If You Own an Older Home, You May Want to Consult a Professional
by Guest Post on Mar 22, 2020
If You Own an Older Home, You May Want to Consult a Professional to Check Your Plumbing
"Good bones" - we've heard many older houses described this way. It's intended to mean that an old house is solid, suitable for living, and stands the test of time. The trouble is, when people brag about their old house's "good bones", they probably aren't referring to the plumbing. And bad, out-of-date plumbing can destroy a house's good bones in short order.
Why Plumbing Doesn't Last Forever
The materials used to create the actual structure likely are a great deal tougher and better than much of what's used today. However, the pipe we use for plumbing has changed a lot. Even if you have a century-old house that had plumbing redone a few decades ago, it needs to be rechecked. Why?
For example, during the 1970s on through to the '90s, polybutylene pipes were enjoying a moment. The thing is, they aren't even manufactured any If You Own an Older Home, You May Want to Consult a Professional to Check Your Plumbing '
They're terrible and can degrade in a matter of 20 years. Polybutylene has led to untold millions in water damage.
That's just one example, though. Every kind of pipe and plumbing fixture has an expiration date. Copper piping, for instance, can last up to 80 years but can corrode and fail in as little as 40. Galvanized steel, PVC, and PEX all last about 40 years, 50 if you're lucky.
And then you have fixtures, like faucets and valves, as well as toilets and tubs. These typically last 20-40 years, although that fabulous claw-foot bathtub may last double that. It's unlikely that every single plumbing component was inspected, even if pipe corrosion was written down.
Aside from that, there are considerations to make involving asbestos. Asbestos was used pre-WWII in plumbing systems and some pipes.
Finally, old trees may add to the aesthetic value of the property, but it's also possible that the roots have grown to the point where it has damaged the plumbing system.
DIY Danger
The plumbing specifically in older homes should be assessed by a professional. For one, the higher-quality building materials can make accessing old plumbing a real pain. If you were addressing it yourself, you may think that breaking out a sledgehammer and doing some demo was necessary.
But among the many tricks up their sleeve, a good plumber often knows the most cost-effective and non-invasive way to get in and obtain the best view of your old plumbing. That's right - calling a plumber to look at your old house can save you money.
It's also vital to consider the history of the home. Did the previous owners see fit to work on the plumbing themselves? Their error can be your massive loss. Look for signs of leaks, like stains or bubbles, and keep an eye out for areas that seem suspiciously patched over.
You never want to lose out on the great bones of an old home by overlooking the plumbing. If water damage occurs, you'll have to replace that beautiful old flooring and wallpaper that made your home so appealing, to begin with. Preserve and protect by preventing floods and persistent drips - consult a plumber.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
90189 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
71091 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
70478 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
49749 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29515 Views
Latest Articles
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
![What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire? What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?](http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/uploads/a/admin/construction_47639__e04de.jpg)
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
How to Select the Right Electrical Contractor
Selecting the right electrical contractor isn't as easy as picking someone out of the Yellow Pages. The ramifications of hiring the wrong...
Design Cues and Expectations for Modern Office Furniture
Modern office furniture has to do two things: it has to present the right image, and it has to work. In other words, it must follow those two...
Signs That an Outdoor Kitchen Will be a Great Addition to Your Home
If you are thinking about having something new for your home, an outdoor kitchen would be a great choice. It can help increase property value. It...
Top Reasons Why Steel Frame Homes Are the Future
Traditionally homes have been made from wood. This is because there was a plentiful supply of wood and it is comparatively easy to build with. Of...
How to Start Your Real Estate Fix and Flip Business
If you’re looking for new career opportunities centered on real estate in 2018, consider home flipping. While real estate investing has long been a...