Older Home Drainage Problems: How to Spot Early Signs
Older properties are extremely popular on the market due to their distinct features and character; however, because of their age, they can be more prone to home drainage problems. Whether that's due to material choices or design, it's important to understand how to take preventative action and rectify any issues fast.
Our handy guide explores the common signs to watch out for to prevent further damage and associated costs.
What Causes Older House Drainage Issues?
Older properties are likely to have drainage issues due to several reasons, meaning that homeowners need to be alert to the causes before signs start to appear.
Traditional Materials
As pipes are often made from traditional materials such as clay, cast iron, or galvanised steel, they can deteriorate over their lifetimes. This can be due to a combination of exposure to water, chemical reactions, and aging.
Older Designs
Outdated design choices and infrastructures, like undersized pipes, inadequate venting, and insufficient sloping, can result in blockages and slower drainage systems over time.
Increased Water Usage
Modern water usage is typically higher than previously, with multiple rooms often requiring water throughout the day. This means that pipes can struggle to cope with demand, resulting in leaks and blockages.
Overgrowing Tree Roots
Tree roots can make their way into your outdoor drainage system over time. Also known as tree ingress, this blocks the pipes from working to their full capacity, while reducing water and air flow and increasing chances of leaks in the process.
Debris Build-Up
Older properties can see a build-up of substances such as grease, silt, and natural waste. As it clogs the walls of the pipes, it can restrict water flow and result in frequent blockages.
Common Signs of Early Drainage Issues
Now you know the causes, it’s important to consider and identify the signs of older home water drainage issues. Spotting the signs early can help you move from reactive to preventative action.
Low Water Pressure
If you notice your water pressure is lower than usual, it may be a sign that the pipes are not working to their full capacity. This can be caused by blockages, such as debris and tree roots.
Overflowing Water
Water overflowing from outdoor drains can indicate a leak or blockage in the water system. Overflowing can be brought on by cracks and damage within the pipes or blocked debris, causing water to flood outside of the system or build up.
Bad Odours
You may start to smell bad odours coming from your sinks or drains, caused by decomposing debris. Not only can this be unpleasant, but it can also affect your indoor air quality and point towards drainage problems below the surface.
Gurgling Sounds
Drains in older properties can be prone to bubbling sounds caused by blockages. This is often the result of water and air struggling to pass through the drainage system as usual, typically due to a buildup of debris.
Mould and Water Damage
Stains and mould can be a sure-fire sign of extensive water damage occurring in your home. This can pose numerous hazards to human health, so ensuring you take precautions when signs start to appear is essential.
Slow Draining Water
If you notice that your drains and sinks are frequently draining slowly, it can be a sign that your drain requires more than just a simple unblocking. Sourcing a long-term fix can free up your time and money and give you peace of mind.
Fixing the Drainage Issues
When you notice these signs repeatedly occurring, it’s important to take the right precautions to prevent further damage to your property.
We use a series of methods to source the cause of the problem, including the following:
CCTV Drain Survey
A great way to inspect and understand the reason for drain damage is to use a CCTV drain survey. We insert this equipment into your drain to show any signs of wear, the condition of the pipes, and the reason for blockages. This informs us of the next steps for your home, from replacing the pipes to repairing.
High Pressure Jetting
Stains and build-up can be blasted away by high pressure jetting. The nozzle is inserted into your drain, with the powerful water stream breaking down and flushing any stubborn blockages within your pipes.
Pipe Relining
When pipes are damaged, we can reline them to make them more durable. This involves inserting a patch lining into the inside of the pipe to help water and air flow as expected.
Pipe Replacements and Excavation
When pipes are broken beyond repair, it’s important to consider replacing them. We can either fully replace the pipes or excavate them at the point that is causing blockages.
Sorting Drain Problems in Old Homes
As drainage engineers, we recommend speaking to a professional to ensure your older home is safe from harm. It’s important to implement preventative, long-term solutions that keep your pipes and drainage systems in good working condition for the years to come.
Get in touch with us to find out more about our drainage solutions.