Your old home might look like something out of a movie with a breath-taking curb appeal. However, even though the exterior looks great, many things might be wrong with the interior of the house, such as the plumbing. If you experience a strange color in the water, low water pressure, or leaks around the house, then it might be time to upgrade your plumbing. Well, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about upgrading your old home plumbing.
Install efficient water heaters
The accumulation of sediment in old water heaters could reduce their capacity and efficiency. Old water heaters are also incapable of holding as much water as the newer models can. It would be best to ditch the old water heaters in your home and invest in a newer model, which will help you save on utility bills around the house.
Prioritize leaking pipes
Leaking pipes are a nuisance as they waste lots of water and make your old home more prone to rot and water damage. If you hear any dripping sounds or notice a drop in the water pressure, reach out to your local plumber to help you determine the source of the leak. If you cannot seal the holes in the pipes, it would be best to upgrade to newer pipes.
Find out when the pipes were last updated
In many old homes, plumbers used galvanized steel pipes, which have an estimated lifespan of between 20 and 50 years. If you are not aware your old home used galvanized steel pipes, your pipes could bust, putting an even more significant dent in your wallet. It would be best to ask the local plumber to inspect the home and help you determine what pipes you are using and when they were last updated. They will also help recommend the best upgrades for an aging home.
Upgrade your toilets
As you continue planning to upgrade the plumbing in your old home, you might want to consider replacing your toilets. Every time you flush with the older models of toilets, you consume a whooping seven gallons of water! On the other hand, the newer models only use about 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Adding newer toilets will also make your home more aesthetically pleasing. There are plenty of designs and colors you could choose to make your home more appealing.
Use more modern materials
In the olden days, experts used lead pipes for plumbing. However, lead pipes are no longer suitable for use in modern homes. The best alternative would be brass pipes, which have a longer lifespan of about 50 to 70 years. It would be best to hire a professional who will follow the same layout in your old home and use modern materials to update your plumbing.
Wrapping up
Installing newer, more efficient plumbing upgrades in your old home will help you save on utility bills and improve the quality of your stay. Again, it is always best to bring in a professional to help you with your plumbing renovation project.
