5 Common Plumbing Problems In Older Homes

There are many reasons you probably enjoy your older Victoria home, such as its history within the community, its classic construction and the way it stands apart from newer homes in the area. However, some older homes are vulnerable to certain issues, such as plumbing problems that are not easy to fix with do-it-yourself solutions. At Handyman Connection, we are standing by with a variety of plumbing series in Victoria, as well as some information about what types of issues may occur in your older home. 

1. Outdated Fixtures 

If you experience low water pressure in your home, it may be due to outdated plumbing fixtures. Older taps might be loose or have corrosion where you cannot see it, and the faucets may have narrowed due to mineral deposits inside them. This can cause a variety of potentially serious issues, including: 

• Slow water delivery 
• Varied pressure 
• Discoloured water 

Our plumbing professionals can inspect and replace these fixtures to increase the efficiency of your home’s water delivery. 

2. Tree Root Intrusion 

Homes with older plumbing often share underground pipe space with the roots of surrounding trees. Over time, these roots, which constantly grow as the trees get bigger, can intrude on pipe space and even push their way through and around the pipes. When this happens with older metal piping, it can result in pipe or line leakage, which usually reduces water pressure and causes problems in other pipes down the line. 

When you call us for plumbing services in Victoria, our knowledgeable handymen can inspect your pipe system and discover whether tree root intrusion is the cause of the issue. They can cut through the roots and, if needed, replace any damaged pipes with new polyethylene pipes that resist tree root encroachment. 

3. Pipe Shifting 

Years of heavy rains and winter thawing can saturate the ground around your home, and over time, it may shift when it cannot hold any more water. When this occurs, it can bend or even break old underground pipes and severely affect your home’s sewer and water supply. Shifting can happen suddenly, causing a loss of water pressure or a broken sewer line, which may back up into your home’s sinks and toilets. 

While shifting pipes can cause damage, having our plumbers out to your older home to inspect your plumbing before it happens can not only save you money but prevent indoor flooding that could wreck furniture, fixtures and carpeting. 

4. Past Temporary Fixes

Your older home has likely had several owners in the past, and they perhaps performed some plumbing fixes that were not designed to last long. They may have replaced sections of pipe inside the home, such as under the sink, but not any outdoor pipes that may now have mineral deposits or corrosion. Our plumbers can inspect and search out these poor or temporary repairs and replace them with more efficient, permanent solutions. 

5. Clogs 

The older plumbing pipes and fixtures are, the more prone they are to clogging. Not only might the pipes have underground clogs, but the ones inside your home may have the same issue. Over time, soap scum, mineral buildup and years of sewage buildup can block pipes and make it more difficult for water to reach your taps and toilets. Calling us for plumbing services in Victoria can loosen and eliminate this troublesome issue so water flows more freely. 

There is much to love about your older Victoria home, and its individual style likely helps it stand out. However, you do not have to deal with the plumbing issues that often happen with older homes on your own. Call us today for a an estimate and give your classic home the tender loving care it deserves.