In 1670, Charleston, SC was founded. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, many people from near and far are attracted to the history and beauty of our city. As beautiful as the old architecture and cobblestone streets are to look at, if you find yourself living in an older home, you've probably found yourself faced with unique plumbing challenges compared to folks living in newer homes. And while it is cool to preserve remnants of what once were in an ever-changing world, certain plumbing issues, like leaking pipes or pipe corrosion, are not so cool, and you may find yourself dealing with frequent plumbing repairs and unexpected costs.
Our Charleston plumbers have seen it all when it comes to Charleston's historic plumbing. From drain pipes that look as if they were installed in 1670 themselves to leaky plumbing fixtures that could tell stories of the city's past, every plumbing service brings an exciting, unique challenge. If you're not diligent with the plumbing in historic Charleston homes, minor issues can escalate into major plumbing problems right away. That's why we've compiled an educational guide for those who encounter old home plumbing issues in Charleston, SC.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston, we understand the nuances of older plumbing systems and how to work with them. We know that upgrading or removing remnants of the past can be difficult. But updating plumbing in old Charleston homes isn't just a recommendation; it's a necessity. With the help of our professional plumbing services, you can preserve the old-world charm of your home while ensuring your plumbing system operates efficiently and reliably. Stay tuned as we navigate the challenges and solutions for Charleston's historic plumbing.
The Charleston, SC Code for Historic Plumbing
In Charleston, history is everything, even when it comes to Charleston's historic plumbing systems. So much so that there are regulations in place, governed by Charleston County's Historic Preservation Ordinance, that if any upgrades or repairs are required in historic homes, they must be carefully executed in order to preserve the property's historical character.
For a plumber to provide a professional service on a historic property, they must obtain a Certificate of Historic Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Officer. This ensures that the work completed by the professional plumber aligns with the architectural integrity of the home, honoring its past while accommodating modern plumbing needs.
According to Charleston County's building codes, permits are required for any type of new installation or upgrade that exceeds a simple repair. Our plumbers are highly educated and familiar with these codes, prioritizing compliance to ensure that all projects are performed with utmost respect and care for local regulations.
Now that we've given you a brief history lesson, let's get into the specifics regarding old home plumbing issues in Charleston, SC.
Challenge: Outdated Pipe Materials and Corrosion
One of the most common challenges historic homes face is outdated pipe materials. Homes built before the 1960s were commonly built with brick, wood, and galvanized steel plumbing piping. While the wood and brick haven't lost their charm, galvanized steel sure has, and it not only causes a wide range of plumbing challenges in old homes, but it also poses severe health risks. This material is highly susceptible to corrosion and can leach harmful substances like lead into the water supply.
Galvanized steel pipes are also susceptible to leaks because they develop rust and mineral buildup over time, which can lead to leaks, obstruct water flow, and even low water pressure. Recurring clogs are also a challenge for homeowners since these pipes can degrade internally, trapping sediment and debris. The expert solution for this plumbing challenge is to update the plumbing in old Charleston homes.
Whole house repiping is a comprehensive solution that replaces aging plumbing pipes with modern materials, ensuring an improvement in water quality and flow. Galvanized steel pipes are often replaced with PEX or copper, both of which are resistant to corrosion. By updating plumbing in old Charleston homes, there will be a significant improvement in the overall efficiency and reliability of the plumbing system.
Challenge: Hidden Leaks
Hidden leaks can be a nightmare for any property owner. They strike behind walls, underneath floors, and in ceilings, causing extensive damage to anything in their wake. Hidden leaks are another common challenge for Charleston's historic plumbing. Old pipes leak for a variety of reasons; corrosion and breaks in the line are just a few that can lead to water seeping into unwanted areas. The thing about persistent leaks is that they don't just cause property damage; they also impact water consumption and can lead to excessively high water bills.
The only way to catch hidden leaks is through advanced leak detection. In this service, licensed plumbers utilize plumbing video inspections, thermal imaging, and acoustic listening devices to pinpoint the location of the leak. Each of these methods is non-invasive, so historic homeowners won't have to worry about an extensive excavation that could damage their property. Once the location of the leak is identified, plumbers will be able to proceed with the necessary Charleston historic home pipe repair, being mindful of the local regulations in place.
Challenge: Sewer Line Issues
The last challenge for Charleston's historic plumbing systems is sewer line problems. Sewer lines in older homes may have been constructed from materials such as clay, cast iron, or even tar paper, which were common in WWII-era construction. These outdated materials are prone to leaks, tree root intrusion, and even sewer line collapse. Tree roots are especially a concern for Charleston homeowners because the city's lush vegetation often leads to roots infiltrating the sewer lines in search of nutrients.
Luckily, there is a relatively simple solution for this old home plumbing issue in Charleston, SC: trenchless sewer line repair or replacement. Expert plumbers will utilize trenchless methods in which the work is performed underground with minimal disruption to the landscape above. This ensures that beautiful azaleas, southern magnolias, pathways, and other landscaping or hardscaping features will remain intact while the plumbing system is efficiently restored.
Worried About the Challenges of Plumbing in Historic Homes? Charleston Can Trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing
While there are significant plumbing issues in historic homes, at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston, we're still incredibly proud to live in a city that values history. And because of this, our licensed plumbers are just as dedicated to preserving your historical home as you are. That's why we offer a wide range of expert plumbing services tailored to meet the unique needs of Charleston's historic plumbing.
Performing regular inspections and addressing minor issues before they escalate will help maintain the integrity of your plumbing system and preserve the wonderful charm of your home. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.
