Leaky Pipes in Old Home Repaired

Older homes are often known for their charms and quirks, and when well-maintained they can command a premium for buyers seeking history or craftsmanship. But ask anyone who owns a house built prior to 1950, and they can tell you just how hard it can be to keep it properly maintained and updated.

One common problem in older homes is old pipes. Years ago, state-of-the-art in plumbing was cast-iron drains and brass supply pipes. Now, those materials have been supplanted (for the most part) by PVC plastic, copper, and flexible cross-linked polyethylene, known as PEX. But whether the pipes are plastic, metal, or a combination of the two, a lot is at stake: One leaky joint can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage and, if you’re like most home owners living on a budget, that’s an expense that would cause a serious dent in your finances.

Mark, the owner of a turn-of-the-century residential home in Niagara Falls, ON. had recently encountered this problem when he noticed water damage in the ceiling around a leaking pipe in his basement. Due to the age of the thread, the joint in the old pipe was not sealing and connecting to the new PEX pipe. Rather than having to resort to a costly plumbing bill, Mark was able to effectively seal the leak and secure the joint using LLFA compression tape. This provided an economical solution that was both practical and easy.