Common Plumbing Problems in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and How to Avoid Them

Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a number of historic homes and varying seasons. Both factors can bring about some special plumbing challenges. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns. The following are some common problems with plumbing in the area and how you can address them.

1. Dealing with Older Pipes in Historic Homes

Fort Wayne has lots of older homes; most of them were built with very outdated plumbing materials, like galvanized steel or cast iron pipes. These can rust out and start causing leaks or low water pressure. If your house is over 40 years old, it might be a good idea to have a plumber check your pipes for wear and tear. In some cases, repiping may be necessary to avoid costly water damage sometime down the line.

Read replacing old pipes to learn more from the Homeowner’s Guide to Repiping.

2. Winter Weather and Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes in Northeast Indiana are an all-too-common problem in cold winters that cause pipes to burst. Prevent pipes from freezing by insulating exposed pipes, and let cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Be aware that cold weather pipes in unheated areas, such as the basement or crawl space are most vulnerable.

See this winterizing your home guide for how to protect your pipes from freezing during the winter months.

3. Sump Pump Failure Due to Heavy Rainfall

Fort Wayne gets a lot of rain, especially during the spring and summer months. Because of this, many homes have sump pumps to keep their basements from flooding. These pumps are not ‘set it and forget it’ appliances; they need routine maintenance if you want them to work. Testing your sump pump every few months, along with having a backup, just may save your home.

For more on how to keep your basement dry, here is a guide to sump pump maintenance.

4. Tree Root Incursion into Sewer Lines

Tree roots in pursuit of water enter older sewer lines and create blockages or slow drains. Excluding this, almost all the houses that have an older sewer system may experience this problem. Regular inspection and drain cleaning at proper time will keep away serious backup.
For detailed information on how tree roots relate to plumbing, check Why Tree Roots Cause Plumbing Issues.

5. Seasonal Changes and Their Impact on Water Heaters

The changing seasons of Fort Wayne will impact your water heater. Your water heater has to work harder during colder months of the year to supply you with hot water. During this period, the efficiency of the water heater may decrease because sediment builds up. Therefore, to make sure that your water heater lasts longer, it is better to have it flushed once a year.

With the age of the homes and seasonal changes in weather, these unique plumbing problems are what the homeowners in Fort Wayne have to face. Besides this, regular maintenance, frequent inspections, and timely updates of the older systems can go a long way in preventing major plumbing issues. Take help for professional advice and actual repairs from a local Fort Wayne plumber so that all year round you can have a well-running plumbing system.