4 Plumbing Issues to Watch Out For When Renovating an Old Home

An old home has its own charm and beauty that is hard to beat. Unfortunately, this charm of an old home often comes with plumbing concerns. Not only are older homes designed differently compared to present-day homes, they also carry the excess baggage of an aging plumbing system. So, if you are renovating an old home, you need to keep your eyes peeled for certain plumbing problems that are common in such homes.

Here is a list of the 5 main plumbing issues that you may come across during the renovation process. Remember, these issues require professional plumbing services. You should not attempt a DIY job.

1. Galvanized Pipes

Homes built in the 1960s or earlier often used galvanized pipes. In all probability, over the years the previous owners may have replaced the pipes, but they may have concentrated just on pipes that are clogged and corroded. This also means that your old home will still have many galvanized pipes that are corroded and blocked with rust, and you will have to have them replaced.

The best way to check whether you have this problem is by turning on the hot water. If the water pressure is low, you need to check for galvanized pipes while renovating your home. Typically, hot water pipes are the first to rust.

2. Sewer Line

While renovating an old home, most homeowners focus their attention on the four walls of their homes. However, plumbing begins and ends at the street. You are the owner of the sewer line (if there is one) from your home until the street. This sewer line can be a cause of concern when it comes to the old home.

There could be roots growing into the sewer line causing a blockage or the line could be completely crushed. Typically, old homes have sewer lines made from transite, clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg, which is a product from World War II and made out of tarpaper. Transite popes contain asbestos; cast iron pipes are susceptible to corrosion; clay pipes are an open invitation to root intrusion and can get crushed very easily; and tarpaper pipes can crack, crush, and break very easily. So, focus on the sewer line as well during the renovation.

3. Invisible Leaks in the Plumbing System

The piping leading from the water meter to the property line is your responsibility, while the piping from the property line and beyond is the responsibility of the city. You must call in a plumber immediately to determine if the leak is coming from inside your property’s boundaries, or within the city’s boundaries. If the issue is contained within your property, a professional Toronto plumber can help you fix the leak before it causes further damage to your home.

4. Old and Inefficient Plumbing Fixtures

Old plumbing fixtures may look beautiful, but you have to realize that everything has a lifespan. With constant use, these old fixtures will go through the normal process of wear and tear, leading to leaks and inefficient water flow. So, while renovating an old home, make it a point to replace old fixtures with more efficient ones that help conserve water.

If you are renovating an old homeand want to address the plumbing problems in the house you need a plumbing specialist, one who has the experience and knowledge to resolve these problems. Contact ExpressRooter plumbing specialists today and breathe easy. We are based in Toronto and offer excellent plumbing services at affordable prices. Our experts are available 24/7, ready and willing to help you.