For many people, they are looking to buy an old house because they are full of old charm and loads of character. The history that is often preserved in these old houses can’t be recreated in modern home building. However, when you purchase an old home, there are often many hidden problems and that includes plumbing issues. M and C Orsack Plumbing is here to talk about some of the most common plumbing problems that old houses can often have.

Old Pipe Materials

If you live in a home that is older than 1990, there are likely plumbing materials in your plumbing system that would no longer pass plumbing codes. There are three different types of pipes that are considered to be outdated including:
– Lead: These types of pipes were often used for water mains and sewer lines, but they can cause many problems because lead has been found to be toxic.
– Galvanized: Galvanized pipes are made out of iron and then coated in a layer of zinc. The problem is that the zinc will likely erode over time and then the pipes can easily corrode and break.
– Polybutylene: These pipes are known for their failure rate. They often flake, become brittle and then end up cracking. In fact, there have been many lawsuits because of the rate at which these pipes fail.

Pipe Bellies

Over time, any pipes that have been placed underneath a home are affected by the shifting and settling of a home. If pipes start to shift in a downward position, the downward slope can create what is known as a pipe belly. These bellies can become a problem because sediment and waste start to accumulate there.

Failing Sewer Lines

Sewer lines are one of those things you don’t give much thought about, until it fails. A failed sewer line can be expensive and involved to repair. Sometimes with these older properties, there is no way to avoid it. There are tree roots and shifting in the ground that usually end up causing problems for sewer lines.

Faulty Plumbing Repairs

When dealing with an older home, there have likely been years and years of repairs made to the plumbing system. There are inevitably going to be things that go wrong throughout the years. With many repairs being made, there is also room for bad repairs on older homes as well. Repairs that weren’t done well the first time and will end up causing problems down the road. Many old homes have DIY repairs that have been made throughout the years that often end up failing.

Plumbing Repairs, Emergency Repairs & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas

If you live in an older home or have just purchased an older home, it’s a good idea to have your plumbing system inspected for any issues. M and C Orsack Plumbing can help ensure the plumbing system in your old house is intact and in good condition. If you are experiencing any issues with your plumbing system, give us a call!