The Particular Plumbing Challenges of Period Properties
Older properties possess a unique charm, and if you’re a homebuyer in search of that timeless character and craftsmanship, plumbing concerns might not top your checklist. But before you get swept away by the character, have you considered the plumbing? Outdated pipes, hard water, and years of wear and tear can lead to some serious headaches. It’s always worth getting the plumbing checked before putting in an offer.
At Simply Plumbing, we’ve been solving plumbing problems in South Bedfordshire homes and businesses for over a decade. Based on our experience, we’ve come up with 5 common plumbing problems in old houses. We hope this gives you the information you need to inspect, plan, and budget accordingly. Think of this as your essential guide to avoiding costly surprises.
1. Outdated Fixtures and Fittings
When viewing an older house, it’s a good idea to ask about the plumbing system. If it hasn’t been modernised, that’s definitely something to consider carefully before making an offer. Over time, corrosion and limescale buildup can affect the pipes, sometimes resulting in leaks, reduced water flow, or even blockages.
If the plumbing system is quite old, it will probably mean budgeting for some improvements after you move in. This can be costly, so it’s perfectly acceptable to discuss this with the seller and perhaps negotiate a price adjustment to help offset the potential expenses.
Plumbing Fix for Wear and Tear
Often, the best approach for an aging system is a complete replacement. And once you have a modern, efficient system in place, be sure to invest in regular maintenance to prevent future problems and expenses.
2. Old Pipes
If you’re thinking about buying a house built before the 1990s, it’s a good idea to check the condition of the pipes. If you discover that they haven’t been replaced in the last few decades, they might be made of lead or galvanised steel, both of which can cause issues.
- Lead Piping – Lead piping was banned in 1986 but was used a lot before then. This means many homes in the UK still have lead pipes, which can pose health risks. Water companies often add orthophosphate to the water to help reduce the amount of lead that dissolves into it.
- Galvanised Steel Piping – Steel pipes gradually replaced lead starting in the 1960s. However, galvanised steel can corrode, releasing rust into the water. This rust buildup can also restrict water flow, causing low water pressure and blockages or burst pipes.
Plumbing Fix for Old Pipes
It’s always best to have a qualified plumber handle pipe repairs and replacements. If you need to replace the pipes in an older property, a plumber can give you a cost estimate. This is something to bear in mind when discussing the price of the property with the seller.
3. Drainage System Damage
Your drainage system is essential for removing waste from your home. Being underground, it can be easy to forget about but – if there are problems – they can impact your home in any number of ways.
In older properties, the most common causes of damage are corroded pipes and tree roots growing into the system. If these problems aren’t dealt with early on, they can lead to cracks, pipe collapses, and leaks.
Warning signs of drainage system trouble include damp or mould on interior walls, unpleasant smells from drains, or slow drainage in sinks, toilets, or showers.
Plumbing Fix for Drainage System Damage
For any drainage system issues, we would recommend you contact a plumber who specialises in drain clearance. They can use a CCTV drain survey to diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the appropriate repairs.
4. Poor Legacy Plumbing Repairs
Older properties normally have a history of different owners, each potentially using various plumbers or trying their hand at DIY plumbing as problems arise. This can result in poorly maintained plumbing, which can become a headache for new homeowners. Common legacy problems we see are unsecured pipes, backwards sink traps, poorly installed showers, and faulty water heaters.
Plumbing Fix for Poor Plumbing Repairs
You can’t go back in time, but you will need to fix the plumbing problems caused by these poor repairs. Think about having a plumber conduct a detailed inspection of the property you’re thinking of buying. They’ll be able to spot any poor plumbing and give you an estimate for the repairs needed to correct it.
5. Bellied Pipes
A bellied pipe is a pipe that has developed a sag or dip, creating a ‘belly’ where water, waste, and sediment can accumulate. This is common in older homes, often caused by soil erosion or ground shifting, which creates voids under the pipe which allows it to distort. You’re most likely to find these sags at the joints or fittings of the pipe. Over time, the buildup they attract can cause blockages and leaks.
Plumbing Fix for Bellied Pipes
Repairing a bellied pipe usually involves digging around the affected area. Once the pipe’s exposed, a plumber will fill the empty space beneath it with dirt and gravel, providing support and stopping future sagging. They’ll also reinforce the pipe joints to make it a long-lasting fix.
About Simply Plumbing
Since we started work in Luton, Simply Plumbing has built a reputation as local plumbing specialists that can be relied on to fix plumbing problems, clear blocked drains, or install bathroom fittings in houses old or new. This is because we can be relied upon to offer accurate diagnoses of existing problems, and detailed quotes on work that needs to be done to fix them. We always work to the highest professional standards, and we keep our prices affordable.
Need local plumbing services in Luton, Dunstable, or Bedfordshire? Call Simply Plumbing straight away on 01582 250030
