Common Plumbing Issues In Older Apartment Complexes

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

4 Common Plumbing Repairs Needed in Older Apartment Complexes

Older apartment complexes are often notorious for the complexity and obsolescence of their plumbing systems. It's just a fact of life for property managers. Therefore, it takes a bit of ingenuity to manage some of these antiquated systems. For example, units constructed in Northern Virginia during the 1970 – 1990 era sometimes still contain polybutylene piping, a material that has grown so out of favor in the plumbing industry that it is no longer recognized in building codes. Here are four common plumbing issues property managers of older rental units may need to face.

1. Clogged Drains.Since this can result in water backing up and flowing onto the floor, it should be addressed quickly. Options for clearing a clogged drain include using a drain snake, employing a plunger, cleaning out the drain trap, and using a chemical cleaner.
2. Blocked Toilets.The methods for clearing a clogged toilet are similar for those used when fixing a clogged drain. However, since this could involve the overflow of contaminated water, the services of a reputable water remediation company should be considered if raw sewage spills out onto the floor.
3. Poor Plumbing Designs.This often involves the use of improper materials for pipes, such as polybutylene. If not replaced, this type of piping can result in burst pipes and extensive water damage. Poor design can also refer to the actual physical configuration of the pipes and might include an excessive number of twists and turns and elbow joints that impede water flow.
4. Damaged Discharge Lines.This refers to the lines that lead away from the property and join the municipal water lines. Over time, these lines not only age and weaken, but they also are vulnerable to damage from tree roots and other obstructions.
   

Some plumbing issues in older units are easier to fix, while others, such as the presence of polybutylene pipes, require major renovations. The services of a water restoration company can be a big help with water damage.  Our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton are always here to help and just a phone call away at 703-583-8484.