Old Water and Waste Pipes – Issues and Solutions

by | May 21, 2014 | Plumbing and Plumbers

Not everyone has the luxury or desire to live in a new home. Many people rent or own older homes, some more than a quarter of a century old. When it comes to plumbing, this can present several different problems. One of the major concerns that a plumber in Bridgeport, CT is faced with is the age of the pipes carrying the water and taking the waste away.

Basic Pipe Problems

When it comes to old pipes, the problems usually rest on the material from which they have been constructed. The pipes once used for waste lines were once built of terra cotta. These can crack over time. They are also subject to the invasion of tree roots. This cracks and causes leakages.

A plumber also knows that steel pipes fare little better. They suffer from a different problem. Steel pipes can rust internally. This results in a serious build-up of materials. Mineral deposits can also collect in galvanized iron pipes crating problems. The result in both cases is the reduction of the quantity of water to a trickle. Eventually, the buildup can cause the pipe to burst open.

How to Correct Pipe Problems

There are several ways you can address the problems. The most common methods include:

  • Relining of the pipes using a stronger material

  • Replacement of the pipes – most common with steel water or waste pipes – a process called re-piping

  • Cleaning out the pipes using strong corrosive substances

  • Drilling out the deposits causing the problems

Talk to an expert plumber in Bridgeport CT before you make a decision on the method to correct the issue.

Factors Affecting the Decision

What method you select will depend significantly upon several different aspects of your situation. You need to look at and consider

  • What pipes are affected

  • The specific location – including how close to the surface – if a waste pipe or how easy to access if it is within the walls or floors of your residence

  • Who is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and replacement of the pipes – is it, for example, a waste or water pipe on city or government land

  • Consider the various costs – Look at your finances and decide what method works best within your budget. Do not, however, ignore the problem. If you do so, the damage will increase resulting in a more expensive repair or replacement job.

If you have an older home in Connecticut, do have the plumbing inspected. Talk to a plumber in Bridgeport CT to ascertain whether you will experience any problems in the immediate future. Find out what pipes need replacing, repairing or cleaning. Take care of them as soon as possible. This will ensure your plumbing system functions properly. It will also reduce the chances of a more expensive plumbing project occurring as a result of old pipes.

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