From the Victorian buildings of Toronto, to the legacy farmhouses of Southwestern Ontario, the Heartland Province has no shortage of old homes. With their stunning architecture and old-world appeal, it’s no wonder these houses are so attractive to homebuyers. Unfortunately, older houses come with some challenges. Indeed, one of the biggest problem areas in older Ontario homes is the plumbing. Here are some of the most common issues.
Old pipe materials
In the past, lead, galvanized and polybutylene piping were regularly used in homes. These materials fell out of favour due to their various shortcomings; lead is toxic, galvanized piping is prone to corrosion and polybutylene tends to become brittle and crack. It’s a good idea to hire a plumber to inspect your home’s pipes, especially if your house hasn’t been renovated in the past couple of decades.
Pipeline bellies
The combination of the ground naturally shifting and the weight of furniture and people walking around a house can cause piping to move out of alignment. This can result in the pipe bending, or even breaking. These bellies or sags can impede the flow of water through your pipes and lead to accumulation in the affected area. Luckily, a plumber can remedy this situation and get your plumbing back in shape.
Sewer lines
Old sewer lines aren’t compatible with modern appliances and pairing the two can lead to disaster. If a new appliance forces large amounts of water through an outdated sewer line, the line may fail and cause sewage to back up into your home. This is one of the most serious plumbing problems owners of old houses can face, as it can wreck your home’s foundation and cause your home to smell. Prevention is key, so have your sewer lines inspected to find out if any repairs are necessary.
Outdated DIY/Bad repairs
The quirks of old houses can be charming, but in the case of DIY plumbing repairs, they’re more problematic than cute. If past repairs weren’t carried out by a professional, there’s no guarantee that they were done correctly. Sometimes, plumbing mistakes are minor, but they can also lead to severe problems. This is why it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect your pipes and drains for abnormalities.
Think You Need to Have your Plumbing Looked At? Call Pitton Plumbing Today!
If your old home needs its plumbing upgraded, our team at Pitton Plumbing & Heating Inc has you covered. We’re equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to handle any job, no matter how big or small! Contact us today to find out more about the wide range of plumbing services we offer.
Comments