Many people are drawn to older homes, and more than ever, homeowners look for the details and character you can only find in houses built decades ago. However, there are also some inherent problems in buying an older home. Those who are aware of older home plumbing issues can be prepared, or even make repairs before it becomes a problem. If you own or are looking at an older home in a historical area like Park Slope, Brooklyn, an experienced Brooklyn plumbing company can help you with these five common older home plumbing issues.
Old pipes.
An older home will no doubt have older pipes, and, as with all things, they just have a certain life span. Pipes made from galvanized steel, concrete, cast iron, Polybutylene, and PVC each have their individual issues which lead to their demise. When used past a certain point, they will cause problems such as lower water pressure, leaks, and even breakage.
Faulty valves.
Every once in a while, there might be an issue when you need to turn off the water at the main valve to take care of a problem. Sometimes it is urgent, such as a burst pipe. Picture yourself going to turn the valve and it is stuck open, and even with all the tools in the world, and all the strength you can muster, it will not budge. Some of these valves are not used often, but they must be functional.
Leaky fixtures.
The occasional drip is a common sound in older homes. Sink or tub faucets might leak a little bit, but that can lead to higher water usage and bills. Updating fixtures will take care of that problem, and give an aesthetic boost to your space too. Properly installed plumbing fixtures should last and not leak. Ensure you are having a knowledgeable and skilled plumbing installing your new or renovation plumbing fixtures.
Outdated main supply line.
This main line under the house is crucial to the delivery of healthy water to your family. However, this main pipe can have corrosion, lead, or other issues that lead to water delivery issues. It is wise to get it inspected and replace if needed.
Bad DIY jobs.
Chances are, an older home has had several owners, some of whom probably tried to fix things themselves. Not everyone has the knowledge and experience to tackle a plumbing job, but some people try nonetheless. Often, it results in a repair that doesn’t hold up, or causes more problems. Sometimes the best thing to do is call a qualified plumber to do the job over again the right way.
In Park Slope, Brooklyn, we love the variety and history of the older and historic homes. Sometimes those houses have a need for plumbing updates and fixes as they usually suffer from older home plumbing issues. If you are experiencing older home plumbing issues, contact Aladdin Plumbing today.