A home’s age often resonates with the level of respect it receives in the architectural world. But does age enough make an old house a good one? With its superior furniture and exquisite interior, an old home certainly wins the tag of a great-looking property. But the thing is, it's not just the charm that matters - the home needs to be functional as well. 

While old homes in Chicago add a distinctive character, there is a hidden price beneath the beauty- plumbing problems. These architectural treasures often have one or more plumbing concerns, making it a necessity to hire a certified plumbing company in Chicago. If you live in an old home or are planning to move into one, these are the top 5 common plumbing you can expect.

Top 5 Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes - How a Plumbing Company in Chicago Can Help

Pipes Bellies

With most older homes having most of the pipes underneath the ground, homeowners are likely to experience pipe bellies. Let’s get practical - Over time, as the house gradually settles or experiences a shift in its foundation, it creates negative slopes (pipe bellies) that change the alignment of the pipes underneath. The pipes may either sink or sag in the ground, creating what resembles a belly in the pipes.

If you don’t hire the best plumbers in Chicago, these bellies eventually stop flowing and leak. But the major issue isn’t in the water main because the line is pressurized. The major concern now comes in the main drain. You see, the belly or the sag holds water together with waste, which eventually clogs up, resulting in blockages. 

Pipe Corrosion

Most homes built between the late 70s and early '90s were fitted with metallic pipes. By now, there is a high chance that these metals have corroded due to exposure to the chemicals and oxidants in public water systems. If corrosion has already occurred, the pipes will eventually clog with rust and break. That’s not even the worst part; water flowing through corroded pipes is toxic and can harm your loved one’s health.

Here are some of the signs to help you know that your pipes are corroded. If you see any of these, call a reliable plumbing company in Chicago to replace them.

• A brownish or greenish color in your water.
• Wet flooring or sagging carpets show there are leaks under the concrete foundation.
• Higher utility bills than normal.
• White or green discoloration on the pipes in your basin or beneath your sinks.
• Have your local plumber replace the metallic pipes with PVC pipes. That way, you can say goodbye to pipe corrosion.

Outdated Fixtures

Part of the charm of an old home is the superior antique faucets, washers, handles, and valves. But as you have planned to replace some of the stuff in the house, these fixtures, too, should be on that list. They also have an end; if neglected, it can result in low water pressure and leaks. 

While you may be tempted to tolerate the leaks and maintain the charm of your old home, doing so will only result in more costly plumbing repairs or, even worse, permanent water damage.

To be on the safe side, get a plumbing company in Chicago to come and replace them for you. With many exquisite fixtures on the market, you will definitely find fixtures that still add that charm to your home. 

How will you know your fixtures are worn out? Well, look out for these signs.

• Any type of leakages, both minor and major.
• Broken knobs on showers, tubs or sinks.
• Reduce water flow.

Sewer Line Issues

Failing sewer lines are yet another plumbing issue you will experience in the old homes. With sewer lines hidden underneath, it may be easy for them to be neglected, developing problems in the long run.

If your sewer lines are broken, you don’t want to wait another day without having a certified plumber in Chicago Illinois replace the sewer line. It can result in flooding and contamination, leaving your home and the health of your loved ones at risk.

If you have no idea how you will know your sewer lines are broken, check out these signs.

• Foul smell and gurgling sounds coming from your bathrooms, toilets, or kitchen sinks.
• Inconsistent water level in your toilet.
• Sewage backups and slower draining.
• Patches of extra lush or greener grass in your yard.

Root Intrusion 

Frankly, we all love nature's beauty, but old homes with many trees and shrubs grown in the yard result in many plumbing problems. When the trees grow, their roots penetrate deep into the underground piping. It’s hard to see, but you will likely feel the effects.

When the roots penetrate the pipes, it results in clogging, which slowly builds up, blocking the pipe entirely. If left unsolved, it can pose more problems to your sewer system and property. Plumbing contractors Chicago can solve that mess before it escalates, causing more costly repairs.

If you need a professional to inspect your newly owned old home, trust Velox Plumbing to get the job done right. With years of experience working in Chicago, we know the common plumbing issues, thus we have the expertise to solve them swiftly and efficiently. Give us a call and enjoy your old home’s charm.