Plumbing Problems You Might Run Into In An Old, Abandoned House
Buying and restoring old, abandoned homes is an art. These homes have so much history, and if they are caught before they deteriorate too much, they can generally be restored to livable condition. One of the first things you'll want to do upon gaining ownership of an older home that has been empty for a while is get the plumbing into usable shape. After all, in most municipalities, you won't be allowed to occupy a home unless it has usable plumbing. Surely there are any number of issues that can arise, but these are the top ones to look for as you're first getting to know the house:
1. Stolen Pipes
Go down the the cellar or any other area where you can see exposed pipes in the home. Are those pipes made from copper? (You can tell by the color; copper pipes are the color of pennies, perhaps with some green bloom if they're older.) If the home does have copper pipes, there's a possibility some of them were stolen while the home was sitting abandoned, as copper is quite valuable. You can check for this by turning on the taps, one at a time, while a helper stays in the basement to watch for any major leaks. If water comes out of every tap and does not gush everywhere, then you're in the clear. If you suspect there are missing pipes, contact a plumber to come replace them before you use the plumbing again.
2. Collapsed and Root-Filled Sewer Mains
The sewer main is the primary, large drain pipe that empties all of your home's waste and wastewater into the street-level sewer system. Over time, tree roots can grow into this pipe. It may also collapse if someone has parked vehicles over top of it or taken other measures to compact the soil. If you notice that all of the drains in the home are quite slow to drain, this is a good indication the sewer line is clogged or collapsed. You'll need to have a plumber come send a camera down there to evaluate the problem. They might be able to grind roots away, or they may have to replace the pipe.
3. Rusty Pipes
This is a problem in homes that have galvanized steel pipes. If your pipes are the color of an old pot or pan, then they are likely made from galvanized steel. Once the zinc coating on the inside of the pipes wears away, the pipes start rusting. You'll see the rust in the water that comes out of the taps. The problem here is that eventually the rust will thin the pipe out enough that a leak develops, so you'll want to come have a plumber replace any affected pipes.
Rehabbing an older home is fun, but it's also hard work. Keep your eyes out for signs of rusted pipes, stolen and missing pipes, and clogged sewer lines.
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