Although older homes are charming and cozy, they tend to lack modern systems and structures. As well, these systems tend to become worn, degraded, and damaged over time, and they will need maintenance and modification to bring them up to code. Homeowners will often have to do some upgrades. If your home has a bathroom with old plumbing, and you are preparing to modernize the bathroom with such plumbing fixtures as a new toilet, sink…etc., there are a number of plumbing issues you should consider in order to ensure your renovation project is a success.
Before you start the bathroom modernization project, you need to check the condition of the old plumbing. Examine the flooring and walls around the plumbing fixtures and the fittings and stop-valves to see if there are any leaks. As well, check to see if the old plumbing has shut-off valves that allow you to turn off the water if you need to make repairs. If you don’t have shut-valves, you should install them as part of your bathroom modernization. A plumber will be able to repair or replace damaged pipes and install shut-off valves.
There are other components that are necessary which may not be part of the old plumbing. For instance, if you do not have such mechanisms as a pressure balancing valve, you should have this valve put in because this valve, which is installed in the cold and/or water supply lines to the shower, will stop blistering hot or icy cold spurts of water in the shower when a another faucet is opened or someone flushes the toilet.
Plumbing issues that are under-slab are complex and must be dealt with by a plumber.
Under-slab plumbing issues occur in old homes where galvanized pipes were used for plumbing. As well, lead piping is another issue as it is a health hazard. Plumbing companies can remove old pipes and replace them with modern piping. Proper drainage is another concern with old plumbing. After a while, the old pipes can become damaged or clogged. Plumbing companies are able to clean the drain and sewer lines and make any repairs or replacements.
Older homes can be at risk of basement flooding as the technology to prevent basement flooding flood when the ground becomes over-saturated with water may have not existed when the homes were built. For example, plumbers are able to install sump pumps to get rid of excess water in areas that often flood which will help prevent future flooding.
Although old homes have a comfortable and inviting ambiance, often the bathroom plumbing is not that appealing. Old home bathroom plumbing will often have many potential problems. Fixing and upgrading old home bathroom plumbing is not that difficult now that there are new materials, technologies, and plumbing supplies available. However, plumbing is not always easy to repair without the help of a professional plumber. Fortunately, plumbing companies are knowledgeable in dealing with all issues related to plumbing and old homes, and they can provide many services to bring your plumbing up to code. Before you know it, you will have a modern bathroom with modern plumbing.