Understanding the Best Practices for Fixing Old Plumbing

How old is your home?

If your house is more than 50 years old, you should prioritize plumbing updates. Not only do the plumbing systems in older homes usually necessitate frequent repairs, but they may also be preventing you from enjoying all of the modern and efficient services now available to homeowners. Replacing dated fixtures with newer ones, not only will it enhance the look of your home but can help save money on energy expenses in the long run as well!

Some signs that you need to update your plumbing:

If you're noticing any suspicious plumbing issues in your home such as damp walls, a decrease in water pressure, or rising water bills, it might be time to call a plumbing service for an inspection. Poor plumbing maintenance can bring on potential hazards like mold and unfavorable living conditions. Other signs that you need plumbing updates include rusting pipes, random clogs, low hot water temperatures, and sewage backflow. By addressing your plumbing needs promptly, you can save yourself a great deal of hassle in the long run.

How do you update the plumbing in an old house?

Utilize updated material: Professional plumbing services recommend using updated materials when replacing aged plumbing. Over time old pipes and tubing "gradually corrodes, rusts, and decays." (House Logic)

In an article from NY Engineers, they discuss the details of what is used currently, "The most common piping materials used for plumbing are copper, PVC, CPVC and PEX." This is different from the controversial lead pipes previously used. "Lead pipes, used in the early 1900s, have a life expectancy of 100 years, but they can leach lead into your drinking water, a serious health hazard." (House Logic)

If you're looking to ensure that your home's water system meets today's standards, using modern materials can be the best option for a variety of reasons. From promoting positive health outcomes to properly managing increased pressures in newer homes, taking advantage of these types of resources is essential when it comes to creating an optimal plumbing experience. Unsure of what already exists? Connecting with local professional plumbing services who specialize in this area will help you discern what needs updating and provide the necessary steps for doing so!

Fixture Compatibility: It is important to ensure that the new plumbing fixtures are compatible with existing pipes and drains, as well as turn off all water supplies before you begin any work. Additionally, many states mandate professional plumbers for installing plumbing fixtures and performing inspections, so it's best to leave these matters in their capable hands.

Make sure your old fixtures are disposed of properly according to local laws and regulations, something professional plumbing services in Leander, Texas would know of.

Replace the water heater: If your water heater is over a decade old, now is the time to replace it. Investing in an energy-efficient model will save you money in the long run, as it operates more efficiently than its outdated predecessors.

Replace old toilets:  Toilets are among the most commonly-used plumbing fixtures in a home, so replacing them should be considered if one is looking to upgrade their plumbing. Newer toilets can save up to five gallons of water per flush, much more efficiently than older models.

While plumbing updates can be a major undertaking depending on how old your house is and what updates are needed, the rewards are worth it. Following these best practices will ensure that your old home's plumbing gets the much-needed upgrade it deserves. With proper maintenance and repairs from experienced professionals, you can have confidence that your plumbing system is reliable for years to come.

At Salty Dog Plumbing, we provide plumbing services in Leander, Texas, and can provide you with any plumbing upgrades you may need. We have seen the difference between new and older homes and are up to date on regulations and laws. Not only will we be able to provide you with an inspection, but we can also complete any repairs, replacements, and installations. We handle water heater replacements, toilet replacements, and installations. We can even help you relocate and remodel your current plumbing system to something different and able to provide more efficient flowing.

Contact us to set up a consultation and see how we at Salty Dog Plumbing can handle any of your plumbing services in Leander, Texas.