Slow drains, water with a tint to it or pipes that rattle at the touch of a faucet are some of the things an older Maryland home may put you through. You may be left to question if such issues are merely part and parcel of an old house or something of a more serious nature. There is also the concern that a minor leak can snowball into a costly repair.
For more than 20 years A Better Plumber has been on hand to see that Maryland homeowners’ plumbing is in proper working order. Should you have any questions concerning your home, give us a ring at (301)-278-8786 and we will put your mind at ease.
There are no shortage of fine older homes in Maryland, be they historic rowhouses or a farmhouse of some vintage. Yet for all their character one often finds the plumbing behind the walls has aged in silence. It is well worth knowing what to be on the lookout for in order to stave off expensive damage.
Aging and Corroded Pipes
You will find pipe material in many an older Maryland home was not made to endure this long. Galvanized steel was the pipe of choice in houses put up prior to the 1960s, but it will corrode from within. That corrosion does a number on your water pressure and flow and will lead to leaks in due course.
Tell tale signs your pipes are in need of some attention include:
- Water running brown or red
- Low pressure in the home
- The odd metallic taste from the tap
- Rust or flaking where the pipes are exposed
- Banging or knocking when in use
- Small leaks making an appearance in the basement or under a sink
The trouble is galvanized pipes, once they begin to corrode, will only get worse. In the long run there is no better remedy than to put in modern materials.
Old Sewer Lines and Tree Root Intrusion
Mature trees on the lot of an older home can be a nuisance below ground. The roots make for the moisture in sewer lines and over time will insinuate themselves into any small joint or crack to grow and obstruct the flow. Backups and sluggish drains are the result.
Clay and cast iron lines of a certain age are particularly at risk. Homeowners are often none the wiser as to the damage until a backup presents itself. A gurgling toilet or more than one slow drain is cause to have the line looked at.
Outdated Fixtures and Water Waste
Efficiency was not a consideration when older fixtures were made. An old toilet puts several times the water down the drain per flush as a new model. Then there are the faucets and valves that wear out and put a slow drip on your bill each month.
An upgrade in the kitchen or bath will not only be a fresh change of scene but save you some water. A simple improvement that is well worth doing.
Failing Water Heaters
Some of the units in older Maryland homes are long gone past their prime. Years of sediment accumulation means the heater has to labor more and you do not get the hot water you want. If it should fail you could be looking at a flooded basement.
Be alert for:
- Hot water of a rusty hue
- Noises like popping or rumbling from the tank
- Moisture or puddles at the base
- A unit that is 15 or 10 years old
- Water that will not heat up
Poorly Done Past Repairs
After changing hands so often an older home can have its share of patchwork repairs. Some are sound, others are quick fixes of a kind that were never meant to hold up. Behind the walls you may find shortcuts and improper connections with mismatched materials that will give you trouble. An inspection by a pro will uncover these before you are caught off guard.
A Team You Can Trust
We like to think an older home is best in the hands of those who know them. We are licensed and insured at A Better Plumber and stand behind our work with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Our 4.9 star rating on Google is testimony to the 1,600 plus reviews we have from Marylanders over the last 20 years.
Our services, both plumbing and HVAC, are available across Maryland. We are here Monday to Friday 7AM-8PM and on Saturday until 4PM. And we provide free estimates so there are no surprises.
Do not let a small matter get out of hand. Contact A Better Plumber at (301)-278-8786 and we will help you put your mind at ease.
