Many people love living in older buildings, and there are a lot of benefits that come with renting an old apartment. Classic architecture can provide a lovely aesthetic, for one, and the history of these buildings is fascinating to learn about and be a part of.
However, there will be some natural drawbacks to living in an older building. Plumbing systems that are as old as the ones in these buildings, for example, are more prone to failure. It’s best to get familiar with plumbing maintenance basics if you’re going to call an older building your new home.
Read on and we’ll walk you through what you should get familiar with.
1. Outdated Fixtures and Connections
It’s somewhat obvious to state that the plumbing systems in older buildings are not going to look exactly like the kind we have in brand-new buildings today.
Most old buildings will have older faucets, fixtures, connections, and pieces. Many of these elements will have been in place for decades and might be nearing the end of their lifespan.
No matter how well-built a plumbing system might be, corrosion and wear and tear will eventually make an impact on the stability of any system.
While it can be tempting to see how long you can ‘get by’ with the current plumbing system in place, eventually the added wear and tear is only going to make the problem worse and more expensive to fix.
Preventive maintenance that repairs needed areas in your plumbing system with updated elements is the smartest way you can go about resolving this issue.
2. Avoiding Pipe Bellies
Old buildings move and shift as years and years go by. This gradual movement can result in the shifting of pipes downwards, creating something of a negative slope.
This slope can have a negative impact on the overall well-being of a plumbing system, as it can cause water, waste, and sediment to build up and get stuck.
You may want to enlist the help of professional plumbing services to ensure this kind of problem is resolved as early as possible.
3. Avoiding Clogs
The most classic issue you’ll run into in an older building is clogging. Preventive measures can be taken to help ensure this problem doesn’t come to occur.
Regular drain cleaning, even when no problem is present, can help to limit the risk of clogging overall.
Trying to treat your pipes monthly with an enzyme-based cleaner can help to prevent the build-up of the sentiment and keep old pipes clear. If you haven’t been in this practice, you may need to call a plumber to help clear the pipes before getting started at this routine.
This can help lower the need for sink repair later on.
Plumbing Maintenance Tips and Tricks
If you’re moving into or renting out an old building, you may need to educate yourself about the best plumbing practices. The above plumbing maintenance tips and tricks can help to ensure you’re approaching the issue in the best manner possible.
Need immediate help with your building’s plumbing? Live near Olympia, Grays Harbor, Lacey, Shelton, Tacoma, or South Sound? Give us a call anytime for immediate assistance.
