Melbourne boasts a rich architectural heritage and is home to many delightful historic houses dating from the Victorian, Edwardian and post-war times. These older dwellings are treasured jewels, featuring wonderful craftsmanship and vintage design. They add immensely to the magic of the city, and it’s easy to find yourself spellbound by the charm and beauty of these homes.
While these older homes can be quite alluring, they may also come with some unique and distinct challenges. Many of the homes were constructed before modern standards were established, and feature systems that may not have even been updated since they were originally built. It’s common to find plumbing issues in older homes, as original materials break down and outdated configurations no longer meet their resident’s needs.
Galvanised Steel Pipes
Many of the older homes in Melbourne were originally built using galvanised steel pipes. These pipes were often used in plumbing from the 1930s to the 1980s. Originally, it was thought that these pipes would be durable but it’s now understood that they will corrode as the years go by. The process of corrosion leads to rust building up, which negatively affects the water quality and also reduces water pressure in the system.
In some severe cases, rust can discolour the household’s water and give it an unpleasant taste. Pipes may also degrade, with leaks and water damage to the home possible. Homeowners may have to upgrade pipes in old homes and choose to replace the pipes with more modern materials.
Clay Sewer Lines
Before the 1980s, clay was a common material used for sewer lines in Melbourne. Although they are fairly durable, clay pipes can become brittle and may also crack when subject to pressure from tree roots or movement in the ground. The clay soil in Melbourne can also cause shifts that in turn affect the integrity of the sewer lines.
The intrusion of tree roots is a frequent problem in older neighbourhoods that are graced with mature trees and vegetation. Roots will seek out moisture and infiltrate the small cracks in clay pipes. This can eventually lead to a major blockage, or even collapse, of the pipe. Homeowners often employ strategies such as hydro-jetting, root cutting or even pipe relining to correct the problems.
Poor Level of Water Pressure
If you own an older home in Melbourne, it’s not uncommon to be experiencing low water pressure levels. Often, this issue may be due to plumbing systems that are outdated or pipes with narrow diameters. Water pressure problems may also be due to leaking fittings or mineral build-up in the pipes.
Additionally, water flow in a vintage home may be reduced because of older, inefficient fixtures. Some water pressure issues may actually be due to water supply issues at the municipal level, or pressure regulators that are aging. Your professional plumber will be able to perform a thorough plumbing inspection, often using pipe cameras or pressure gauges, so they can identify solutions to correct your water pressure issue.
Leaking Fixtures and Taps
Leaking fixtures and taps are another common problem in Melbourne’s historic homes. The leaks often are the result of deteriorated seals, worn washers or designs that are outdated. Leaking fixtures waste water and result in higher utility bills, and can also cause structural damage or mould growth if not addressed.
Fortunately, you can hire plumbing services for renovations to help you replace your aging fixtures with modern, efficient parts. It may also be possible to find reproduction-style taps and fittings that may upgrade your plumbing while at the same time preserving the aesthetic appeal.
Hot Water Systems That Are Outdated
In an older home, you will often find hot water systems that are aging or outdated. These systems may be undersized, inefficient and near the end of their useful service life. The more traditional early electric storage units and gravity-fed systems found in vintage homes are hard-pressed to meet the more intensive demands of modern living.
Older hot water systems may also develop leaks, be prone to sediment build-up and not be able to maintain consistent water temperatures. Upgrading to a modern heat pump or continuous flow system can improve your supply of hot water and reduce energy costs too.
Contamination from Lead
Historic homes that were built before the 1930s may have a risk from lead components in the plumbing system. Lead was once used for fittings, solder and even pipe materials in homes. Exposure to lead through drinking water is a significant risk and is especially so for pregnant women and children.
Water tests can identify the presence of lead contamination. If the tests uncover lead, it’s advisable to replace the lead components and install water filters certified to reduce the risk. It may even be necessary to do a complete plumbing overhaul to fully eliminate lead from the home’s water supply.
Along with the charm of historic homes, it’s important to keep in mind that the aging plumbing systems will likely require careful evaluation and may potentially need to be modernised. With a proactive approach and the services of a highly qualified plumber in Melbourne who can repair and upgrade your system, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the beauty of your vintage home.
