Older homes built with slab or pier and beam foundations have unique issues. If you plan to buy one, ensure your real estate agent has experience handling these conditions.
Water Heater Issues
Your home’s water heater plays a major role in your comfort and can experience normal wear and tear over time. However, if your water heater is not functioning properly, it can lead to several issues. These issues include a broken thermostat, loud sounds, and an inability to produce hot water. These problems can all be addressed by a skilled plumbing professional in the Austin area.
If you notice that your water heater is leaking, then it is important to call a plumber immediately. A leaky water heater can cause severe damage to your property and lead to expensive repairs. Leaks are also a sign that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
Leaking water heaters are a common problem that can be quite costly. The best way to prevent this issue is by scheduling regular maintenance services with a trusted plumbing company. This will help ensure that your water heater is working properly and can help you save on energy costs. Additionally, it will help keep your home safe from mold and other harmful substances.
Plumbing Issues
Many plumbing problems start as small annoyances, such as a leaking sink or slow-draining tub. But left unattended, these issues can become a serious problem. A clogged drain, for example, can lead to flooding, sewage backup, and even structural damage in your home. So, if you suspect a clog, call an Austin Home Repair immediately.
Whether you need to reroute the water lines to a new bathroom or fix a faulty faucet, a professional plumber can help. Often, plumbers in Austin will recommend routine inspections of your home’s piping. These can include video camera pipe inspections and hydrostatic pressure testing to find the source of the issue.
Plumbing leaks are a common concern for homeowners in Central Austin. Especially in older homes, original cast iron piping can deteriorate and develop leaks over time. Professional plumbers can use various tools to test your home’s plumbing for leaks, including odor testing and a dissolved solids (TDS) test.
TDS tests measure the amount of dissolved minerals, metals, and other substances in your home’s water. High TDS levels may indicate the presence of contaminants, such as lead and arsenic, that can lead to health concerns for your family. The good news is that you can prevent these issues by following the guidelines from Austin Water and having regular maintenance done by our plumbers in Austin.
Electrical Issues
If your lights are flickering, your outlets are giving off burning odors, or you get shocks when plugging in devices, it’s time for an electrical repair. These issues indicate dangerous voltage levels that can lead to a fire or other serious damage if left unchecked.
Your outlets may not be grounded if you have an old need for an Austin home. Today’s building standards require GFCI outlets near sinks, outdoor outlets, and more. Older homes often have two-prong ungrounded outlets, while current standards call for grounded three-prong outlets. Fortunately, switching over to safer, grounded outlets is simple and cost-effective.
You should always check your breaker box periodically. If your breaker trips, it shuts off the flow of electricity to the outlet or circuit in question, protecting you from getting shocked, your wiring from damage, and your home from an electrical fire. To reset your breaker, locate it (it’s usually a rectangular box placed at eye level in the garage or inside a closet) and flip the switches back to their “on” position.
It’s common for people to put off important home repairs. This can be a problem for homeowners on fixed incomes, as deferred repairs can result in dangerous safety and health conditions or force them to sell their property. However, there are resources available to help Austin residents make critical repairs.
Foundation Issues
Foundation issues are one of the most costly home repair problems. They can damage the entire house and create unsafe conditions for residents. Foundation settlement services can help to prevent these problems and save homeowners a lot of money. These services involve inspecting the soil and foundation of a building and developing a plan for addressing any problems that may arise.
Austin is in the center of an expansive clay soil belt. These soils are prone to shifts and movements due to moisture fluctuations. This can cause a variety of issues, including sinking foundations. It is important to watch for signs of foundation problems, such as sagging floors, a damp crawl space, and sticking doors and windows.
It is also important to ensure that surface water drains away from your home’s foundation. This will keep the ground from becoming too saturated and causing soil movement. In addition, it will keep the water from seeping into your home and creating a damp crawl space that can lead to mold, mildew, and rot.
There are a few different ways to address foundation problems in Austin. Some homeowners use helical piers, while others opt for a concrete slab foundation. Whatever the solution, it is important to hire a professional that has experience in foundation repair and can provide high-quality service.
