What Causes Pipes to Leak in Older Newcastle Homes?

Older homes around Newcastle have a charm that is hard to copy. But while the character of an older home is easy to see, the plumbing behind the walls can be much harder to notice. Homes that were built decades ago often have plumbing that has started to wear down over time, and small leaks can start in areas you wouldn’t usually check.

Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid being caught off guard by a leak or burst pipe. Here’s our list of things you should know about your plumbing.

Old Pipes Can Start to Corrode

Pipe corrosion is one of the main reasons older homes develop leaking pipes. Over time, minerals in your water and other substances wear down the metal inside the pipe. Once the pipe wall becomes weak, leaks can appear around joints and fittings.

Corrosion can also leave sediment inside the pipe. This can slow the water flow and increase the risk of a clogged pipe. Since these issues usually build up slowly, they are more common in old plumbing systems.

How to Minimise Damage: Unfortunately, once pipe corrosion starts, it can continue to get worse over time. As the pipe weakens, more areas become exposed to damage. What you can do is call a plumber ASAP so the affected pipe can be checked.

Even Modern Pipes Will Wear Down From Years of Use

Whilst pipes are intended to last for years, none of them will last forever. Modern plumbing techniques aren’t immune to the strain your pipes will go through from years of constant use. Unlike metal pipes, plastic or PVC pipework will not rust. Instead, plastic pipework can become brittle. As it becomes less flexible, it can crack more easily near fittings.

Abrupt changes in temperature can also slowly add stress to your pipes. Hot water can make the pipe expand a little then it tightens again as it cools. After years of this movement, pipework can become stressed and fail.

How to Minimise Damage: The good news is that you won’t have to worry about damages for quite a few years if you’re caring for your pipes adequately. At some point in the future, replacing the damaged pipe will be the best way to stop any leaks. This usually happens when the pipe has become too worn to hold another patch.

Tree Roots Can Get Into Your Plumbing

Do you have gorgeous, large trees around your 1930’s home? They may give nice shade, but their roots can spread underground in search of moisture. Specifically, stormwater and sewer pipes are common places for roots to get in. This is especially true when there is already a small crack or loose joint. 

Once they grow inside, they can put pressure on the pipe and cause leaks. Over time, your pipes can become badly damaged or even collapse, leading to burst pipes Newcastle homeowners may need to repair urgently.

How to Minimise Damage: Prevention is the best way to stop roots from damaging your plumbing system. You should always plant new trees away from main water or sewer lines to help prevent any issues for future-you. In addition, aim to avoid species with aggressive roots - especially near older plumbing systems. If you already have mature trees near old plumbing lines, it is important to have them regularly checked by professionals. If roots have already moved into the pipe, call Jet Blaster Man to have them properly treated.

Ground Movement Can Affect Your Pipes

Over time, it is normal for homes to settle further into the ground. A little settling is normal, but too much movement caused by the weather and soil changes can strain the pipes. Wet soil expands, and then shrinks again as it dries. This back-and-forth movement can shift the foundation slightly and impact your pipes, and it’s a common plumbing issue in older homes when the pipework is already worn. 

How to Minimise Damage: If you’ve had a lot of storms recently and think ground movement is affecting your plumbing, a professional inspection can help put your mind at ease. With advanced leak detection methods, the affected section can be found more accurately. As such, plumbers can find hidden water leaks without digging up more than needed.

There Are Downfalls To High Water Pressure

High water pressure feels great when you are in the shower or trying to fill the tub fast. But if the pressure stays too high all the time, it can slowly damage the plumbing system. Many pipes are only built to work within a safe pressure range, and when water moves through the pipes too fast for too long, it can wear them down more quickly. If the problem is ignored, high pressure can even lead to a burst pipe and a much bigger repair.

How to Minimise Damage: You can use a pressure gauge to see if your water pressure is too high. If you are not sure how to test it, a plumber can do this safely. Additionally, you can have a pressure regulator installed to protect the plumbing from extra stress.

Things to Watch Out For

Until the plumbing in your home is inspected properly, the actual source of the leak may stay hidden. If the following signs keep getting worse, we recommend giving Jet Blaster Man a call so we can send a professional plumber out. You should keep an eye out for:

• Unusual water marks and stains on walls
• A musty smell
• A higher water bill than normal
• Reduced flow when you turn on taps/showers
• Presence of mould in hidden corners
• Mildew in rarely checked spots
• Water sounds when no taps are running
  
  

Need a Plumber for Leaking Pipes in Newcastle?

Owning an older Newcastle home can be a labour of love. However, it should not leave you constantly worrying about hidden plumbing problems. By understanding the weak points that come with aging plumbing, you can address small issues and put together a list of things to do. DIY checks are a good place to start in your hunt for obvious signs of problems, but a professional can find hidden issues inside the pipework. 

If your home is hiding a leak, don't worry because Jet Blaster Man plumbers know how to deal with the common plumbing challenges found in older homes. Simply call us today to book your next service consultation.