There is something unique about an old house!
First, you get the history, the heritage, and the aesthetic, with a few improvements and changes here and there.
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Then, there is the low cost!
These are houses with characters!
However, yes, they also have a lot of responsibility.
Yes, you can get the best Victorian interior design that you have always wanted. However, you might not get the best walls or plumbing system, and you might have to fix all of them.
But!
How will you fix something when you do not know what the problem is?
You definitely do not want to come home one day and see that your entire kitchen floor is flooded!
Thus, first, learn the problems and then the solution!
In this excerpt below, you will find an elaborate discussion on what are the different plumbing problems you might face.
That leak under kitchen sink also came with those Victorian wallpaper you so adore.
So, sit back and keep reading!
Take notes!
Do not be lazy and call a plumber if it is needed!
Table of Contents
Top Plumbing Issues In An Old House
There are some plumbing problems that you might face when it comes to an old house, and here is how you are going to fix them.
1. Unevolved Pipe Materials
Some of these piping systems have not been changed or altered even for years, and the problem is that some of these houses might have piping systems made of materials that are ancient.
For example, when it comes to lead piping, did you know it was banned in 1986, and now we have PVR pipes?
So, you can understand that having something as outdated as lead or even galvanized steel which is known to ironize water a lot, might need some changing.
The ideal solution would be to change the entire plumbing system. However, that could be a complex issue. Thus you should get professional help before you do anything to the pipes.
Ideally, check these things before you move in!
2. Sewer Lines Failed
If the house was almost a century old, the sewer lines are probably hidden from sight.
As a result, you are unlikely to know what is going on in the hidden sewer systems. This house probably never had modern amenities like a dishwasher or waste disposal.
As a result, you might get a foul smell or muddy water because the sewer system has not been checked or cleaned for ages.
The solution here is pretty simple before you move into the house, get the sewer system checked once.
If it needs to be thoroughly cleaned, get that, and if there are certain changes absolutely needed, then get them.
3. Problem During Installation
Maybe the house is not that old, and maybe the house is able to retain its drainage system quite perfectly.
Even after that, if you still find some issues, then the problem is with the installation.
There could be installation damage that was never detected by the previous owners.
Now, what are you going to do?
Well, the easiest solution would be-
It is better to be safe than sorry!
Thus, go get the best plumber in town and get the drainage system thoroughly analyzed, and get the necessary improvements done before you move in.
4. Improper Drainage
Improper drainage can only mean one thing!
You return to your house and find either your kitchen, garage, or basement flooded. The best way to deal with this issue would be to get a proper drainage system installed.
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If you do not have the time or money for it, then simply go for a french draining, which simply collects all the drained water from a source and, through a gravel pit surrounding the house, drains the water.
There is no point in fixing the pipes and getting the leaks secured if the drained water is not exiting the house properly.
5. Bellied Lines
There was one common navigation that all old houses had; they had their pipe system buried underneath the house.
Over the years, as the house shits a little and the base sinks, you might have to deal with a bellied floor.
These bellied floors might even cause sine blockage issues in the drainage, leading to problems like slow intensity in the water flow or unnecessary drainage clogging.
Yes, we understand. This could be a huge issue, and you might have to change the entire plumbing navigation. However, in some cases, simply a pipe bursting repair could help.
This is why you should get it checked before you try to fix it yourself
6. Poor Connections
Just imagine yourself trying to find the leak!
You know there is one, and this is the reason why your water bill is higher than usual, or the flow of water is of less intensity.
Then here is what you need to do.
First, you need to check the connection of these pipes. There are probably some faults there itself.
These pipe connections are old; you might need to get some of these connections repaired.
Sometimes it is not the whole pipe, but the connection frayed because of constant usage.
7. Clogged Drain
Clog drain is a miscellaneous issue which we might all face, but it is quite common with old houses. They are like a clogged vein of the old houses all ready to burst. And if they are not bursting, you need to be prepared for the worst.
This is because they might not have a modern garbage disposal or an ultra-modern drainage system.
So, you either have to be very careful with what you dispose of your skin or get some professional to install a proper garbage disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plumbing problems can be a big nuisance. Especially if you are staying alone and you do not wish to call a handyman for every little thing.
That is why we understand if some confusion still prevails.
Now that you have read the article, there are a few issues still ensuing. You can simply take references from these materials underneath.
We have scoured the internet and collected some of the frequently asked questions, which we have tried to answer for you.
1. What Is The Biggest Error Which Is Causing Plumbing Issues For Me?
Ans. Now, when you are asking about plumbing issues, then we have to be a little harsh with the wording.
The biggest error that you are making as of now is dumping all the culinary garbage down the sink drain.
Now, you might raise a question.
‘But, what about the garbage disposal?’
Yes, you can have a garbage disposal, which can dispose of your garbage separately; huge pieces of garbage might still get stuck in the garbage pipes and may collect and clog.
Things like tea leaves, coffee grounds, and even some fruit chunks of leftover pies might get stuck in the food processor.
This is one of the reasons why you need to dispose of your garbage properly in order to avoid drainage issues.
2. How Can I Tell That I Have Drainage Issues
Ans. Let’s say you are staying alone, and you are no plumbing expert.
How on Earth will you be able to understand whether there is a problem?
There are some tell-tale signs which your sink is probably giving you, and these will help you understand the issues.
Some of these signs are –
– You are getting a foul smell from your water. Then there, your drainage pipe is probably rotting.
– You must also check for any discoloration in the water. If the water is coming out too brownish in nature, it could mean that the pipe is rusted in nature.
– If your pipes suddenly have low water pressure, this just means that you either have a clogged pipe or a burst pipe that is affecting the pressure of the water.
– If your pipes are constantly dripping, then you probably have some water pressure issue, or there is something wrong with the grip of your faucet.
– High water bills could also be a sign that your tap is leaking.
3. How Do You Drain Water Away From A House Foundation
Ans. Drainage is an important part of every house. Especially if you live in a house which is not young enough to have everything in its place, you will need to take extra care.
Now, here are a few things that you need to understand.
Installing a French drain is the simplest way to get this problem resolved now.
All you need to do is dig a trench around your house’s foundation and then fill it up with gravel. Then you will have to place a drain with perforations, and it will easily pull the water away and prevent your house from flooding.
Water-Water Everywhere!
Water water everywhere!
This is a scary prospect for many.
Of course, an entire house flooded is never pretty.
This is why you should always go for an excellent plumbing system before you get into a house.
You wouldn’t want to change things or do necessary repairs once you start facing these problems mentioned above.
So, if you are moving, begin your analysis today.
