Our part of the metroplex is home to charming older neighborhoods and historic structures. While these properties boast character and craftsmanship, they also come with unique challenges, especially when it comes to plumbing.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville is the leading provider of plumbing services in Grand Prairie, Texas, and we frequently help homeowners navigate the quirks of plumbing problems in old homes, from corroded pipes to failing sewer lines.
If you own an older home in Grand Prairie or are considering buying one, here are the more common plumbing issues older homes face, and how you can stay ahead of them.
1. Corroded or Outdated Pipes
Old, damaged pipes are the most common of the old house plumbing problems we come across in Grand Prairie. Homes built before the 1980s often still include galvanized steel, cast iron, or lead pipes. They naturally deteriorate over time and cause leaks, rust, and health risks.
Our mineral-rich local water only accelerates corrosion that causes discolored tap water and pressure trouble. There are still some lead pipes in houses built before the 1920s, and they pose a serious contamination risk. Even more modern polybutylene pipes from the 1980s can fail unexpectedly.
Upgrading to modern materials like copper or PEX improves water quality, boosts home value, and prevents costly repairs. Always schedule professional pipe inspections to identify hidden issues and safeguard your household and investment.
2. Sewer Line Trouble and Pipe Bellies
Grand Prairie’s clay-heavy soil shifts with the seasons, which can wreak havoc on underground sewer lines. Many aging plumbing systems have cast iron or clay sewer pipes that crack, sag (creating “pipe bellies”), or get invaded by tree roots. We encounter these problems more often in neighborhoods with mature oak or pecan trees.
Common sewer line plumbing problems in old homes include slow drains, gurgling toilets, or lush patches of grass over a leaky sewer line. A camera inspection by a licensed plumber can pinpoint the problem. Trenchless sewer repairs can often resolve the issue without tearing up your yard.
3. Outdated Fixtures and Connections
Antique faucets, showerheads, and shutoff valves add charm, but they can also cause headaches. Over time, rubber washers and seals inside these fixtures wear out, leading to persistent drips and leaks. Hard water in Grand Prairie accelerates limescale buildup that clogs aerators and corrodes metal components.
Consider upgrading to modern, water-efficient fixtures. You’ll reduce water waste, and you may also qualify for rebates that help offset the cost.
4. Low Water Pressure
Poor pressure results from corroded pipes, clogged fixtures, or sediment buildup in aging water heaters. In older Grand Prairie homes, pressure can also fluctuate between hot and cold water, making showers unpredictable and dishwashers inefficient.
Simple fixes like cleaning aerators can help, but in many cases, you may want to upgrade your water heater or order partial pipe replacement. Your local expert plumber can diagnose whether the issue lies in your fixtures, pipes, or appliances.
5. Failing or Inefficient Water Heaters
This is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems in old homes. Water heaters in historic homes are often overlooked until they fail completely. Tank-style units typically last 10 to 15 years. However, in our region, hard water accelerates sediment buildup, shortening their lifespan. Warning signs include rumbling noises, lukewarm water, or leaks around the base.
Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency or tankless water heater can improve performance and cut energy bills. If your water heater is over a decade old, a proactive replacement can save you from a messy and expensive emergency down the line.
6. Improper Past Repairs
Many historic home plumbing systems have lived through decades of DIY fixes and handyman patches. Unfortunately, mismatched pipe materials, backward traps, and makeshift repairs can create serious problems, including leaks, water pressure issues, and code violations.
We often find homes with a mix of copper, galvanized steel, and even outdated polybutylene pipes. Corrective plumbing repairs for old houses often involve replacing mismatched connections, resloping drains, or installing proper shutoff valves.
Grand Prairie Trusts the Local Experts With Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville understands the unique needs of local homeowners. Our licensed plumbers diagnose and repair old house plumbing problems, from sewer line replacements to fixture upgrades. We equip our team with the tools and technology to handle all common plumbing emergencies, upgrades, and repairs.
If you’re facing any of these plumbing problems in old homes we encounter, don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a costly disaster. Contact our team today to schedule an inspection or consultation.
