Buying an old home in Austin, TX offers certain advantages, particularly to buyers who are looking for abodes that have endured decades of climate change and community developments. Aside from their vintage appeal, some old homes are found within good communities, which makes them rather desirable for many buyers.
However, buyers should also consider the huge amount of maintenance work that comes with the purchase. Private sewer line maintenance, believe it or not, tops the list of concerns buyers should on. Elizabeth Weintraub’s article for About.com identifies the common reasons why sewer lines in old homes require thorough inspection.
“Tree roots growing into sewer lines is a common problem. Roots crawl into tiny openings and expand in the sewer line, latching on to other debris that typically cause backups such as grease or eggshell waste. Sometimes chemicals can kill the trees roots but if the roots reappear, the pipe may be damaged and require excavation to fix the problem.”
It’s not surprising to see old homes in cities like Austin, TX. Although this city is among the youngest in the state, it holds more than two centuries of history as exemplified by structures like the Texas State Capitol and the Elizabeth Ney Museum. Reliable plumbing companies like Pure Plumbing Service offer sewer inspection, repair, and replacement to preserve old and new buildings alike from sewage backups. The article cites a specific material that underscores the need for sewer line replacement.
“Many homes built in the 1950s have sewer lines made from tar paper called Orangeburg pipes. These disintegrate and collapse over time. If a home has Orangeburg, the sewer line definitely needs to be replaced.”
Sewer pipe replacement is a job for skilled plumbers in Austin, TX and not for the average homeowner. The materials flowing in these pipes can be dangerous to your health, after all. Weintraub also offers the following piece of advice.
“Not only will the plumbing company find out if the sewer line is clean or clogged, but the inspection will disclose the condition of the sewer. Ask the contractor to tell you what kind of material was used to construct the sewer line and whether that type of material is considered good construction today.”
Since sewer pipes are concealed, you’ll need to call on a reliable Austin plumber who can accurately gauge the condition of the pipework. With their tools and skills, they can tell whether or not your sewers need immediate replacement, and thereby save your home from an impending sewage backup.
(Article Information and Image from Sewer Inspections for Older Homes, About.com)
