There are many historic neighborhoods in Orlando, FL, that bring lots of beauty to the city. However, the older plumbing in these homes makes them targets for root infiltrations and drainage problems.
The outdated pipes and fixtures are major sources of hidden issues that turn into major pipe repairs. Knowing what to look for and how to act is a key part of saving money and frustration.
Corroded Pipes
Outdated plumbing materials are especially vulnerable to corrosion. As minerals and sediment cling to the pipes, they deteriorate the walls to the point of cracking. Corrosion can even infiltrate your water supply and affect its taste, color, and safety. You’d need water treatment to ensure you have drinkable water.
Here are the most common warning signs of corrosion in your drain pipes:
- Discolored water
- Pests in your pipes
- Leaky pipes
- Gurgling pipes
Tree Root Intrusion
The mature trees in many historic communities throughout Orlando have roots that reach deep underground. This makes them a hazard for the drain and sewer lines. As the roots seek moisture through the pipe joints, they sometimes crack the lines or cause blockages.
Telltale signs of tree roots inside your pipes:
- Slow drains throughout the home
- Gurgling sounds from a toilet bowl
- Frequent clogs in multiple drains
- Foul odors rising from pipes
- Sewage backup in lower levels
Shifting Foundations
Florida’s sandy soil and heavy rains are major drawbacks for having a stable home foundation. As the ground shifts, it stresses underground plumbing, sometimes leading to misalignments and drainage issues. You may have to deal with slab leaks or bellied sewer pipes.
Other indications that you have a foundation issue that could affect your plumbing include:
- Cracks forming in interior walls
- Difficult-to-open windows and doors
- Uneven or sloping floors inside
- Visible gaps near baseboards
- Plumbing leaks under the slab
Buildup From Outdated Materials
If it’s been more than 30 years since you’ve updated your plumbing pipes, now may be the time. Older materials, like galvanized steel and cast iron, are especially prone to corrosion and deterioration.
The clearest warnings of advanced pipe age include:
- Slow drains
- Recurring blockages after drain cleaning
- Odd noises inside old pipes
- Unpleasant smells near sink areas
How Regular Inspections Help You Avoid Drain Problems
Your best defense against drainage problems in a historic home is to book regular plumbing inspections. A skilled plumber will check every pipe and joint for cracks, buildup, corrosion, and more.
Addressing minor leaks and clogs in their earliest stage is crucial to avoiding emergencies. If we need to, we’ll conduct a camera inspection to look deep into the pipes and drains.
Professional Solutions & Repair Options
Some drainage problems are easily fixable with simple solutions like snaking or plunging. But some require professional help.
Our expertise in drain problems ensures you receive lasting results on every job. We don’t take shortcuts or skip on quality when doing repairs. Treating your home like our own is what sets us apart from other companies.
A full suite of services means we can offer the right solution:
- Pipe relining creates a new lining inside damaged pipes.
- Hydro jetting blasts high-pressure water to clear blockages.
- Trenchless repair fixes underground pipes without excavation.
- Root cutting removes invading roots with mechanical blades.
- Pipe replacement installs new pipes for lasting reliability.
Homeowner Tips for Protecting Plumbing
In addition to regular inspections, there are some simple tips you can use to protect your older home’s plumbing. The first tip is to make sure everyone understands what they can and cannot flush. Big no-no’s include wipes, paper towels, feminine products and cotton balls.
Put a sign near the bathroom sink reminding everyone to be mindful with what they put in the drain. Hair and dental floss should always go in the trash. Keep your kitchen sink clear by never putting grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, starchy foods or stringy vegetables down the drain.
American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical offers a variety of advanced plumbing solutions in Orlando. We’ll have your whole home running smoothly with our comprehensive services. We’re a one-stop shop for plumbing, HVAC and electrical work.
Call American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical today to book expert plumbing support in Orlando.
