A number of old houses offer a lot to love as they were typically constructed from high-quality materials. Some of these homes have impressive details like beautiful hardwood floors and stunning wood molding. Additionally, in comparison to newer construction, purchasing an old home could provide a lot more square footage for a lot less money.
The construction techniques used in older homes were made to endure the test of time.
Unfortunately, some aspects of older construction used methods and materials that have become antiquated and are problematic today.
One category is the indoor plumbing. Underneath the surface of a solid structure could be a ticking time bomb in the form of old, leaky, and rusted pipes.
Plumbing Contractor Allentown PA: What To Consider When Updating The Plumbing In An Older Home
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When situations like these occur, it becomes essential to hire an experienced and reputable plumber. They have the knowledge and expertise to upgrade the plumbing system in an old home. Below are some of the factors that you should consider when improving the plumbing in an older home.
Know The Condition Of Your Plumbing Pipes
The kind of plumbing in your home determines the length of time it is expected to last.
Therefore, you should consider hiring an established plumber to inspect your plumbing system. Below is the typical lifespan of the most common pipes used in homes:
- Galvanized steel pipes typically last between 80 and 50 years
- Copper pipes usually last approximately 50 years
- Brass pipes typically last between 40 and 70 years
Have Dangerous And Substandard Pipes Removed
Regardless of age, you should have lead and polybutylene water supply pipes removed immediately upon discovery. Lead pipes were widely used during the early 1900s. They have a 100-year life expectancy. However, these pipes could cause lead to seep into your drinking water and cause severe health hazards. Polybutylene pipes, which were commonly used between the 1970s and the 1990s, are highly like to break.
Look For Indications Of Plumbing Trouble
Homes over 60 years old should have an annual inspection by a plumbing expert for any exposed pipe and other telltale indications of trouble. The crawlspace, basement and utility room should all be thoroughly examined for troublesome signs. For example, your plumber will check the tubing for stains, discoloration, pimples, flaking or dimpling, which all indicate corrosion.
During the inspection, your plumber will also check for leaks. Even the smallest leak that is easily repairable might be a sign that the piping system in the entire home will need a replacement soon. Essentially, if there are periodic leaks in certain places, they will quickly start to show up throughout the whole system. If they discover any irregularities during the inspection, your plumber will inform you, outline your options and recommend the best solution for your home. Solving his problem could involve changing your water lines.
When filling your bathtub, note if the water looks yellow or brown. If so, this would be a clear indication that the insides of the pipes are decaying and you should consider a full replacement. Ideally, this ‘bathtub test’ should be carried out after a work trip or vacation, when the house has been unoccupied for a few days and no one has been using the pipes.
Conclusion
Regardless of how beautiful the exterior and interior structure and décor of your home are, it is tremendously vital to ensure the plumbing is functioning optimally.
There are only a few things worse than a pipe bursting and damaging your property, including your floors and walls. Therefore, if you have questions regarding the pipes in your old home, you should not hesitate to call a reputable and experienced plumbing professional to conduct a complete inspection.
Robinson Plumbing offers a wide range of plumbing services throughout the Lehigh Valley. As a family owned and operated business, our priority lies with providing our customers with outstanding service. Our team of friendly plumbers have the experience and licensing to present you with the best and most affordable plumbing solutions for your home. Call now to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, we will gladly take the time to answer them. Call now!
Some of the areas we service include Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station, and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!