Lake Elsinore has a beautiful combination of the new and the old character-based homes. However, with their charm, old houses also present some undiscovered difficulties, particularly with plumbing. If your house was constructed prior to the early 2000s, then there is a high possibility that your plumbing system is composed of old materials. It has been in use for decades and is worn out.
We will discuss the five most frequent plumbing issues that happen in older Lake Elsinore houses and what you can do to avoid expensive surprises.
Sewer line root intrusion
One of the most charming effects of many old houses in Lake Elsinore is the presence of large, old trees, which are pretty to look at on the outside of the house. But this means business to your plumbing system. Roots on trees are naturally attracted to moisture, and they may permeate older cast-iron or clay sewer pipes. That results in cracking, blockage, and overflow.
Warning signs
- Repeated blockage of various drains
- Gurgling in toilets or tubs
- Odors of the sewer in the yard or indoors
- The lawn has wet patches or sinkholes
Resolution
Call a professional Plumber Lake Elsinore CA to carry out a camera investigation for intrusions. In case roots are found, trenchless sewer repair or hydro jetting might be required. Waiting is not an option because sewer failures are among the most expensive plumbing emergencies that a homeowner can encounter.
Aging or corroded pipes
A good deal of older Lake Elsinore houses, particularly pre-1980s houses, have galvanized steel or polybutylene piping originally installed. Although these materials used to be popular, they are now associated with corrosion, leaks, and subsequent breakdown.
Warning signs
- Brown or discolored water
- Low water pressure
- Regular leakages or bursting of pipes.
- Metallic taste in tap water.
Rust develops in galvanized pipes over a period of time. This limits the flow of water and causes the structure to lose strength. Polybutylene, which was commonly used between the late 70s and the mid 90s, is brittle and can break unexpectedly.
Solution
If your home is still using these old materials, it might be time to replace the entire house with a new set of piping made of the newer materials, such as PEX or copper. They are much stronger and resistant to corrosion.
Bad drainage or ventilation
The building codes also have changed with time, so the plumbing standards used in many old homes of Lake Elsinore were not constructed in accordance with current standards. Bad venting and old drain patterns may result in slow drains, sewer odor, and backups.
Warning signs
- Gurgling or bad-smelling drains
- Toilets that gurgle when using adjacent sinks
- Ponding of water around floor drains.
Solution
A plumber can inspect your vent system and drainage system to bring it up to current standards. In other cases, it can be only a matter of adding a vent line or repositioning it to significantly boost the performance of the drainage.
Old or broken water heaters
If your water heater is older than 10 years, it is living on borrowed time. The older units are less efficient and more likely to leak. They accumulate sediments and have unpredictable hot water performance.
The hard water of Lake Elsinore causes mineral deposits to form even more rapidly, which reduces the life of the tank and heating efficiency.
Warning signs
- Rumbling or popping noises
- Rusty or cloudy hot water
- Hot water running out suddenly fast
- Dampness or rust at the tank bottom.
Solution
Frequent flushing may help prolong the life of your heater. But after it reaches or goes beyond the 10-12 year mark, it is often more economical to replace instead of repair. Consider installing a tankless water heater that will be more efficient and offer an unlimited supply of hot water.
Leaky faucets and tired fixtures
The old faucets, toilets, and plumbing fixtures do not sound like a big issue. However, even a few drops flowing slowly can waste hundreds of gallons each month. Some of the common signs of old fixtures include:
- Deteriorated rubber seals
- Corroded work valves corrode
- Loose connections.
Warning signs
- Perpetual drip or hissing
- Water spots under sinks or beneath cabinets
- Toilets that run nonstop.
Besides wasting water, small leaks may cause:
- Mold
- Rotten wood
- Increased utility bills.
Fix
Replace the old fixtures with more modern and water-saving ones. In addition to preventing the leakage, it will also enhance the looks and value of the house.
Final words
In case your Lake Elsinor home is 20 years or older, you ought to have your plumbing system inspected. You do not have to wait until the pipe bursts or the water floods to do anything about it. Preventive check-up will help to identify minor problems before they become a great water loss or costly work.
