As your home ages, its plumbing system is bound to have a few more issues arise. Here are 10 problems to watch out for in an older home’s plumbing.
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Worn-Out Pipes:
Over time, your pipes will slowly wear out. This is especially true for homes with galvanized steel or iron pipes, which can erode from the inside out. If you notice a decrease in water pressure or your pipes making strange noises, it may be time to replace them.
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Leaky Fixtures and Pipes:
Another common problem in older homes’ plumbing in Bloomington, IL is leaking. Leaks can happen at any of the fixtures in your home, like your sink, toilet, or shower. They can also happen in the pipes themselves. If you notice any leaks, have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid water damage.
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Clogged Drains:
Over time, your drains can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. This can cause your drains to back up and overflow. To prevent this, clean your drains regularly and don’t pour grease or oil down them.
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Old Water Heater:
If your home has an old water heater, it may be time to replace it. Water heaters typically last about 10 years before they need to be replaced. If yours is getting up there in age, have it checked by a professional to see if it needs to be replaced.
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Faulty Sump Pump:
A sump pump is used to remove water from your basement or crawl space. If it stops working, your home could flood. To avoid this, have your sump pump checked regularly and make sure it’s in good working condition.
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Septic Tank Issues:
If your home has a septic tank, there are a few things you need to watch out for. First, don’t flush anything down the toilet that doesn’t belong there. Second, have your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years to prevent it from backing up into your home. Third, watch for signs of a leak, like wet spots in your yard or a strong sewage smell coming from your drains.
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Incorrectly Installed Pipes:
If your home’s plumbing was incorrectly installed, it could lead to several problems. For example, your pipes could freeze in the winter or burst from too much pressure. To avoid this, make sure your home’s plumbing is installed correctly by a professional.
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Hard Water:
If you have hard water, it can cause some problems in your plumbing system. First, it can buildup up your pipes and fixtures, causing them to become clogged. Second, it can wear out your plumbing fixtures and pipes faster than normal water would. To combat this, install a water softener in your home or get a reverse osmosis system for your drinking water.
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Poorly Maintained Plumbing:
If you don’t maintain your plumbing system, it can lead to several problems. First, your drains can become clogged more easily. Second, your fixtures and pipes can wear out faster. Third, you could develop leaks. To avoid these problems, make sure you regularly clean your drains and fixtures and don’t pour grease or oil down them.
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Hiring an unlicensed Plumber:
You may be tempted to save money by hiring an unlicensed plumber to do work in your home. However, this is a risky proposition. Unlicensed plumbers may not have the proper training or experience to do the job correctly. This could lead to subpar workmanship or even dangerous mistakes. To protect yourself, only hire licensed and insured plumbers to work in your home.
If you’re having any issues with your plumbing, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Plumbing problems can quickly become big headaches if they’re not taken care of right away. By hiring a professional and taking care of your plumbing system, you can avoid these problems and keep your home’s plumbing in good working condition.
Benefits of Scheduling Plumbing Inspection for Your Bloomington, IL Home
Most people don’t think about their plumbing until there is a problem. By then, the damage is often extensive and expensive to repair. The best way to avoid plumbing disasters is to have regular inspections done by a professional. Here are some of the benefits of scheduling plumbing inspections in Normal, IL.
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Early Detection of Problems:
One of the biggest benefits of having your plumbing inspected is that problems can be detected early on. This allows you to get them fixed before they cause major damage to your home. It also allows you to avoid costly repairs down the road.
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Save Money:
Another benefit of having your plumbing inspected is that it can save you money in the long run. By catching problems early, you can avoid having to pay for major repairs. This can end up saving you a lot of money over time. Contact Sunkel Plumbing today at 309-829-5320 to schedule an appointment.
