While older homes and buildings are often valued due to their historic nature, they can come with unique issues. Old buildings can often be accompanied with issues from the past. One of the most common issues in older buildings involves the plumbing. Below you will find the most common plumbing problems in old buildings.

Common Plumbing Problems in Old Buildings

While all pipes need to be assessed and replaced at some point. Piping in older buildings poses some unique issues. Below are some of the common piping problems found in older homes and buildings.

Sewer Issues:

Aging pipes are more susceptible to leakage, which can be a nightmare when it comes to the sewer system. In addition to the normal wear and tear that comes with aging pipes, older towns and historical areas often have large trees. The roots from large trees can get into the drain pipes and obstruct or completely rupture them. This can cause your toilets to back up or result in sewage leaking and draining. Avoid these issues by regularly assessing the state of your building’s piping. When necessary, have them replaced to avoid more costly issues in the future. 

Corrosion:

The natural wear and tear of pipes can cause corrosion. Older pipes are much more susceptible to this as each year passes. Corrosion can cause pipes to completely break which can cause a lot of unnecessary damage. Galvanized and polybutylene pipes are common in older homes and buildings. Galvanized pipes can get clogged with rust and become brittle, while polybutylene pipes are notorious for breakage. Lead pipes are banned, but if you know that your building has any lead pipes they need to be replaced immediately due to the serious danger they can cause to your health. 

Inadequate Repairs:

Older buildings are bound to have piping issues. Many issues can be addressed without having to replace the entire piping system. However, there are some issues that require a full replacement of the piping system. If this is necessary, but is not done, it can cause a number of issues. Inadequate repairs can leave your piping system weak and susceptible to more serious damage. Avoid the pitfalls of shoddy repairs in an effort to save money on repiping. It can cost you more time and money in the long-term.

Signs You Need to Repipe Your Building

You may wonder, when should I replace the pipes in my home or office building? This is understandable and requires the expertise of a plumber. However, below are some of the signs that indicate you need to contact a plumber.

• Discoloration: If the water coming out of your faucets is anything but clear, it’s a sign of a bigger issue.
• Smell: Smelly and/or discolored water is something that should not be left unaddressed. Avoid drinking the water until a plumbing expert gives you the go-ahead.
• Leaks: This is a clear indication that it’s time to call repiping plumbers in Los Angeles. Leaks can cause water damage and lead to even bigger plumbing issues if left untreated.
• Pressure Issues: If you notice that your water pressure is off, it could be caused by buildup in your pipes. If left unchecked, the buildup could cause your pipes to burst.

Commercial Plumbing in Orange County

If you haven’t had your pipes checked in the last two years, contact the top repiping specialists at Henrik Plumbing. It is recommended to have your pipes assessed at least every two years. Plumbing experts can assess your piping system and provide helpful recommendations for how to move forward if you have old pipes. The team at Henrik Plumbing are the most trusted experts in commercial plumbing in Orange County. Contact them today to set up an assessment!