There are some odd noises in the pipes of your older home? Or perhaps you are fed up with the likes of slow drains, poor water pressure and plumbing that is not as reliable as it once was. You may be asking yourself if this is to be expected from a house of its vintage or an indication of something more serious.
We at McHales, Inc. can put those questions to rest. A licensed and insured company owned and run by our family, we have been fielding such plumbing concerns for Bucks County families since 1950. Give us a ring at (267) 627-8212 for some answers.
One cannot deny the charm of an older Bucks County home, but it is often accompanied by a plumbing system put in place many decades ago, well before there were modern standards to speak of. Being aware of what is going on will allow one to nip small issues in the bud rather than face the cost of major repairs down the line.
The following are the kinds of problems we come across most often.
Aging and Outdated Pipe Materials
Pipe materials of yesteryear are not found in new construction. Galvanized steel, cast iron and lead were all in vogue in older homes, yet they have their limits. With age they will rust, corrode and deteriorate from within.
Some telltale signs of pipes that are past their prime:
- Water with a rust tint or discoloration at the tap
- A metallic flavor to the drinking water
- Pressure that is low in the home
- Pinhole or other leaks in any exposed piping
- Corrosion you can see in the crawl space or basement
Original piping should be given an inspection; new pipes will do wonders for the quality and pressure of your water.
Low Water Pressure
You will hear plenty of complaints about low water pressure in older homes. It could be as straightforward as mineral deposits in the aerator of a faucet, but more often than not in an old house it is a matter of an aging main line or corrosion in the pipes having narrowed them over time. Since the causes are varied, it is best to have a pro take a look. What is an annoyance can be symptomatic of a bigger issue in the system.
Sewer Line Trouble
Decades of use will wear on an old sewer line. In Bucks County the mature trees are no friend to old clay or cast iron; roots will make their way in and leave you with clogs, backups and cracked lines.
Look out for:
- Drains running slow in several places
- Toilets or drains making gurgling noises
- The smell of sewage in or about the house
- Patches in the yard that are uncharacteristically green or soggy
- Backups in the tub or floor drain
These are not the sort of things that will resolve on their own and only get worse. An early intervention spares you the trouble.
Worn Out Water Heaters
Even if a replacement has been put in at some point in an old home, the unit can still grow old. Sediment in the tank will take its toll on efficiency and shorten the heater’s life. When the water is never hot enough, or there is a popping and rumbling, and the water is rusty, the end is near.
Old Fixtures and Fittings
Shutoffs, valves and faucets can get to be leaky or stiff. A shutoff that will not budge is more of a hazard than an inconvenience when you have to cut off the water in a hurry. Newer fixtures are a safer and more efficient bet.
Why Make McHales Your Choice
Experience is required when dealing with older properties and we have that in abundance. For all of Bucks County and environs, from Levittown, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Warminster, Yardley, Southampton and Horsham, PA to Lawrence Township and Willingboro, NJ, McHales has been of service since 1950.
Our staff includes a NJ Master Plumber and PA Licensed Master Plumbers. We are an accredited business with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau. Our technicians put down work mats and don shoe covers as a courtesy to your home. And for those with approved credit we can arrange financing.
Should you notice any of these warning signs in your home, there is no need to let a minor matter escalate. Call McHales, Inc. at (267) 627-8212. We are on hand to assist you 24/7.