From Bricks to Attic, Part 3

In keeping with our series on analysis of the older houses from the turn of the century through 1968, we continue with the issues of Plumbing and Sewers utilities of your house.  These two systems are discussed here together due to the fact that when discussing Plumbing problems many individuals often use terms associated with these areas interchangeably   In reality they are separate and distant. Plumbing generally has to do with the flow of water from your main water supply source and subsequent distribution to points throughout your house.  The Sewer system is more directly related to the collection and distribution of waste water, solids and ventilations of odors and fouls smells from within the house via a Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) system that is then discharged into the Sewer Lines from within your house to the City Sewer system. The proper functioning of your plumbing, Drain, Waste and Vents (DWV) systems is essential to the health, safety and welfare of the house’s tenants.  The Plumbing system not unlike the other utilities of the house should be accessed when considering a makeover, remodel or addition to the house.  Earlier designs and building standards almost always dictated the use of galvanized iron piping of ½” or greater for water systems.  It was assumed that these piping systems would last a life time.  The reality is that forty, fifty and sixty years later we find that these pipes have been corroding from within. Sediments and small particles have collected in the pipes and are resulting in bad taste, odor and in some cases just plane unsafe water for consume. In addition you may find that plumbing repairs have been made using improper techniques, i.e. repairing broken, busted, or modifications by connecting galvanize pipe to copper pipe without use of proper connecting joints.  Old water systems with new or modern Water Supply hot water tank are, on occasions installed without professional help.  Improper ventilation and pressure relief valve installation can cause aeration as well as danger to the water system which can contribute to hazard operating conditions of a Plumbing System. Cloudy colored water in your water system can be caused by two conditions; 1. Air dissolved in system or 2. Chemically injected water treatments by your local water district.  If, the latter is evident you should immediately contact your Local District Supervisor and ask for an inspector to visit your house to determine the cause.  If you are trying to solve the problem yourself make sure you know the proper procedure for correcting the problem.  Older Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) systems were generally installed using Terracotta pipe until the advent of Caste Iron pipes.  Both were installed in sections and joined together by specially designed couplings. More recently, a product known as ABS is being used for Drain, Waste and Vents (DWV) and Sewer systems.

As you plan your makeover, remodel or add on to your house make sure you examine the condition of the Plumbing, Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) system.  The question you will need to have answers to are: What is the design capacity of my current Plumbing and DWV system?  Can I add additional demands for water and discharge on my current plumbing and DWV system?  What is the allowable water pressure at the elevation of my property?  Is it adequate or will a pressure regulator be required?  Is my Main water service line from the meter adequate to allow addition bathrooms, kitchen, Laundry facilities, Jacuzzi tubs, spas large sprinkler systems?
Do I have adequate sized pipes for DWV?  Each of these items can have a decided cost factor added to your makeover, remodel or addition plan.

Each of these areas has a specific State Building and Local Building Code Associated with the topic.  To obtain more information on these and other requirements go: www.icc.com or www.codecheck.com your local building department for assistance.

If you have missed previous issues of this brief discussion of things that create difficulties when remodeling, adding on or house moving subscribe to our Free Monthly Newsletter by going to www.adcbuilderseminar.com and click on the Free Newsletter link at the top right corner of the web page.  Comments are welcome at: davis52@comcast.net .

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