Living in an old home is nice having a history, but with age comes plumbing issues. Plumbers in Waukesha WI often discuss how these charming historic homes might have odd plumbing as well as architectural. How to fix these issues so your gorgeous home doesn’t become a wet nightmare.
The pipes come first. If your house is old, it may have original plumbing. Old galvanized steel pipes corrode. Like artery-clogging, it’s sluggish but causes issues. The fix? Replace them before they break and cause more problems. Think of it as home bypass surgery.
Leaky faucets and running toilets are other issues. Leaks may look harmless, but they waste a lot of water and raise your expenses. Simple leak repairs like changing a washer or flapper can save a lot. It’s like patching a gradual tire leak. Make repairs and you’re good.
Who can forget drainage? The drainage system in historic homes can be more like an adventure. Pipes that are narrower or worn can clog frequently. Use a plunger or plumber’s snake instead of strong chemical drain cleaners that might harm old pipes. There’s less force and more subtlety, like coaxing a key into a lock.
Water heater difficulties also recur. Inefficient and prone to breakdown, outdated water heaters are common in old homes. Upgrade to a new, energy-efficient unit to ensure hot water when you need it and save energy bills. Similar to replacing a worn-out horse with a fresh one.
Don’t forget the sewer pipe. Sewer pipes in older homes may never have been inspected or updated. Tree roots, corrosion, and time can break or obstruct. Camera inspections can reveal what’s underground without digging up the yard. Using a spyglass instead of a shovel lets you see the hidden without the mess.
Finally, old homes sometimes have water pressure concerns. Too little pressure makes your shower feel like a drizzle, while too much pressure might damage your ancient pipes and produce leaks. Installing a pressure regulator can relieve your pipes and patience.