Old homes can have a charming, vintage aesthetic that appeals to some homebuyers. Any potential new owner however must be wary of their financial investment sinking into a money pit.
Older homes are susceptible to foundation problems, roofing issues, poor drainage, infestations and old windows. Some of these will raise energy costs, but others pose a serious safety risk. One of the most common problems in older homes is plumbing problems.
To find out what these problems entail, check out the information below.
1. Leaky Taps
Leaky taps not only waste water, but they are annoying. The constant drip is a form of torture in itself. Since older homes have older fixtures, taps are more likely to leak.
To address this make sure that washers and valves are replaced. When they are installed, make sure to do so correctly.
2. Leaky Pipes
Australia often faces droughts, so so it is important to conserve our water. Leaky pipes cause 114 million litres of wasted water daily in Sydney alone.
In older homes, leaky pipes are more common due to many factors. One common reason is the connections between pipes such as washers and the seal age. This is also true for pipe joints.
Unlike leaky taps, leaky pipes can be harder to spot. They can also cause more damage to the home. It’s best to work with a professional to ensure there is no water damage in the home. . OP Plumbing your Sutherland Shire plumbing specialist can help.
3. Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are a nightmare, but they are inevitable. One common cause is that, over time the pipes settle and move in shifting soil. This can lead to “bellying,” or a slope that restricts water flow.
Unblocking drains requires more than a chemical solution. To get to the root of the problem, a professional plumber may even need to dig up the pipes in the yard.
4. Blocked Toilets
Like blocked drains, blocked toilets are an inevitability. This is more likely to happen if the toilet is original. Ideally you want to replace an old toilet, but some homeowners want to keep the original features for aesthetic reasons.
If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, call our Sutherland Shire plumbers to snake the toilet.
5. Running Toilets
Running toilets are another source of wasted water and high energy bills.
To check for a running toilet put a little food colouring into the toilet’s cistern. If the food colouring appears in the toilet bowl there is a problem.
6. Corroded Pipes
Old homes often have old pipes that corrode over time. This is especially true if the previous owners used chemical drain cleaners.
Corroded pipes need to be identified and replaced by a plumbing professional.
7. Poor Repairs
If the previous homeowners were on a budget or not very discerning with their plumbing hires, it’s possible that previous plumbing repairs were poor quality. For example, overtightening connections can crack the fitting.
Only a professional plumber can identify these mistakes.
8. Poor Installation
A DIY plumbing repair may not only be poor quality but have improper installation. If plumbing is not installed correctly, it can cause big problems in time.
Before hiring a plumber, make sure to comb through their ratings and reviews carefully.
9. Tree Root Issues
Another threat to the pipes is tree root infiltration. This is a very common situation where tree roots grow into the pipes and damage them.
Fixing this can be a huge project that requires digging up the pipes, replacing them, and removing the roots. The tree roots will need an annual inspection in the future.
10. Weak Water Pressure
Weak water pressure is the least of these plumbing problems, but it’s still inconvenient. A leak or a blockage may cause this issue in your plumbing system. As it’s difficult to detect the origin of weak pressure, call a professional plumber for assistance.
Fixing Plumbing Problems
When fixing these plumbing problems, it’s essential to address the source of the problem. Simply applying some plumber’s tape will lead to more issues and a higher repair bill down the road. To do this, you need the expertise of a professional plumbing service OP Plumbing Services.
Contact our plumber in Sutherland today for professional help fixing these problems at their source.