Owning a historic or vintage home is a point of pride because it has so many fascinating qualities that you cannot find in modern dwellings. However, those charming walls often hide plumbing systems that are decades old. When winter arrives, these aging pipes face a lot of stress. This is because the materials used many years ago react differently to the cold than those used in modern construction.
If your house still has clay or cast-iron sewer lines, you are dealing with pipes that are more brittle and prone to shifting when the ground freezes. A sudden cold snap can cause a hairline crack to widen. It can even turn a slow drain into a big problem, especially if significant property damage results. Taking care of your vintage sewer system now is the best way to ensure your home stays cozy and dry until spring comes again.
The Danger of Brittle Pipes and Shifting Soil
Older sewer lines are typically made of heavy cast iron or vitrified clay. When these materials were popular, they were considered to be the best. Unfortunately, they do not handle the freeze-thaw cycle very well. When the water in the soil turns to ice, it expands and pushes against the pipes.
When this happens, old joints are bound to slip or crack. Since these pipes have been underground for so long, they may already be weakened by many years of use and natural wear and tear.
Dealing With Stubborn Root Intrusions
Trees love the warmth and nutrients found inside sewer lines because they provide what they need to thrive. Older pipes are especially easy for them to invade because of the way they were built. Clay pipes were often installed in short sections, and the joints were made of mortar. That mortar crumbles and leaves gaps over time.
Even in the dead of winter, roots will seek out these openings. This is because the wastewater inside is much warmer. Once a root gets inside, it grows into a thick mass. This will catch toilet paper and solid waste until a complete blockage forms and a serious backup occurs, introducing dangerous contaminants into your living space.
Grease Problems
In many older homes, the kitchen sink is far away from the main stack. This means that the drainpipes have a long way to travel through cold crawl spaces or chilly basement walls. If you pour liquid grease or fatty oils down the drain, these substances will lose their heat quickly while traveling through these cold pipes. By the time the grease hits the main sewer line, it will turn into a solid waxy brick that results in a major backup. Scrape greasy pans into the trash bin to keep your aging pipes clear of “fatbergs.”
If it has been some time since you had a professional inspection by a licensed plumber, call for one now. A professional can go into your sewer line with a camera to spot hidden problems so that you can fix them before they have a chance to cause serious damage. For sewer line maintenance, inspections and repairs, call Waccamaw Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing so that you can keep your Myrtle Beach, SC home protected and safe.
