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Originally Posted On: https://www.beehiveplumbing.com/what-northern-utah-homeowners-need-to-know-about-old-residential-plumbing-systems/

 

There are plenty of old residential plumbing systems in northern Utah that need to take extra care of their plumbing maintenance!

If you own an older home in northern Utah, then you likely already know how your residential plumbing system is more susceptible to repairs and issues as compared to newer homes. And what’s even worse is that many plumbing issues in older homes are relatively concealed, which causes them to go by undetected.

All of us at Beehive Plumbing are here to support homeowners throughout our community, and we understand how older homes sometimes need a little extra TLC to maintain optimal plumbing functionality. That’s why we’ve developed this blog oriented around what homeowners with older plumbing systems need to keep in mind!

Common Causes of Plumbing Issues in Older Homes

There are many different causes of plumbing issues in older homes, and some of the most common include the following:

Pipeline Bellies

When an older pipe is bowed or buckled, it’ll eventually lose its efficiency and fail to properly direct water and sewage. This can potentially lead to water accumulation, which often leads to pipe sagging or bellies.

Pipe bellies can pose all sorts of sanitation issues, which is why it’s so important to get these issues checked out by professionals.

Faulty Plumbing Repairs

Older homes often suffer from faulty plumbing repairs, which were either conducted by inexperienced handymen or within DIY projects. It’s important for every homeowner to remember that DIY plumbing is typically very risky, because it’ll often lead to future issues.

Outdated Plumbing Fixtures

Many older homes also haven’t replaced their plumbing fixtures in a very long time, which can pose significant plumbing issues. Some older fixtures are made of metals like copper and brass, which are much more susceptible to leaks as compared to today’s more modern materials.

Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes

Now that you know what the common causes of plumbing issues in older homes are, it’s time to better understand what these causes will generally lead to. Some of the most common plumbing problems in older homes include:

Leaky Fixtures & Pipes

Due to long-term wear and tear, fixtures and pipes in older homes tend to be much more susceptible to leaks. These leaks typically occur at connections, joints, and also within pipes.

All sorts of issues can result from plumbing leaks, so these issues need to be professionally repaired as soon as they’re detected.

Pipe Corrosion

It’s natural for older plumbing pipes to eventually deteriorate and corrode over many years, and this is often an issue in older homes that utilize pipes made of galvanized steel.

Pipe corrosion can create all sorts of issues, and sometimes you’ll need to invest in re-piping your older home to ensure it’s long-term livability.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is another common plumbing problem in old homes, and this can sometimes be caused by sediment buildup, clogged aerators, and outdated water supply systems.

The good news is that our specialists will quickly be able to improve your property’s water pressure and make sure that it’s brought back to a proper functionality.

Sewer Line Issues

Many older homes experience sewer line challenges, including pipe collapses, tree root infiltration, and significant blockages. Any of these issues can result in significant disasters like water damages and sewage backups, which of course can create health hazards within a home.

Obsolete Plumbing Materials

Obsolete plumbing materials can end up creating major plumbing issues for older homes, and plenty of older properties must replace certain materials in order to maintain safety and reliability.

When a home upgrades older plumbing components to more modern systems, they can improve their water quality, prevent health issues, and enhance pipe longevity.

Common Signs of Needing a Plumbing Replacement

Although there are many red flags connected to needing any kind of plumbing replacement in older homes, the following are some of the most common to keep an eye out for:

• Frequent leaks
• Rusty water
• Weak water pressure
• Sewage backups

Reach Out To Beehive Plumbing When Your Older Residential Plumbing System Needs Support!

Beehive Plumbing is the leading plumbing company based in northern Utah, so we’ve been there for thousands of older homes in need of residential plumbing services.

Our team is here to protect your older home, so contact us online or give us a call at 801-849-3837 to let us know what plumbing issues you’re currently experiencing at your house!