Older homes in Florida have a unique charm about them. They’re nostalgic, they have character, and you may be proud to live in such a historic structure.
However, these houses often come with significant plumbing problems, many hidden. Learning about these actual and potential issues will help you protect your home as well as your personal health and bank account balance.
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Problems in Old Homes?
- Corroded or outdated pipes
- Lead pipes and solder
- Sewer line damage and tree root intrusion
- Pipe bellies (i.e. sagging drain lines)
- Outdated or leaky fixtures
- Failing water heaters
- DIY or poorly done repairs
1. Corroded or Outdated Pipes
Those with corroded or otherwise outdated pipes may experience quite noticeable signs of plumbing problems.
Signs
For example, your water could become discolored – i.e. look brown, green or yellow – as a result of it going through rusty pipes. Regardless of its color, it may have a metallic taste. Other signs include leaks and visible rust on the outside of your pipes.
Risks
If lead is, in fact, in your water, that can result in health hazards while leaky pipes, particularly if they end up bursting, can cause water damage.
Solutions
You can repipe your pipes with PEX or copper, which will likely cost between $1,200-$5,000.
2. Lead Pipes and Solder
Those with older homes may have pipes with lead solder. That’s because this used to be commonly utilized in homes prior to its banning in 1986, thanks to the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments.
Risks
Exposure to lead can result in significant health issues, and these dangers are magnified in children because their absorption rates are faster and their nervous system’s still developing. Examples of more specific risks include learning difficulties, attention deficit and kidney damage.
Fixes
One of the best ways to fix this issue is to replace your old pipes with safer materials, such as copper and PEX. In any case, you should regularly test your water for lead, including after this change has been made, partially to ensure that related connections, valves and your water source aren’t contributing lead to your water.
3. Sewer Line Problems
Since sewer lines tend to be the same age as a home’s plumbing, age-related sewer line issues may occur as well.
Signs
A few signs of this include a slow drainage system, sewage-related odors and wet spots in that yard. In fact, sinkholes are even possible.
Causes
Simple pipe erosion and collapsed joints as a result of age may cause this. So can tree roots sneaking their way inside those old pipes.
Solutions
A camera inspection’s usually done to analyze the exact situation, and, if necessary, a trenchless repair or perhaps a full replacement can be done. Depending on what’s necessary and other factors, expect this to cost around $3,000-$7,500.
4. Pipe Bellies or Sagging Sewer Lines
Pipe bellies are usually caused by soil shift that’s occurred above them over the years. Another potential cause is simply decades-long continuous external pressure.
Signs
Sagging sewer lines often result in clogs occurring, which can then cause gurgling drains and even foul odors, almost always because of the stagnant water that’s been caught there.
Fixes
To fix a pipe belly, you can get that section of your pipe replaced while simply relining it is another option.
5. Outdated or Leaky Fixtures
Fixtures are essentially the parts of a home’s plumbing system that are visible to us as we go about our day-to-day lives, and damage can occur here as well.
Signs
The most significant of these fixtures are faucets, and ones that are old and damaged can cause constant dripping and low water pressure. Loose handles may contribute to the development of these issues.
Why It Matters
Outdated fixtures may cause a tremendous amount of waste, even up to gallons of water every day. In addition, they can mask even more significant issues that are occurring deep in the plumbing system but are not being noticed or considered because the focus is on those faulty fixtures.
Solutions
Replacing your fixtures with modern, water-efficient ones should eradicate this issue.
6. Old or Failing Water Heaters
Many with old houses have failed to get their water heaters replaced, which can cause numerous issues.
Life Expectancy
Generally, tank water heaters will last 8-12 years, and if your home is decades old with the same water heater still being used, that’s a very significant risk.
Signs
Some signs of an old water heater that’s now failing include it inconsistently heating your water, rust-colored water coming out and it operating in a much noisier fashion than it used to.
Solutions
Of course, replacing your old tank is highly recommended. As for what to replace it with, consider an energy-efficient tankless one.
7. Poor DIY or Improper Repairs
Improper repairs, whether done in an unprofessional manner by so-called professionals or it was a well-intended DIY project that didn’t end up being effective, can cause numerous plumbing issues in old homes.
Do note that those poor or improper repairs could have taken place before you purchased your house.
Examples
Although examples of this can be numerous, some of the more common issues resulting from these circumstances include unsecured fittings, incorrect pipe slopes and unsafe water heater installations.
Risks
Amongst the potential risks are leaks and even flooding while related code violations can also cause numerous other issues in addition to safety-related ones.
Fixes
The best way to address this issue is to have a professional, licensed plumber fully inspect your plumbing system.
When to Call a Plumber
There are three sets of conditions in which you should always call a plumber: prior to buying an older home, if you have a plumbing system that’s more than 25 years old and if you’re experiencing persistent clogs, discolored water or sewer-like odors.
Preventative Tips for Buyers and Homeowners
There are a few things that you can do to prevent these potential issues from becoming actual ones. Included amongst them are learning about an old home’s plumbing history before you buy it, having your plumbing system inspected every 2-3 years and regularly testing for lead in your pipes.
Also make sure to locate your main shut-off valve so that you know how to immediately turn off your home’s water supply if a burst pipe or other major development happens.
Call Our Punctual Plumbers to Modernize Your Old Plumbing
We love old homes too as they have that unique charm that can’t be duplicated in modern houses. But we also know that the plumbing risks that they hide can be considerable, and we’re glad to help you with your visible and unseen plumbing issues as well as assist you with proactively preventing these types of problems.
Reach out to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today for help with your old plumbing system. Our punctual plumbers are highly knowledgeable and trained and serve old and new homes alike throughout Tampa Bay.