Common Plumbing Issues in Older Homes: What Georgia Homeowners Should Know

Living in a charming, older home in Georgia comes with numerous perks: character, history, and often a location in a well-established neighborhood. But behind the walls, time can take a toll on your plumbing. Your home, whether built in the 1940s or the 1980s, likely hides pipes or fixtures that need attention.

At North Peachtree Plumbing, we specialize in working with older homes across Georgia. If you’re noticing strange sounds, water discoloration, or rising water bills, it’s time to take a closer look.

Let’s stop small plumbing problems before they turn into big ones. Schedule your personalized home check-up with our friendly team today

Protect Your Investment by Understanding Older Home Plumbing

Older homes often come with outdated plumbing systems not designed for today’s demands. Materials degrade, building codes change, and decades of use can lead to slow leaks or even major failures. In humid Georgia, moisture and mineral-rich water can also accelerate pipe corrosion.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, aging pipes across the U.S. contribute to an estimated 240,000 water main breaks every year. And while public infrastructure gets most of the headlines, the plumbing inside your home ages the same way.

Galvanized Pipes: A Rusty Threat You Can’t See

For many older homes in Georgia, the construction process often involved using galvanized steel pipes. While they were standard at the time, we now know they rust from the inside out.

This leads to:

• Brown or reddish water
• Low water pressure
• Higher risk of pipe bursts
  

If builders constructed your home before the 1970s and it still has the original plumbing, it likely includes galvanized steel pipes. Replacing these pipes with copper or PEX is one of the best upgrades you can make.

Outdated Sewer Lines Can Cause Costly Backups

Cast iron was the go-to material for sewer lines for many years. But cast iron corrodes over time, especially in Georgia’s humid climate and acidic soil. Signs of a failing sewer line include:

• Slow drains throughout the home
• Frequent clogs that won’t go away
• Foul odors near drains or in the yard
• Patches of lush, fast-growing grass (caused by leaking sewage)
  

Replacing or lining old sewer pipes is a significant project, but catching the problem early can prevent thousands in repair costs.

Leaky Fixtures and Faucets: Small Drips, Big Damage

Dripping faucets and leaky shower valves are standard in older homes. Even minor leaks waste water and can lead to mold and wood damage behind walls or under flooring. Plus, worn-out hardware can cause inconsistent water temperature and flow.

Sometimes these are quick fixes. Other times, it’s smarter to replace aging fixtures entirely. Our team can help you decide what’s worth saving and what’s best to upgrade.

Old Water Heaters Are Energy Hogs

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be using far more energy than necessary. Sediment builds up at the bottom of older tanks, reducing efficiency and heating time. Signs your heater might need replacement include:

• Rusty water
• Noisy operation
• Rising energy bills
• Inconsistent hot water
  

Upgrading to a high-efficiency or tankless water heater can help you save money and enjoy better performance, especially during cold Georgia winters.

Outdated Shut-Off Valves and Poor Water Pressure

Many older homes have worn or corroded shut-off valves that don’t close properly. That’s a big problem during emergencies. You may also experience low water pressure due to scale buildup or narrow, outdated pipes.

Fixing these issues often involves updating valves, replacing key sections of pipe, or installing pressure regulators. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about protecting your home when problems strike.

Lead Pipes: A Hidden Health Hazard

If builders in Georgia constructed homes before 1950, you can still find lead plumbing in them, even though it’s less common than in older northern cities. Lead can leach into drinking water and pose serious health risks. If your home is historic or has not had its plumbing updated in decades, we strongly recommend a full inspection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even low levels of lead exposure can be dangerous, especially for children and pregnant women. If your home has lead pipes or lead-based solder, replacement is the only safe option.

Water Damage in Unexpected Places

Older homes may have undergone multiple renovations over the years, and not all of them follow today’s plumbing codes. Hidden leaks in walls, under sinks, or beneath floors often go unnoticed until they cause visible damage. Regular inspections can help you catch minor issues before they become big headaches.

Modern Plumbing Solutions for Classic Georgia Homes

The good news? You don’t need to sacrifice the charm of your home to enjoy safe, modern plumbing. At North Peachtree Plumbing, we blend today’s best materials with solutions tailored to your home’s age and structure.

Our experienced team can:

• Replace or reline sewer pipes
• Repipe entire homes with PEX or copper
• Upgrade faucets and water-saving fixtures
• Install efficient tankless water heaters
• Test for lead and other safety hazards
  

Preserve the Character, Improve the Comfort

We love older homes as much as you do. Our goal is to protect your investment, preserve its unique character, and enhance the day-to-day functionality of your plumbing. Whether you’re restoring a historic home in Decatur or upgrading a mid-century bungalow in Marietta, we’ve got you covered.

Worried About What’s Behind the Walls? Let’s Take a Look Together

Many plumbing issues in older homes go unnoticed until it’s too late. A quick inspection from a professional can give you peace of mind and a plan of action.

Connect with us today. We will help you keep your home beautiful, functional, and worry-free.