Charlottesville has plenty of character homes, and with character comes quirks in the plumbing. If you live in a bungalow in Belmont, a cottage in Fry’s Spring, or a classic near Rugby Road, you might see issues that newer homes do not. The good news is that most problems in older systems have clear fixes once you know what to look for. Here is a straightforward guide from The Otter Guys to spot issues early, protect your home, and plan smart upgrades.
Key Takeaways:
- Homes built before 1986 may have plumbing that used lead-bearing solder or fixtures, so testing and targeted replacements are smart when you renovate.
- Old galvanized steel pipes corrode inside, which can reduce flow and release metals that were captured in the coating over time. Replacement is the long-term solution.
- Polybutylene supply lines, standard in late 1970s through mid 1990s construction, are prone to failure and should be evaluated for repiping.
- Storage water heaters usually last about 10 to 15 years, while tankless models often exceed 20. Age matters when you decide to repair or replace.
- Untreated moisture allows mold to start within 24 to 48 hours, so dry leaks quickly to protect your home and health.
- The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home, so a sudden jump well above your norm often points to leaks.
- Fixing common leaks can save thousands of gallons per year and lower bills.
Here are the most common problems we see in older Charlottesville homes:
Galvanized Steel Supply Lines That Have “Shrunk” Inside
Galvanized pipes were standard for decades. Over time, the zinc coating and steel beneath corrode, mineral scale builds up, and water pressure drops. You may notice rust-tinged water at startup, frequent aerator clogs, or uneven pressure between fixtures. Because corrosion happens from the inside out, spot repairs rarely hold. Whole-home repiping to copper or PEX fixes the root cause and stabilizes pressure. The Environmental Policy Innovation Center notes that galvanized steel corrodes easily, and the zinc layers may contain traces of lead, which is another reason many owners choose to replace these lines.
Polybutylene Supply Piping In Homes In the 70s-90s
If your home was built or renovated in that era and you see gray or light-blue flexible pipe stamped “PB,” put repiping on your list. Polybutylene can become brittle and fail unexpectedly after years in service, especially where water is chlorinated. Our team can confirm materials, map the system, and provide phased repiping options that fit your budget.
Lead-Related Plumbing Components in Homes Before 1986
Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986 to prohibit non-lead-free pipe, solder, and flux in drinking water plumbing. That means older homes may still have legacy solder or fixtures that do not meet today’s “lead-free” definition. During remodels or fixture upgrades, ask us to check materials, swap suspect parts for modern certified components, and discuss filters for added peace of mind.
Aging Water Heaters That Need To Be Replaced
Tank-type heaters usually age out in the 10 to 15-year range. Symptoms include inconsistent temperature, rumbling from sediment, and rusty water from the hot side. Tankless models can run more than 20 years but need periodic maintenance. If your unit is at retirement age, our water heater repair team can service it, and we can also quote a high-efficiency replacement when it makes more sense.
Old Sewer Lines
Clay or cast-iron laterals can crack, settle, or admit roots over time. You may see repeated slow drains, gurgling fixtures, or damp patches outside. A camera inspection shows what is going on and whether you need targeted spot repair, complete sewer repair, or replacement. If backups happen often, add a drain cleaning schedule to keep things flowing.
Small, Persistent Leaks
Older shutoffs, packing nuts, and fixture seals loosen as years pass. A “tiny” drip is not tiny on your bill. EPA WaterSense reports families can waste about 180 gallons per week from household leaks, and nationally, the total adds up to hundreds of billions of gallons each year. A simple whole-home check plus quick repairs saves water and money. See our tips for tracking usage and our guide to leak detection.
Hidden Moisture And Mold In Older Cavities
Plaster walls, crawlspaces, and built-ins can hide slow leaks. Drying quickly matters in our humid summers. In most cases, if wet materials are thoroughly dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold will not grow. If a leak has soaked drywall or subflooring, set fans, run a dehumidifier, and call us to address the source before you close things back up.
Plumbing Checklist for Older Homes
- Walk the house once a season and look for corrosion at visible pipe joints, stained shutoffs, and damp cabinet bottoms.
- Test every toilet with a dye tab. Silent flapper leaks are common in older fixtures and waste a surprising amount of water.
- If your water pressure is low throughout the home and you have galvanized lines, consider a repipe plan rather than repeated spot fixes.
- If your heater is over a decade old, schedule an annual service to flush sediment and check safety devices. It extends life and reduces surprises. Storage heaters have shorter expected lifespans, while tankless heaters have longer lifespans.
- Keep an eye on your bill. The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day. A sudden jump above everyday use often points to leaks. If you are not sure where to start, our high water bill guide can help.
Patricia’s Plumbing Problems
Here’s Patricia’s story of dealing with a common plumbing issue that we were able to diagnose and fix right away. We saved her a lot of money on her water bill by getting the problem fixed quickly.
My experience with this company started at a gas station parking lot where I randomly stopped a service tech who was exiting his company vehicle. Without hesitation, he was very polite and patient with my random question about losing 90+ gallons of water an hour, considering he was not the specialist for plumbing. He immediately contacted the director and provided me with very beneficial and helpful information. I was able to then schedule an appointment where I received Prompt appointment confirmation and communication up until the moment that my tech arrived to my location. From the time Chris who was my assigned tech, arrived at my property until the work was complete He was very communicative, helpful, and patient! Him and his partner very quickly found this major leak under my house, stopped and fixed the leak. I was very impressed and very thankful for the communication, the promptness and the professionalism that was displayed by Chris his partner as well as the entire company from the very beginning to the end. I will definitely continue to use this company for any future services that I may need ! I will definitely be recommending this company !! 5 stars for sure!!!
Read her story on Google here.
Contact Us For Common Plumbing Issues in Charlottesville
Need a trustworthy plumber in Charlottesville or Albemarle County? The Otter Guys can diagnose the issue, explain your options, and get it fixed the right way. We handle precise leak detection, repiping, sewer repair, drain cleaning, and water heater repair. If this feels urgent, our team offers emergency plumbing service. We will find the source, fix the right thing the first time, and help your older home run like a champ.
