When compared to newer homes, older houses tend to offer lower purchase prices and property taxes, solid construction, and unique character. However, there are drawbacks that can come along with older homes, particularly when it comes to plumbing.
Here are a few common plumbing issues to look out for when purchasing an older home:
Outdated Piping
If your home’s piping is over 30 years old, they could be defective. When buying an older home, you need to be wary of outdated piping. Over the years, many types of piping have been banned, including lead pipes in 1986. As a rule of thumb, if your home’s piping is over 30 years old, it could be defective.
Bellied Lines
Over time, your home shifts and settles into the ground, sometimes causing the pipes underneath to slope or “belly.” The bellying of pipes is caused when the soil is compacted down and the pipes bend with the ground.
Root Intrusion/Faulty Sewer Lines
Root intrusion occurs when trees and shrubs use the moisture from your sewage pipes to grow, both around the pipes and sometimes into the pipes. This could cause sewer leaks and clogs.
Old Fixtures
When buying an older home, outdated plumbing fixtures and connections have a higher likelihood of falling apart and leaking, which could lead to costly repairs down the road.
Improper Installation
When buying an older home, you run into the risk of previous owners potentially trying to fix plumbing issues on their own. Amateur repair jobs often miss little details that can turn into big issues later on.
These are just a few of the common issues you may run into as the owner of an older home. If you have any questions or concerns about the plumbing in and around your home and need a professional’s advice, contact Canady’s today!