Best Plumbing Tips for Older Homes

Author: Your Local Plumber
July 21, 2025

Older homes in Lacey, WA have charm—craftsmanship, character, and a real sense of history. But behind those beautiful walls, the plumbing can tell a very different story. Aging pipes, outdated materials, and decades of wear can lead to leaks, low pressure, or even major water damage if not handled right.

If you own (or are thinking about buying) an older home in Lacey, here are the smartest plumbing tips to help you avoid expensive surprises and keep your system running smoothly.

1. Know What Kind of Pipes You Have

Many Lacey homes built before the 1980s still have:

Galvanized steel pipes – prone to corrosion and internal rust buildup
Cast iron drain lines – durable but can crack and decay over time
Polybutylene (PB) piping – used in the '80s and '90s, but known to fail suddenly

What to do: Have a licensed plumber inspect your pipe material. If you have any of the types above, especially PB or corroded galvanized lines, consider repiping sections of your home before they cause major damage.

2. Watch for Hidden Leaks

Old plumbing systems tend to leak slowly at first—often behind walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces where you won’t notice right away. Left unchecked, even a pinhole leak can rot wood, attract mold, and wreck your foundation.

What to do:

Check your water meter before and after a few hours of no use. If it moves, you may have a leak.
Look for soft spots in walls, warped flooring, or mildew smells.
Schedule an annual plumbing inspection to catch problems early.

3. Test Your Water Pressure

Low water pressure is common in older homes and can mean:

Buildup inside old pipes
Partially closed shut-off valves
Failing pressure regulators

What to do: Use a gauge to test pressure at an outdoor spigot. Normal residential pressure should be between 40–60 psi. Anything below 40 may need professional adjustment or repair.

4. Flush the Water Heater (More Often)

Older plumbing often sheds rust and sediment, which can collect in your water heater tank—especially if you have older galvanized pipes.

What to do: Flush your water heater every 6–12 months to prevent buildup, improve efficiency, and extend the life of the unit.

5. Upgrade Old Fixtures and Shut-Off Valves

A lot of older homes still have original toilets, sinks, and shut-off valves that weren’t designed for today’s water use or safety standards.

What to do:

Upgrade to low-flow fixtures to save water and reduce strain on old pipes.
Replace old, stuck, or corroded shut-off valves so you can easily stop water in an emergency.

6. Consider a Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection

A thorough inspection will check:

Pipe condition and materials
Water heater health
Main sewer line (roots, cracks, collapse)
Drain performance and venting
Fixture and valve reliability

Why it matters: Many plumbing problems in older Lacey homes start small but grow fast. An inspection gives you a clear picture of what’s good, what’s risky, and what needs updating before it fails.

Local Tip: Lacey Homes Built Before 1970 Deserve Extra Attention

If your home was built before the 1970s, it’s a good idea to get a plumbing health check—even if nothing seems wrong. Many problems stay hidden until they become costly emergencies.

Need a Pro You Can Trust?

At American Plumbing, we specialize in helping Lacey homeowners care for their older homes. From whole-home inspections to repiping and leak repairs, we bring decades of experience and zero-pressure advice.

Call us today to schedule a plumbing checkup or get a quote: (360) 438-0611

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