The older residential sections of Birmingham have unmatched charm. With modern architecture dominating the home scene, older homes have gained a cachet among homebuyers. Many buyers envision remodeling an old home to keep its charm but also to personalize it.

One of the most important parts of remodeling an older home is its plumbing. Homes built between the turn of the century and the 1980s used materials for plumbing pipes that could mean trouble down the years. This is where sewer camera inspection services in Birmingham, AL, enters the picture.

Materials Used in Older Plumbing Pipes

Clay pipes were used in the early 1900s. They were installed in short spans connected by joints. The joints make it easier for tree roots to infiltrate the pipes. Tree roots search for water, and they’ll break through anything to get to it. This clogs the pipes, which makes lower water pressure and backups a thing for plumbers to repair.

Cast iron pipes last longer than clay. However, they rust easily from the inside out. The pipes are thinner, which makes them susceptible to cracks. Additionally, sewer gases aid in cast iron pipes cracking. Cast iron pipes nearing the 100-year old mark are ripe for replacement.

Galvanized steel pipes have a coating of zinc to prevent rust. When the zinc wears out, rust moves in. It builds up in both water supply pipes coming into the house as well as the sewer pipes going out. Water will taste nasty, and rust buildups will block the pipes.

What’s the Answer?

Sewer camera inspection services in Birmingham, AL, will send a flexible tube with a camera on the end into the pipes to see if there are any blockages. Older homes with these types of piping materials could begin to show water damages inside the house as well as a soggy yard over any piping breakages. Contact Plumbing Professionals at https://plumbingprofessionals.net to learn how to handle the situation.