There is an abundance of stunning heritage homes in Vancouver. There is something so appealing about owning an older home and having the chance to fix it up and put your unique spin on it. But, like any renovation project, there will be ups and downs, and you will find that old plumbing is a downfall of a heritage home. Understanding the plumbing system of your historic home can help preserve the lifespan and functionality of the original plumbing.
Mr. Rooter of Vancouver BC is here to guide you through the ins and outs of dated plumbing and how to properly care for old plumbing systems. Our Vancouver plumbers will update you on caring for an old plumbing system. Consider yourself a plumber in training while we walk you through the steps in this blog!
Common Issues You Should Know About
Part of being prepared for plumbing situations that come up is researching the common effects old plumbing can have on you and your home. We will explore the things you should watch for and generally know about your heritage home's plumbing system.
Pipes
Old houses built before the 1960s will have galvanized steel pipes for their plumbing. While these pipes were revolutionary at the time, they are now compromised by rust and corrosion. You can do your best with maintenance, but over time, this type of pipe in your old home will fail and experience frequent clogs and bursts, causing low water pressure and costly bills.
Some heritage homes have lead pipes and fixtures, and while they add to the overall aesthetic of the home, they can pose a health risk. Lead poisoning can happen because the material mixes with your water supply, making it unsafe for consumption. It is highly recommended that you call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver, BC, to have your plumbing fixtures and pipes replaced.
Drain Lines
Your old plumbing could have drain lines made from clay or cast iron, which can deteriorate over time and are susceptible to tree root intrusion. While these materials appear to be durable, they don't compare to materials like PVC.
Low Water Pressure
Older houses are notorious for having low water pressure, which is due to aged pipes and mineral buildup. However, there is a solution for your water pressure: You can upgrade your water lines to PEX or copper pipes to help improve the flow of water. Our licensed plumbers are happy to offer you peace of mind and ensure you will get the right amount of pressure every time you turn on the tap.
Dated Plumbing Fixtures
Part of why you have a heritage home is because you loved the natural 1960s sink and the way the faucets in the bathroom give you the rustic and lived-in look you have been dreaming about. The problem with them, however, isn't the look; they might not meet building and plumbing codes. If you don't want to give up on the look you fell in love with, you can avoid these plumbing issues by retrofitting your fixtures with a similar dated look while meeting code standards.
Maintenance and Upgrades
Now that you know the common concerns with old plumbing, we can move on to how to maintain your water pipes, sewer lines, and everything else with our guide to old plumbing maintenance. Below, you will learn some fun tips and tricks for residential plumbing solutions for your heritage home.
Hire a Pro
It might seem like a no-brainer, but hiring a local Vancouver plumber from our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver BC can make the difference between a serious plumbing emergency and a common plumbing issue. A professional plumber from our team can come and inspect your plumbing to ensure you don't have fundamental issues and evaluate whether we need to provide you with any plumbing services to ensure your safety.
Water Filtration
Dealing with old plumbing can be expensive. In the interim, if it's not currently feasible to upgrade the plumbing in homes built in the 1960s or older, you can have a plumber come and fit a water filtration system. While this is a band-aid on a larger issue, it can help to temporarily address common plumbing problems in older homes.
Replace Your Pipes
Our team of plumbers will gladly replace your pipes when the time comes and give you an upgraded pipe system that contributes to your home's overall functionality. What you'll notice most is your water efficiency and the safety of clean drinking water free of lead.
Protect Your Pipes
Clay pipes are often susceptible to tree root intrusions, and the best way to maintain old plumbing if you have this type is to put a barrier around your pipes if you can't upgrade the plumbing right away.
When You’re Ready for a Plumber, Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing! Your Plumbing System Will Thank You
When you consider owning an older home or a heritage home, you should always be mindful of the pipes in it. Old plumbing can cause many concerns, such as water damage, corroded pipes, and any other plumbing systems that need to be replaced or upgraded.
A member of our professional plumbing team can address many plumbing problems. We can cover anything from your water heater, frozen pipes, drain cleaning, remodelling services, backwater valves, and so much more!
We proudly serve Vancouver and the nearby areas, including South Cambie, Killarney, Mount Pleasant, North Vancouver, Renfrew Heights, West Side, and Victoria-Fraserview.
The team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver BC can tackle many home plumbing issues, whether for an older heritage home or a newer build. We are happy to address problems like a leak, no hot water, or replacing your cast iron pipes. Don't worry about plumbing costs or the fear of hidden fees; we value honest and transparent prices when we quote you for materials and labour.
Ready to tackle your old plumbing or get help with old plumbing maintenance? Call us today for help! Our experts are ready to ensure your plumbing system is up to code.
