Know Your Pipes!

Homeownership comes with its challenges, and when you discover a pipe issue you need to know what to look out for.

Older homes can be especially prone to failings in the pipework if the original cast iron system fails, or if the pipes are enclosed and covered from changes to the room.

Getting to the root cause can be tricky. It is essential to be aware of all home access points for major connections such as sewer, sinks, and laundry. A plumber will be able to look and tell you if anything is amiss or create access if needed in order to prevent future issues in the area.

The pipes’ size and location will affect how the problem can be treated or remedied. A camera can be dropped into a line to see if the flow is clear from a point in the home out to the street.

A line can be cleaned or snaked by a professional using a small tool that goes through the pipe and cuts apart any in-grown roots or other blockages if needed. Also, a qualified plumber will be able to tell you if pipework needs replacing or sleeving to allow for a better flow.

Older cast iron pipes present other issues. You want to look for signs of splits in the outer casing, you may smell something like an open sewer if it is located by the toilet or you may see a leak if water is draining out of a split.

These are issues that do need immediate attention. Cast iron pipes are heavier and often wider, if the wall has been closed around the pipe or it is dropped into a strange void, access will present a challenge to free it and replace it with new fittings. Cutting out a section of the pipe and replacing it with PVC piping and new couplings can be a solution.

Making sure that the new areas are well-fitted and secured is extremely important. Not all solutions are expensive but depending on the location of the repair and the materials, getting a few quotes is always a good idea.