So, you’re buying and moving into an old home. Technically, this classification of home refers to houses built before the 1990s. While they may possess architectural and even historical value, expect that they are not devoid of signs of weathering.

If you ask a plumbing and heating company in Hertfordshire, one of the aspects you’d need to prioritise checking is plumbing. This article compiles six plumbing problems you need to check before sealing the deal for your new old home.

Outdated fixtures and connections. Sure, owning an antique home can be really cool. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to endure outdated fixtures and connections. Having a broken knob or rusting faucet can cause more expensive damages in the future — so make sure to have a plumbing and heating company Hertfordshire inspect these things first before it’s too late.

Old pipe materials. As mentioned, old homes are those that have been built before the ‘90s. And that means it is highly likely that until today, old pipe materials used in its plumbing system are still there. The most outdated pipe materials are lead (which is actually toxic and dangerous especially to children), galvanised (pipes made of iron and coated with zinc; prone to corrosion), and polybutylene (its plastic component makes it susceptible to damage especially when exposed to chemical reactions).

Pipe bellies. Due to inevitable ground movements, pipes buried underneath the ground can shift downwards over time. The negative slopes they create are referred to as pipe bellies. Any plumbing and heating company in Hertfordshire would know that these bellies can restrict water flow and create pools where waste and other sediments can accumulate.

Failing sewer lines. As sewer lines are installed underneath the ground, damages and other issues cannot be readily seen — until they fail. Even after extensive remodelling, sewer lines of old houses are more likely to be damaged — especially if there’s a presence of tree roots around or near them (considering that most antique houses have an aged tree somewhere in their gardens). If you are to buy an old home, ask a plumbing expert to check the sewer lines for you.

Low water pressure. With outdated materials and potentially failing sewer lines, expect that an old home will have low water and shower pressure. To confirm this one, open all faucets and showers at once. Industry experts advise that in order to attain high water pressure, you have to have ¾-inch pipes from your water source to your home and ½-inch pipes (ore more) to the faucets.

Bad plumbing repairs. The previous owners of the old home you’re eyeing have probably attempted to repair plumbing issues on their own to help them keep the home functional and retain its market value. Unfortunately, even if they have great intentions, the repairs they’ve done might not be effective and sufficient enough. This is why it’s important to hire a plumbing and heating company Hertfordshire to help you identify and correct any bad plumbing repairs.
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