wall, or flooring, diverse physical, chemical, and biological forces start acting on and breaking it down. However, their effects don’t become apparent until after many years.
If those pipes are made of cast iron, galvanized steel, clay, Orangeburg, or any of the older pipe materials that were popular in the 1980s and before, the rate of decline is faster. This is because these older pipe materials are more susceptible to rust and corrosion.
To make matters worse, the extreme weather of Western Springs, IL, and the high mineral content of the area’s water supply also worsen the problems of these plumbing systems. What are some of the plumbing problems you may see in these older homes?
Common plumbing problems in older Western Springs, IL. Homes
Hidden leaks
Fragile old pipes are more sensitive to small changes in the water pressure running through them. As a result, leaks happen more often in these older systems. If these leaks occur in an inaccessible area of the home, they can cause water damage for an extended period without being noticed.
Obsolete pipes
Older homes are more likely to have lead in their water supply. If there are lead pipes in the home, the coating on those pipes weakens with time, leaching small amounts of lead into the water. Ingestion and inhalation of lead can result in serious health problems.
Water quality issues
As a rule, metal plumbing pipes (lead, galvanized steel, and cast iron) corrode faster than modern plumbing plastic pipes such as PVC, CPVC, or PEX. One of the consequences of rust and corrosion is that debris from the aging pipes will contaminate the water supply, giving it a strange color, taste, or smell.
Tree root intrusion
Metal sewer pipes are highly vulnerable to tree root invasion. The combination of rust and biochemical processes in the soil weakens the pipes, making them brittle. Tree roots can exploit these weaknesses and invade the pipes to access the nutrient-rich water running through them.
Low water pressure
The accumulation of sediment inside the plumbing system of older homes prevents maximal flow of water through pipe channels, causing low water pressure. Additionally, because these systems are so vulnerable to leaks, there may be undetected breaks in the system that cause low water pressure in the home.
Faulty past repairs
One bad repair will not predispose the plumbing system to leaks, low water pressure, and other issues. However, the impact of several bad repairs can compound over time to make the plumbing inefficient and prone to damage. If there are substandard parts in the plumbing, these problems become even worse.
How regular inspections help to protect older plumbing systems
The main issue with older plumbing systems is that they are so vulnerable that it is hard to predict their health and performance. Owners of older homes with aging plumbing can manage them better if they have their plumbing systems inspected on a schedule.
Why is this important? How do professional plumbing inspections help older plumbing systems?
Early detection of problems
Without an intentional approach to identify them before they escalate into major issues, minor plumbing problems can develop into significant issues that cause avoidable damage and incur substantial costs to repair.
Prolong the life of the system
Just because a plumbing system is aging, it does not mean it is time to replace it. The only way to prolong the lifespan of the plumbing and avoid the cost of premature replacement is to find and fix problems early.
Prevent mold and water damage
The risk of mold and water damage is higher in older homes because their plumbing systems are more likely to have hidden leaks. Regular inspections not only uncover these leaks but also any resulting water damage.
Better water quality
By helping homeowners detect problems in their aging plumbing systems, professional plumbing inspections from our Western Springs, IL plumbers make it possible to fix those issues that compromise the quality of the home’s water supply.
Saves money
The ultimate benefit of regularly inspecting the plumbing system in an older home is lower plumbing maintenance costs. Problems cost less to fix when they are discovered on time. Sometimes, those problems can be averted altogether.
How often should owners of older homes have the aging plumbing in their building inspected? It depends on the types of plumbing pipes in the home, their age, and how well they have been maintained over the years. To get a more detailed answer to this question, call Suburban Plumbing Sewer Line and Drain Cleaning Experts in Brookfield, IL today at 708-801-6530 to arrange a free consultation.
