Hidden Issues and Plumbing Problems in Old Homes: What New Homeowners Need to Watch For
Purchasing any home is an exciting time. Buying an older home sounds like so much fun. "We can renovate, we can add on, we will have projects galore and it will look gorgeous!"
Unfortunately, while the charm and history is awesome, these old homes usually hide issues that can lead to costly repairs down the road. Water damage is one of the most common problems that new homeowners will face -- Whether it's from leaks, outdated and failing plumbing, or a roof that's crumbling and causing an issue, ignoring these hidden problems can result in severe damage to your new (old) home.
The Most Common Hidden Issues to Watch For
Old Plumbing: Older homes typically have outdated plumbing systems. Homeowners typically like focusing on updating paint colors and new floors so the nuts and bolts of the home get neglected. Often times the plumbing is made from materials like galvanized steel or cast iron. These pipes corrode over time and can easily burst, leading to serious water damage (especially if you are on a ranch style slab). If you notice any discolored water, low water pressure from your faucets or strange gurgling noises coming from the pipes, that is a major sign that something’s not right.
Roof Leaks: Roofs typically last 20-30 years, but the older your roof gets the more prone it is to leak (especially after a major storm -- in Georgia we get a lot of thunder storms, a couple tropical storms each year and even a hurricane here and there). Water leaks can seep into your attic and you won't even know for a while unless you have your space inspected regularly or after a storm. The water will first ruin your insulation, then your ceiling and walls before you start to see stains. This water damage will quickly lead to mold growth and structural damage of your new (old) home. Have a professional inspect your roof regularly, especially after heavy rains or high winds, to ensure there are no signs of damage.
Basement Moisture: Older homes with basements are more prone to water damage. Water damage to your basement can be due to poor drainage systems or cracked foundations. When there is a heavy rain, water will find those cracks and easily enter your basement and cause massive flooding (let's just hope you're home so you can handle it quickly if it happens!). Without proper maintenance this can lead to mold and mildew growth and even damage your home’s foundation. That is an expensive fix! Let's avoid the damage before it happens.
Why It’s Important to Act Fast
Ignoring these hidden can turn minor problems into very expensive repairs. If you are a new homeowner to an old house, we're sure you have other plans for your budget. Furniture would be more of a fun purchase for sure! But if you ignore a tiny leak from a plumbing problem like a burst pipe or an old roof issue it can cause mold to grow and destroy your walls, floors and furniture. Address any water damage issues immediately and you can save yourself thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent health hazards caused by mold and bacteria.
If you suspect any of these issues in your older home, don’t wait until they're worse.
The best water damage restoration company in Loganville, Georgia—First In Restoration—is here to help with your plumbing problems.
Our experienced team specializes in water damage restoration and can quickly identify and resolve hidden issues that could lead to significant damage. There are plenty of water damage restoration companies out there but we are the best water damage restoration company in Georgia. We are locally owned by a USMC Marine Corps veteran and we are here to help with your water damage restoration serving Georgia with a focus in fire, mold and water restoration service in Gwinnett County. As the best water damage restoration company in Georgia, we are here to assist with your emergency plumbing problems.
Call us now at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com for a quick and reliable response. We also offer FREE INSPECTIONS.
