is your attic well-ventilated?

Buying an older, vintage home allows you to live in a house with original charm and historic character. Older homes can also have some quirks that take getting used to, and this is especially true for plumbing systems. If you are used to newer homes with completely modern plumbing set-ups, you will need to make a few adjustments in how you handle your plumbing. Here are a few plumbing tips for new owners of older homes:

Have Your Drains Cleaned Regularly

One of the biggest plumbing problems in older homes is that drains can be sluggish. This may be due to low water pressure but is often because pipes become corroded and coated with gunk over time, slowing down the flow of water from your drains into your plumbing system. Having your drains cleaned and flushed with water and non-toxic drain and pipe cleaning products is a great way to counteract this. Your sinks and bathtubs will drain fast and you will have fewer clogs to worry about.

Have Your Plumbing Professionally Scoped

If your home's plumbing system wasn't inspected with a scope camera during the home purchase process, it's very important to do so now. Older homes often have original pipes made from much less durable material than modern plumbing systems. Sections of pipe underneath your home could be worn out, broken, or clogged with tree roots.

It is much better to know this from the get-go so you can have the affected section repaired or replaced promptly. Continuing to have your plumbing system inspected in this way once a year or so will give you much more peace of mind.

Avoid Chemical Drain Products

In a modern home, if a drain is clogged or slow, you may immediately opt for chemical drain products from the supermarket. While these can quickly clear a clog, they can also severely damage older, more delicate pipes, even eating holes into them. This damage results in a much more serious plumbing problem than your original clogged drain.

Instead of chemical drain products, try non-chemical approaches, such as using a plumbing snake. When in doubt, it's always best to call a plumber. They will not only safely clear the clog without damaging the old pipes, but they can also help identify the underlying cause of the clog so it can be fixed.

Hiring a trusted HVAC and plumbing company with experience working on older homes and following these tips will protect and maintain your home's plumbing system.