How to Address Common Plumbing Issues in Older Franklin Homes?
How to Address Common Plumbing Issues in Older Franklin Homes
Franklin, Greenwood, and nearby communities are home to many older properties with charming architecture and historical character. While they're beautiful and appeal to many buyers with an appreciation for past building practices, they often contain plumbing that's as old as the structures themselves. From corroded pipes to outdated fixtures, these issues can cause inconvenience, inefficiency, and costly repairs if not addressed properly. Let's examine the types of plumbing problems commonly found in older homes.
Aging pipes and corrosion
Older homes often have plumbing systems made from galvanized steel, cast iron, or lead pipes. As these materials age, they often corrode, leading to leaks, reduced water pressure, and potential contamination. Galvanized steel pipes are prone to rust and mineral buildup, which can restrict water flow or cause the pipe to burst. Cast-iron pipes used in drain lines can degrade, leading to leaks and sewer backups. Lead pipes can leak toxins into drinking water. That's why many homeowners are opting to replace their old pipes with modern materials, such as copper, PEX, or CPVC.
Weak water pressure
Low water pressure is a frequent complaint in older homes. Corroded pipes, sediment buildup, or outdated fixtures are typically the cause. Soaking aerators and shower heads in vinegar can help remove mineral deposits. Corroded pipes restricting water flow may need to be replaced, and older fixtures may have clogs or inefficient designs. Replacing them with today's options can do wonders for your convenience—and your overall mood.
Leaky faucets and fixtures
Dripping faucets, leaky shower heads, and outdated fixtures are common in older homes. In many cases, the cause of the problem is a loose fitting or a worn-out washer, gasket, or seal that needs to be replaced. Upgrading fixtures is another option, because today's water-efficient choices help your home look good while keeping your water bill under control.
Clogged drains and sewer lines
Clogged drains and sewer backups are more likely in older homes due to outdated plumbing designs and materials. Tree roots can also invade underground sewer lines, causing severe blockages. A professional plumber can use specialized tools to clean drains, remove roots, and repair damaged pipes. It's also wise to schedule routine inspections to keep drains and sewer lines clear and functioning properly.
Aging water heaters
If homeowners know one thing about water heaters, it's that they never seem to last as long as they should. Sometimes, though, that's because the homeowner has forgotten to flush the water heater annually. It's important because water in our part of Indiana tends to be on the hard side, and minerals from the water accumulate on the tank and its components. Some homeowners are replacing bulky old tank water heaters with today's tankless models.
Freezing pipes
Older homes often have small spaces or entire rooms that don't receive sufficient warmth from the heating system. If it's an especially chilly night and your water pipes run through those spaces, the water in the pipes can freeze. When water freezes, it expands, causing old and weak pipes to burst. Use pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect vulnerable pipes, and consider replacing exposed pipes with modern materials less prone to freezing, such as PEX.
Inefficient fixtures
Older homes may have toilets that use excessive amounts of water per flush, and showers that spray unnecessarily large volumes of water, increasing utility bills and wasting resources. Today's toilets are really engineering marvels, using as little as 1.28 gallons per flush. Do you have one of those toilets that runs on and on? You'd be amazed at how much water can be wasted over a weekend ... or a year, so get it fixed or replaced quickly.
Water quality issues
Older plumbing materials can lead to water quality issues, including discoloration, unpleasant odors, and mineral deposits. A water softener can prevent mineral deposits and protect plumbing systems, while whole-house filters or reverse osmosis systems improve water quality.
Johnson Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing experts know older homes
Our plumbers are professionals who have worked in a wide range of Franklin homes, including many older properties. They understand the challenges that ancient plumbing can create for homeowners, and they're skilled at identifying the source of problems and resolving them. Additionally, they can identify issues where a small investment now might prevent much more significant damage down the road. If you're moving to an older home, we're here to help!