Plumbing Problems In Old Vintage Homes

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Older vintage homes are in demand in Southern California but make no mistake about it – old vintage homes have their fair share of plumbing problems. You can fix potential problems or wait until something breaks; for example, we can replace our old water heater that shows signs of age, or you can wait until it stops working altogether. The same is true for the old galvanized pipes in our home. You can fix them now or wait for a possible leak, but even worse, a slab leak. Homes built in the ’60s with galvanized pipes are entering the end of their life span. High-quality galvanized pipes can last 60 to 70 years, but that will also depend on the manufacturer’s quality, water quality, and the thickness of the galvanized coating. 

If You’re Moving Into An Old Vintage Home, Have It Inspected Thoroughly For Plumbing Probles

For many homebuyers, we would rather forgo a new home for an old vintage home, especially if the home is in a well-kept neighborhood. However, some issues accompany an old home, so if you’re making a purchase, make sure your inspection company crosses their t’s and dots their i’s. For example, the last thing you want to do is replace a sewer line right after you move in or replace your pipes a year later. Therefore, a camera inspection is a must when purchasing an old vintage home.

Bellied Pipelines Can Only Get discovered through a camera Inspection

The pipes under your vintage home may begin to slope, or “belly,” as it settles and moves over time, reducing water flow and resulting in a clogged drainpipe. Furthermore, if the clog gets cleared, it will only return if the pipe does not get repaired. If your drain and sewage systems fail, hazardous wastewater may leak into your house or yard, creating a tremendous mess and a serious safety risk. Bellies can also cause slab leaks that can seep through the foundation of your home and causes significant property damage. 

A Bellied Pipe Is a plumbing problem in an old vintage home

Have A Leak Inspection When You Think There’s A Problem With Your Sewer Line

Be on the lookout for bellied pipe symptoms, including sluggish drains, frequent backups, unpleasant odors, and lush green spots in your yards. If you think you may have a problem with your sewer line, call a plumbing specialist for a camera inspection. Order a leak detection as soon as you think there may be a bellied line beneath your house. Our sewer and sewer drain experts can pinpoint the precise location of the problem. We can also provide slab leak rerouting to stop it from happening again.

Plumbing Problems? Understand The Signs!

Sometimes our old vintage home will talk to us, so we need to listen. I don’t mean like some ghost in our house. Here are some of the ways your home will speak to you: your pipes will begin to leak, maybe more than one, perhaps your water is no longer crystal clear, or your pipes are sounding rather strange. These are all signs that your pipes may need replacing. Why wait until your home experiences full-blown water damage? Consult with Big B’s Plumbing repipe specialist to get all your options. Like every other facet of life, technology has not passed up plumbing services, and Big B’s Plumbing uses the latest technology and repiping techniques. 

Another Major Plumbing Problem In Older Homes

Another plumbing problem we face with old vintage homes is the breakdown of our sewer lines. Over the last century, three types of sewer pipes have been installed: clay, cast iron, fiber conduit (Orangeburg), and plastic (ABS, PVC). Regardless of the sewer lines, the average life expectancy of any of these lines is 50 years, but under the right conditions, they could last 75 years or longer. With old vintage homes built before 1970, cast iron and clay sewer pipes were usually the pipe of choice. Unfortunately, as durable as cast iron pipes are, they can be damaged by tree roots, settling shifting soil, water quality, and chemicals used in the home. 

Plumbing problems in old vintage homes

Clay Pipes Are Prone To Attract Tree Roots

Clay pipes are another quality pipe known to last for years, especially if encased in concrete, but many homes did not encase them in cement. Unlike cast-iron pipes, clay pipes are resistant to chemicals. Unfortunately, their tendency over many years is root infestation, leaky joints, and sagging due to shifting soil. When you’re experiencing plumbing problems, call the experts in Murrieta, Temecula, and the Inland Empire, Big B’s Plumbing.

Your Vintage Home Is A Dream Come True

Owning a nostalgic vintage home is a dream come true for many homeowners, but it doesn’t come without its headaches, including plumbing problems. Once a pipe starts to leak, whether galvanized or copper, think about replacing them, and the same holds true for your sewer line. If your sewer line is backing up or leaking and it’s never been replaced, call your plumbing specialist at Big B’s Plumbing. Your old home is like a vintage car. Rebuild the motor, complete bodywork, and repaint it then you’ll have something to be proud of for many years. License #986152


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