There are a plethora of reasons people may choose to purchase old, used homes rather than sleek, modern new builds. Some find them cheaper, while others simply love the vintage touch and personality that comes with older homes.
Unfortunately, owning an old home is not as simple as finding one that looks pretty. Many factors need to be considered, and one of the most critical factors you need to consider is the plumbing system. This is because an old home may be riddled with plumbing problems, and over the years, these problems may have gotten significantly worse.
To ensure that your dream of owning an old, classic home is not halted by bad plumbing issues, here are the things you must consider:

1) Worn-Down Fixtures

Fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, and other types of connection can slowly wear down over time. Whether by design or simply deterioration, old fixtures aren’t exactly water-efficient either, and leaks just make this fact worse. This can mean a big jump in water cost for your home, not to mention possible costly damages caused by the leaks themselves.

Inspecting the fixtures in the home is vital to help you spot old or worn-out fixtures to be replaced with new ones that are water-efficient and durable. You may want to keep that copper fixture because it looks aesthetically pleasing, but they are not efficient, nor do they last forever. If it’s the unique look you’re looking for, consider browsing for new fixtures of an older style on Etsy. These are often either preserved from years ago or custom-made and with some browsing, you should be able to find something that fits perfectly with the look you’re trying to achieve.

2) Damaged Sewer Lines

Old sewer lines are not built to work with appliances of today. Things like dishwashers can use a lot of water, and at a capacity at which old sewer lines may not be able to handle. Any issues in the sewer line can show up in the forms of backed-up sewage down to blockages. You can tell that this is happening when you smell a foul odour in the air. 

Not only that, but damaged old sewer lines can also put your home’s foundation at risk. To add to this, the material that makes up the old sewer lines can also present its own set of problems. For example, some sewer lines are made of clay that can easily be crushed or cast iron that is at risk of corrosion. For the above reasons, having the sewer lines inspected can ensure any problems can be found and solved before it becomes worse.

3) Old and Outdated Pipes

With pipes, many old homes are made out of dangerous or old pipes. This includes lead pipes that are highly toxic, galvanized pipes that can corrode or rust, and polybutylene pipes that are prone to cracking and flaking. You do not want to deal with old pipes, so always make sure they are thoroughly inspected. If you do find them utilizing these outdated materials, replacing them is a worthy investment. Not only will you get to work with new pipes that will perform for years to come, but you do not have to deal with fixing old pipes that can lead to more expensive damages.

Conclusion

Owning an old home may be a dream for you, but it can easily turn into a nightmare if you do not get its plumbing system inspected before you purchase it. To ensure you’re happy with your purchase, always hire a professional to take at the plumbing system the old house has, and invest in replacements and fixes to ensure a smooth-flowing plumbing system that boosts your quality of life, not hurt it. Of course, have other aspects of the home also inspected, such as its foundations, walls, roofs, and more. Giving the house a thorough inspection helps ensure you do not run into surprise problems that can easily become a financial nightmare.

24 Hour Plumbing & Heating offers plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services in Calgary to fix up homes for a head-ache free living environment. Work with us today and get the plumbing services you need to inspect your to-be home!