An older home in the San Fernando Valley can be a fine place to live, but you may have found your pipes are not as well behaved as they used to be. Lately have they been giving you trouble? One has to ask if these minor inconveniences are an indication of something more substantial at work behind the walls.

We at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter are familiar with the idiosyncrasies of older houses; we put in our time with homeowners here and in Northern Los Angeles on a daily basis. Should you require assistance or have any questions, give us a ring at (213) 423-4167. We are a family business out of Granada Hills, fully licensed and insured by the California Contractors State Licensing Board.

There is no denying the charm of an old house. Then again, that charm is often paired with plumbing put in place decades ago when building standards and materials were quite different. Being aware of what is amiss will spare you some headaches in the future.

Aging Pipes and Corrosion

You will see it in many of the Valley’s older homes: the pipe material is simply worn out. Galvanized steel was the norm for construction in the mid-1900s, but with time the pipes corrode from within. That corrosion is the root of all manner of trouble.

With piping of that vintage you can expect:

• Water pressure to be less than it should be
• Rusty water coming from the tap
• Leaks of a small order appearing without warning
• Clogs you have to clear over and over
• A metallic taste to your water
• The occasional sudden failure of a pipe and the water damage that ensues

For a home with its original pipes, a professional opinion is in order before a repair job becomes a major one.

Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines

The mature trees of the San Fernando Valley are lovely, but their roots have a way of looking for moisture, which they will find in your sewer line. They will exploit a loose joint or a hairline crack and grow into the pipe, resulting in backups and drains that are slow to empty.

If you are hearing gurgles from the drain, smell sewage or notice water in the tub or toilet backing up, those are your tell tale signs. It is best to put an end to it early as it is apt to worsen.

Slab Leaks Under the Foundation

Water lines under the concrete slab foundations of so many homes in the area are prone to leaking as they get old. With nowhere for the water to go, a so called slab leak can do quiet but serious damage.

Be on the lookout for unexplained increases in your bill, warm patches on the floor, cracks in the wall or flooring, or the scent of mildew by the foundation. Even the sound of running water with everything turned off is cause for concern. These hidden leaks call for a plumber to put them right.

Outdated Water Heaters

More often than not the water heater in an older home is long past its prime. A unit of ten years or more is working harder and burning through energy, and is prone to leaking. Inconsistent temperatures, a rumble from the tank or rusty water are indications it is due for some attention.

Low Water Pressure

Owners of older homes make this complaint to us frequently. Whether it is down to mineral deposits, a valve left partially closed or corroded pipes, it can be a simple matter to rectify or an issue with the system at large. Better to have it looked at than put up with a weak shower.

Old Fixtures and Fittings

The original faucets and valves will wear in time. You will have rubber seals that have dried and cracked, handles that are loose and fittings that have corroded. All too often these are where you will find the persistent drips that are costing you.

When to Call a Professional

You can do some of the work yourself, but with an older home and its share of hidden leaks or sewer line difficulties it is wise to call on someone who knows the local ground and the local homes. Our standing is built on the word of our customers and we are proud of the quality of our work, the courtesy of our plumbers and our prices.

Do not let a problem get away from you. For emergencies in Santa Clarita, Northridge, Burbank, Encino, Van Nuys and environs we are on hand 24/7 with same-day service. Let the family at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter put your mind at ease. Contact us at (213) 423-4167.