Old houses have their charm and are often loved for their vintage appeal. Though most old homes may have a grand façade, they often come with several problems hidden behind the beautiful exterior.  

While some of these issues are only minor problems, others may cause serious damage. That's why homeowners need to know some of the basic plumbing and heating issues common in old homes and ways to address them. 

Though you can do some regular plumbing maintenance by yourself, it might be better to call on experts. For instance, when in Virginia, finding a good Fairfax plumbing and heating company would prove useful for occasional check-ups while you can monitor and maintain your homes for the rest of the year.  

Tips For Plumbing Maintenance In Old Homes  

It’s a fact that older homes require regular plumbing maintenance. Unfortunately, most people don’t think of plumbing until they face a problem. Regular plumbing maintenance can help you identify potential problems earlier. This way, you can save yourself from severe plumbing damages that can burn a hole in your pocket.  

Here are a few tips to solve some common plumbing concerns in older homes.  

Replacing Old Galvanized Pipes  

Homes that were constructed decades ago have galvanized pipes. These pipes are made of steel and covered with zinc. Since zinc tends to rust over time, this causes many problems. The best way to fix this issue is to replace your entire piping system. However, this can be expensive. If you want to avoid this expense, you can choose to replace the deteriorated parts with new material.  

To check if your pipes are corroding, check the hot water pressure in your bathroom. If the pressure is low when you turn on the hot water tap, that means your pipes are corroding. Since hot water pipes are the first to start corroding, checking the hot water pressure will give you an early indication that your pipes have started rusting.  

Regular Maintenance Of Water Heaters  

If you’ve faced the problem of hot water quickly running out, chances are, your water heater needs maintenance. However, the type of maintenance required will depend on the kind of water heater you have. There are usually three types: gas heaters, electric heaters, and tankless heaters. It’s advisable to schedule regular maintenance check-ups for your water heater with an expert.  

The water heater technician should test the following to ensure that your heater is functioning well: 

• The Pressure Relief Valve: This kind of valve controls the water pressure in the tank. If there’s too much pressure, the tank may explode. The technician will check the valve to see if no water comes out of it or there’s too much water coming out of it. Both these situations indicate that the valve is damaged and needs replacement.  
• The Anode Rod: Hard water tends to corrode your water heater quicker. The purpose of the anode rod is to prevent corrosion. If the rod is coated with calcium or if more than six inches of the core wire is exposed, it means the anode rod needs replacement.  
• Sediments In The Water Tank: Sediments collected at the bottom of the tank are among the main reasons why water doesn’t stay hot for too long. That’s why it's crucial to clean it once a year, at least.  
• Pipe Insulation: Insulating pipes can prevent heat loss and stop the condensation of water during summer.  

Regular Cleaning Of Drains 

The kitchen and bathroom drain often get clogged due to various reasons. From improper garbage disposal in kitchen sinks to clogged hair in the bathroom, these minor incidents can lead to frequently clogged drains. The best way to maintain your drainage system is to ensure that your drains are cleaned regularly. 

Here are a few tips for drainage maintenance:  

• Don’t throw any oils, butter, or grease in the sink. Since the fat tends to congeal in the pipes, it can lead to reduced water flow.
• After using the kitchen disposal, let cold water run for 15 minutes. This will ensure that the food waste has gone out of the drain and into the sewer line. 
• The toilet should only be used for human waste and toilet paper. Flushing tampons or other material down the toilet leads to clogging. Thus, tampons and wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet.
• Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they tend to corrode pipes.  

Regular Maintenance Of Sewer Lines 

Most sewer lines are made of plastic, clay, or cast iron and come with their respective challenges. Cast iron tends to rust easily, while clay pipes are known for root intrusion. These lines can also get clogged due to grease or trash. That’s why sewer lines need regular checking and maintenance in older homes as  well.  

Conclusion 

Galvanized pipes, sewer lines, clogged drains, and water heater issues are common challenges faced by homeowners of old houses. The best way to ensure the safety of your home is to schedule a regular maintenance plumbing and heating check by a reliable company. This will help you identify any minor problems early on, and you can solve them immediately, avoiding any significant damage that could turn out to be very expensive in the future.