Many of the homes in Staten Island have been built across a wide range of decades. While newer houses should have excellent plumbing, aging homes may have some issues that need addressing. Preserving the integrity of your home’s plumbing is important to reducing further complications in the future. Below, we will discuss some of the potential issues with water pipes that older homes may have down the line.

Lead Pipes in the Oldest of Aging Homes

Pipes made of lead have been mostly phased out of houses in NYC. According to the city, the municipal service lines have been all but replaced since 1961, when the city stopped installing them. As for homes, the use of lead solder was banned in 1987. However, if your home was built before 1987, or even before the 1960s, there is a possibility that some of your home’s pipes may contain lead. Lead exposure can lead to brain damage, a weakened nervous system, slowed growth and development in children, and other medical conditions. For more on lead exposure effects, visit the CDC page.

The Next Phase: Copper

After lead pipes were phased out, copper became a popular choice for homes. Unfortunately, some copper pipes used lead soldering until that was banned in 1987, as mentioned above. Copper is a durable material that does not corrode easily, making it an efficient pipe to use over lead.
However, copper pipes have 2 vital issues for aging homes. Firstly, copper is much more expensive than modern alternatives. Second, copper pipes do not connect well to brass or bronze pipes which are more common today. While you can still purchase copper pipes for your plumbing installations and fixes today, the costs are significantly higher when compared to the alloy options. For your aging home, replacing copper pipes may be necessary as part of a major upgrade. Thankfully, recycling copper pipes in good condition can help reduce some of the costs associated with an upgrade.

Brass, Bronze, and PVC

Generally, most modern homes use pipes that are brass or bronze. PVC Pipes are also common, especially close to fixtures. While not as corrosion-resistant as copper, these 2 alloys are overall stronger than their predecessor. Brass is more corrosion-resistant than bronze and safer for water quality. However, it can deteriorate faster with high chlorine levels and costs more to install. Bronze pipes may have metal additives beyond copper and tin that may affect water quality. But it is less expensive than brass.

Plumbing Inspections for Aging Homes

For many homeowners, addressing the issues of your plumbing in the short term can help reduce major costs down the line. Modern technology makes inspecting your home’s plumbing easier without tearing it into walls. Non-invasive methods can help find issues so that professionals can address them before they worsen. Acoustic monitoring and infrared scans can help find signs of corrosion, wear, and leakage. These methods can also help identify the make-up of your pipes. Additionally, inspections can help ensure that your pipes have proper insulation, which prevents freezes or bursts during the colder months. Addressing these issues early can prevent emergency fixes that can be much more expensive down the line.

Emergency Repairs to Aging Plumbing Systems

When an emergency occurs in your home, a rapid response can be vital for reducing damage and repair costs. In the event of a burst pipe or other plumbing issue, you should always know where the water shut-off valves are. Be sure to inform other members of the house where these valves are. Be sure to leave these valves unobstructed and easily accessible.

Preserving Your Older Home

Aging homes from bygone eras have plenty of charm, but it is important to keep your plumbing up to date and in good working order. Water damage, outdated materials, and aging pipes can compromise the integrity of your home. Be sure to have regular inspections of your plumbing to reduce the risk of major catastrophes, and address issues as soon as they arise. Be sure to trust experienced, licensed plumbing professionals for all of your repairs and maintenance needs.

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