Older homes offer a type of charm and uniqueness that newer homes simply don’t have. Unfortunately, older homes can come with a variety of plumbing problems that can get worse over time. If you live in an older home in Tucson, AZ and are experiencing plumbing issues, you aren’t alone. Here are some of the most common plumbing problems found in older homes in this area.
Corroded Pipes
Corroded pipes are often found in older homes. If you have noticed discolored water, a water meter that runs even when no water is being used, or a rising water bill, your pipes may be corroded. In addition to these problems, corroded pipes are often on the verge of bursting or leaking.
Homebuilders no longer use certain plumbing materials that don’t comply with current building codes. However, you might find some of these materials, such as hazardous lead pipes, in older homes that haven’t updated their plumbing systems.
Lead Pipes
Many older pipes are made of lead, which can be harmful if it contaminates your drinking water, although you won’t be able to taste it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that no amount of lead is safe for children to drink.
People of any age who come in contact with lead from old piping risk constipation, aches, fatigue, decreased fertility, anemia, and hypertension. Ingesting lead can also keep the body from taking in essential minerals that the brain and nerves need to develop normally.
Lead poisoning can’t be reversed, but you can find and eliminate the source of lead in your home to prevent further exposure to it. If you have an older home and aren’t sure what the pipes are made of, ask a plumber to inspect your piping to be on the safe side.
DIY Repairs
If you live in an older home, it has probably had many owners over time, and some of them may have attempted to make plumbing repairs. These DIY repairs are usually temporary or poorly executed, and if you let them be, they can cause damage to your plumbing system. Unsafe water heaters, showers with improper slopes, unsecured pipes, and improperly installed sink traps are common DIY repairs that are poorly executed by homeowners.
Sewer Line Failure
If a buried sewer line fails, sewage can back up into your home. Modern appliances cause more water to flow through sewer lines, so installing them in an older home with an aging sewer line can cause sewer line failure. Sewer lines can also be damaged by invasive tree roots and shifting foundations. If you notice an unpleasant smell in your home, foul-smelling wastewater backing up into your home, multiple slow drains, or soft spots in your yard, you may have a failing sewer line on your hands.
Foul smells that arise without any signs of a water leak can signal a sewer gas leak. Exposure to such gas is hazardous to the health of everyone in your household, even at low levels. Sewer gas is also highly explosive and flammable, and exposure to it can result in asphyxiation or hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Disconnected pipes, damaged drain lines, foundation cracks, and cracked wax seals can cause sewer gas to enter your home.
Outdated Plumbing Fixtures
Signs of outdated plumbing fixtures include broken knobs, restricted water flow, and leaks of any sort. Unfortunately, many older homes are riddled with outdated plumbing fixtures and features. Many of these fixtures may be decaying or barely functional.
Over time, wear and corrosion on plumbing fixtures can result in leaks and low pressure, which can be inconvenient when you are trying to run water. If you don’t attend to these issues with your fixtures, they can cause even more damage to your plumbing over time. If that happens, you’ll have to pay for more expensive, complex repairs.
Running Toilets
Did you know that a running toilet can waste 20 to 30 gallons of water each day? If you live in an older home, you may encounter problems with running toilets. If jiggling the handle doesn’t get your toilet to stop running, you may have a problem.
A running toilet can be caused by a simple issue, such as a leaking flapper. Some toilets will even flush on their own. If you need to determine the cause of your running toilet or “ghost flushes,” reach out to a professional.
Water Heater Problems
Older homes are often equipped with older water heaters. These older water heaters can cause various problems. Some of the most common water heater problems include leaks, corrosion interfering with water circulation inside the tank, and bacteria that build up to make your water smell bad.
If your water heater doesn’t provide any hot water, you may need a replacement. You will also more than likely need a replacement if your water heater is leaking. Rust, corrosion, or sediment in the tank must be flushed out.
Clogged or Slow Drains
Whether it’s your sink or shower taking too long to drain, you may be experiencing a clog. All clogs can be inconvenient, but having multiple slow or clogged drains can be a sign of a more serious issue. Over time, soap scum, hair, and other foreign objects can get into your drain. A professional should be able to remedy this with a standard drain cleaning. If you have multiple slow or clogged drains, you may be experiencing sewer line problems. You need to attend to these as soon as possible to avoid a sewer line backup.
Garbage Disposal Problems
Garbage disposals are highly convenient, allowing you to dispose of food waste in a quick and environmentally friendly manner. However, if your home is equipped with an older garbage disposal, there may come a time when you need to repair or replace it.
Not all food should be put down a garbage disposal, and if your disposal isn’t working, you may need to check for solid food waste or silverware. Working with a garbage disposal’s sharp parts can be dangerous, so you will probably need professional assistance if you need to repair or replace your garbage disposal with a newer model. Newer models are more powerful, and many have additional features to increase convenience.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are often a problem in older homes. They can be annoying, and if left unattended, they can cause serious structural and cosmetic damage to your home. Pipe leaks are often caused by faulty joints, but they can also be caused by burst pipes. This is especially true if you live in an area with low temperatures since your pipes can freeze.
Although you may be tempted to repair a leaky pipe on your own with plumber’s tape or fillers, you may want to hire a plumber to provide a more permanent solution. Often, entire sections of a pipe may need to be replaced completely. Leaving a pipe to leak can result in a burst pipe, which can be expensive and inconvenient to resolve.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets can be extremely annoying, and they can also waste gallons of water each day. This can cause your water bill to spike and increase your freshwater usage. If you notice a faucet continuously dripping, it may be time to call a plumber to repair or replace it.
Schedule Service Today
Cal’s Plumbing in Tucson specializes in plumbing, water treatment, water heater, and drain services. If you are experiencing plumbing problems in your older home, our company can help. We have been in business since 1948, so we have decades of experience tackling plumbing tasks of all sorts, including installations, inspections, repiping, water leak detection, and commercial plumbing services. We also take care of drains, tanked and tankless water heaters, sump pumps, and septic tanks. Our services are prompt, professional, and affordable.
Contact our team at Cal’s Plumbing today to find out more or schedule plumbing service.
