old_houses_featured

5 Plumbing issues with Old Houses

Whether it is the wrap around porch or the stained-glass windows or maybe even a white picket fence surrounding a home, something tells you this is the one. Many things are wonderful in older homes from light fixtures to old-style architecture. And then there are the plumbing issues. Yes, of course, you did an inspection and the report had issues of varying importance. Have you ever noticed how varying importance takes on greater urgency after you have the keys?

old-house

5 Plumbing issues with Old Houses

Copper Pipes

Lots of homes in the twentieth century were built using copper pipes. And your house may have been built before lead was banned, meaning whatever copper piping remains might have been fitted with lead-based solders. An additional issue, copper pipes are very attractive to thieves due to the ease of selling them.

Corrosion

Reality is metals corrode over time, even galvanized steel. In time, the protective zinc coating erodes, then exposed iron of galvanized pipes becomes susceptible to rust. Left unchecked, your house water turns orange and then next call is to Jersey Plumbing as the water is not safe to drink.

Clogging

Think of the age of your home, even a home built in the ’70s, is pretty old by today’s standards. Even with regular maintenance, it is hard to keep the pipework free from clogs that can block the whole of the pipe. Remember, a home built half a century ago is not a Victorian or a Colonial, it could be a Ranch house. Those decades of sewage and soap scum will take a toll on your old home’s drains, filling and clogging them with gunk. If you see your drains backing up or slow draining, take the next right step and call the plumber.

Original Water Fixture

Yes, the original faucets, handles, valves, and spigots are so pretty and have such old-world charm. However, leakage and cracks occur over time, possibly leading to foul smells. Replacing the old with the new will save money in the long run as modern faucets, valves, handles, and spigots now have sensors and the ability to not surprise you in the shower when someone flushes a toilet. That alone may be worth the price.

Tree Root Invasion

Your home does not even need to be that old to have tree roots growing into not only the foundation but also interfering with your plumbing. Tree roots can also interfere with your sewer lines. Depending on what was the best advice of the time, many people planted trees right next to their homes, not realizing that many trees have aggressive root systems; or that the lovely leafy tree also threatened their home with its height.

Have the professionals at Jersey Plumbing come out and assess the plumbing in your home to make sure all is safe for you and your family.

Jersey Plumbing(908) 281-7101

Remember! Sometimes the best tool is experience. When you need a Master Plumber to get the job done right, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jersey Plumbing Service for your plumbing needs.

Gift Ideas

Gifts for the Home Plumber

Whether the one who handles the plumbing issues in your home is your partner or son or daughter, with the holidays, fast upon us, now is a good time to think about what would make the project go better, or make it more enjoyable. While the rolling metal toolbox has its points of being able to hold many tools:

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Holiday Gift Ideas for the Plumber in your Life!!

leather tool bag

Leather Tool Bag

A leather tool bag makes it easier to have all the tools one needs for a specific project and not having to make trips back and forth.

Kneeling-Pad

Kneeling Pad

Fixing nearly anything plumbing related almost always requires a lot of time kneeling. The advantage of a kneeling pad is that it can both be moved and be used to lie on. There are several different types of knee pads from non-slip pads or scratch-resistant to ones with gel.

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Work Gloves

Plumbing is tough on the hands. Injuries like cuts and bruises don’t need to be a part of the job. Work glove are designed to protect your hands. Some different types of gloves are Nitrile or latex often worn under another glove; this protects your hands from biological hazardous jobs. Then there are rubber gloves used for projects like clearing drains. Welding gloves are a thicker leather with longer cuffs and offer a measure of fire resistance, useful when welding leaky pipes.

plumbers wrench

Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is great for so many projects. And really, for any plumbing project can there ever be enough wrenches?

lighting

Portable Lighting

What plumbing project does not require more lighting than is generally available? In addition to light sources you can ‘stick’ to the project, there are also small but powerful flashlights that you can clip to your hat and some gloves have attached lights as well.

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Jersey Plumbing Gift Certificate

Because some jobs need the experts and we can help get your plumbing back on the right track.

Of course, there are the fun gifts, like the plunger and toilet bowl Christmas ornaments. Or the ‘toolset’ that is actually chocolate. There are countless funny plumber tee shirts and hats for the lighter side of plumber appreciation.

In the effort to provide some help as well as humor to the person who tackles the plumbing concerns in your home, may this list help. And Happy Holidays!

Jersey Plumbing(908) 281-7101

Remember! Sometimes the best tool is experience. When you need a Master Plumber to get the job done right, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jersey Plumbing Service for your plumbing needs.

Jersey Plumbing Service
PO Box 7371
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Click to Email Us
Fax: 1-908-647-1517

NJ Masters Plumbers License #7359

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