There’s a lot to love about older properties – high ceilings, quirky features, a bit of character – but they also come with a fair share of hidden surprises, and one of the most overlooked is the drains. Tucked away underground and out of sight, the pipework in older homes often hasn’t had much attention since it was first installed.
This can lead to a few common problems over the years.
Tree Roots Get Curious
It doesn’t take much for tree roots to find their way into old pipe joints. They’re drawn to moisture, and if they find even the tiniest crack, they’ll wriggle their way in and grow. Over time, this causes blockages, slow drainage, and even collapsed sections if left untreated. It’s a slow-moving issue that can become a big headache without early intervention.
Pipes Weren’t Built to Last Forever
In older homes, you’ll sometimes find clay or cast-iron pipes – materials that were common decades ago but don’t always hold up in the long term. Clay can crack under pressure or shift with the ground, and cast iron is prone to corrosion. They’re not an issue just because they’re old, but because time, pressure, and weather eventually take their toll.
Dodgy DIY Fixes
Many older homes have been lived in by a lot of people over the years, and not everyone calls a professional when there’s a blockage. Temporary fixes, poorly installed additions, or mismatched piping can all lead to recurring issues that don’t show up right away, and they often lurk quietly until something goes wrong.
Know What’s Going on Underground
If you’ve just moved into an older home – or you’re about to – it’s worth booking a CCTV drain survey Leicester from experts like wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/leicester/ to check for these common problems before they catch you off guard. It’s a quick way to spot issues early, and it might save you from unexpected costs down the line.
When it comes to drains, knowing what’s there is always better than guessing.