One of the biggest challenges many plumbers and contractors face is working with complex or older plumbing systems. Homes or commercial buildings listed as historical or built before the 1980s generally have outdated and potentially hazardous plumbing systems. Working with these systems can present unique challenges and require specialised strategies to minimise risks and issues.
This article will explore effective tips for assessing and working with older plumbing systems and fixtures to help expand your service offerings and ensure smooth and safe plumbing operations.
Characteristics of Older Plumbing Systems
Australian homes built before the 1980s were constructed from materials that we often don’t work with anymore due to safety concerns. This also means that when working on properties with these older systems, you have to be cautious.
The most common materials used in older plumbing systems include:
- Galvanised iron pipes
- Copper pipes
- Lead pipes and solder
- Asbestos cement pipes
- Early PVC and polyethylene
All of these materials are susceptible to corrosion or deterioration, making them prone to damage and plumbing issues. Moreover, they present significant health concerns as the materials and chemicals can leach into the water supply as they degrade. For these reasons, we no longer use these materials and when completing work on these systems now it is advisable to replace them with safer, modern alternatives where possible.
Challenges With Older Plumbing Systems
When contracted to repair, replace or otherwise work with older plumbing systems, you will likely face a number of challenges associated with the age of the system and fixtures, such as:
- Damaged plumbing fixtures:
Older construction materials were more prone to deterioration and corrosion. For this reason, older fixtures are more likely to show significant signs of aging and corrosion and require extensive repairs or replacement. - Outdated materials:
Many older plumbing materials have been discontinued or regulated against due to the potential health hazards and lower efficiency. This can make repairs or jobs more complicated as modern fixtures are not always compatible with these outdated materials. This means you may have to replace a large section or even the whole system. - Issues from prior repairs:
Older systems will often have been repaired or worked on many times over the years since initial installation, either from early DIYs or professionals. This can make them more prone to future problems and more difficult to repair. For plumbing systems and fixtures that have undergone previous repairs, replacement is often the best course of action. - Persistent Issues:
Aged plumbing systems and fixtures are more susceptible to persistent leaks, clogs, water quality issues and other damages. It is common for old fixtures to experience reoccurring problems as components deteriorate. This can make repairs ineffective or temporary at best.
Strategies for Working with Older Plumbing
Working with older plumbing systems and aged fixtures requires careful attention and specialised strategies to minimise further damage or hazards.
Conduct Comprehensive Inspections
This first step in working with any plumbing system, regardless of age, is to complete a thorough inspection of the whole system and all fixtures. This allows you to identify signs of aging, such as corrosion, leaks, and structural damage and identify the materials used and the potential hazards.
Documenting all signs of deterioration, materials and risks allows you to formulate a comprehensive assessment of the system’s condition and age. You can then use this information to make informed decisions about what repairs are possible or whether a full upgrade is required.
It is also important to note that if the property is historically listed, there may be stipulations as to what work and upgrades can be completed, so you will need to consult the local council or authorities for tailored advice.
Identify Repairable Issues
During your initial inspection, you should be able to identify whether there are any reparable issues. Often, minor issues such as leaky taps or showerheads, partial sink or toilet blockages and localised deterioration can be fixed with minor repairs.
For minor issues, you may be able to clear them with common plumbing solutions, such as replacing a washer, tightening a loose fitting or general drain cleaning. However, when completing even minor repairs it is important to stay aware of the materials you’re working with and keep an eye out for further issues.
Replace Older Fixtures
While some minor plumbing issues can be repaired, is it often advised to replace outdated plumbing systems and fixtures with safer, modern alternatives where possible. Not only are aged systems and fixtures more susceptible to issues, but they can also potentially be hazardous, so we recommend replacing them with new options.
Furthermore, replacement is often more cost-effective than continued repairs or sourcing alternative fixtures that are compatible with older systems. Modern systems also offer enhanced water quality, lower water bills and improved efficiency. Residential and commercial customers will often be more on board with replacements when these benefits are explained.
If you’re working on an older home or commercial property, and need to source high-quality modern fixtures that provide safety, longevity and efficiency, we have you covered! At Everhard Industries, we stock a wide range of modern interior plumbing fixtures for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries such as tapware, toilets and sinks to replace old, worn or damaged fixtures. We also offer an innovative range of outdoor drainage systems.
Ensure Safety & Long-Lasting Plumbing with Expert Tips for Older Systems
When contracted to work on historical buildings or older homes you may feel a sense of dread initially as these systems often present complex challenges and potential risks. However, with the right knowledge and strategies you can ensure the best services and lasting efficiency and safety for your customers.
Whether your clients are looking to modernise their properties or need to upgrade to ensure safety, at Everhard we provide an extensive range of high-quality interior plumbing fixtures for laundries, kitchens and bathrooms and outdoor drainage systems to ensure longevity and performance.