Are Old & Vintage Homes Prone to Plumbing Problems?
Was your home built more than 30 years ago? If you live in Los Angeles, there is a good chance that your home is even older than that. Many homes across the area date back to the 1940s and earlier. Consequently, there are many homes that are 75+ years old. While plumbing systems last for decades, having 50- or 100-year-old plumbing is rarely a good thing.
Plumbing issues often associated with older homes:
- Corroded piping
- Outdated piping
- Clogged sewer lines
- Collapsed or bellied sewer liens
- Improper installation
- Worn-out or broken fixtures
- Extensive corrosion or buildup
Another common problem we see in older homes across the Los Angeles area is plumbing systems that are not up to current plumbing codes. Plumbing codes are in place to protect homeowners and ensure that their water supply and overall plumbing systems are efficient and safe. Older homes that have not been updated may be vulnerable to various issues, including backflow problems.
Signs Your Plumbing System Needs to Be Updated
If you have an older home or recently purchased an older home, you may be worried that your plumbing system is outdated. While it may be somewhat outdated and have issues, the good news is that it is unlikely that much of your home’s original plumbing remains. Most people update and renovate their homes every 20-30 years, including their plumbing systems.
With older homes, it is important to remember that while the plumbing system may not be original, parts of it may be, and/or upgrades may not have happened all at once or even recently. It is not uncommon to find parts of a home’s plumbing system 20 years older than other parts, as people tend only to update the areas they are working on during home renovations or those with problems. Consequently, knowing the signs that your system needs an upgrade is helpful.
You may need to update your plumbing system if you notice any of the following:
- You are experiencing chronic plumbing repair issues, like leaks
- Your drains a frequently backed up or clogged
- You need sewer line cleaning more often than once every 2-3 years
- Your piping is made with an outdated material
- You notice issues like sediment or discoloration in your water
Another sign that you might have an outdated plumbing system is if you have had a recent inspection or repair work done and discovered that parts of your plumbing system are not up to code.
Do I Need to Re-Pipe My Entire Home?
It is unlikely that you will have to re-pipe your entire home. As we’ve previously mentioned, it is uncommon to find even an older home with a totally outdated plumbing system. Consequently, you may only need to re-pipe or update a portion of your plumbing system. The same goes for correcting plumbing code violations – if there are areas of your home that are in compliance and providing you with safe, reliable plumbing service, there is no reason to replace those areas.
For example, let’s say you just had your annual plumbing inspection, and one of our plumbers found that an area of your plumbing is excessively corroded. We may recommend just replacing that area of piping (and any other areas with similar issues) and leaving the rest of the plumbing system alone. Similarly, suppose you have major sewer line issues, such as extensive leaking or a collapsed section. In that case, you should only have to replace the sewer line and the areas affected by the sewer line and not re-pipe your entire home.
Work with a Vintage Plumbing Specialist
No matter what you are doing, repairs or renovations, it is always a good idea to work with a plumber experienced in working on vintage homes, like Moe Plumbing Services. Our expert plumbers have extensive knowledge in all types of plumbing, including vintage plumbing and the materials used in plumbing systems over the years. Our team has the skill and know-how to repair and update your plumbing and correct code violations, all while helping you protect and preserve your vintage Los Angeles home.
Need plumbing repairs or upgrades? Consult with Moe Plumbing Services. We can get the job done.