1. Clay drainage pipes with open-jointed connections
Clay pipes were laid in short lengths with simple joints, so there are many places to leak. The joints can open over time. Water leaks out and roots can get in.
A camera survey shows the state of the joints. Our page on CCTV drain survey explains how.
2. Lead supply pipes
Many Victorian homes had lead water pipes, and some remain. Some remain. Lead can dissolve into water, so replacement is wise.
Ask a plumber to check. Meanwhile, read our guide to lead pipes for advice.
3. No waste ventilation (no soil vent pipe)
Older systems may lack a proper vent for the soil pipe, because nobody required one. Without air, drains can gurgle and smell. Traps may lose their water seal.
A plumber can advise on adding a vent. Take care, since the work needs skill and may involve building rules.
4. Combined drainage (foul and surface water in the same pipe)
Some old drains carry waste and rainwater together, so heavy rain can overload them. Heavy rain can overload them. This can cause flooding or smells.
Ask your water company or surveyor how your drains are laid out. Keep this in mind if you plan to add bathrooms.
5. Very small bore waste pipes
Old waste pipes can be narrow, while modern appliances put more load on them. Modern appliances put more load on them. They block more often as a result.
Replace them if they cause repeat trouble. Ask an engineer which size suits your use.
6. Soil pipe running inside the building
Some older houses have a soil pipe inside the walls. A leak here can cause damp and smells. Access may be poor.
Check for stains and odours. If you suspect a leak, call a plumber, because hidden pipes need expert tools.
7. Undersized inspection chambers
Old chambers can be small and hard to use. Engineers may struggle to clear drains through them. Covers may be buried or lost.
Find your chambers and mark them. Ask for access to be improved if needed, since easy access helps future repairs.
8. The drainage system has never been surveyed
Many old drains have never been looked at inside, so faults can sit unseen for years. Faults can sit unseen for years. A survey gives you facts.
You can request a free quote and we will pass your details on. A CCTV drain survey is a good place to start.
9. Galvanised steel hot water pipes
Old steel pipes rust from the inside, because iron reacts with water. They can narrow and leak. Water may run brown.
Replace them if they cause trouble. Because steel corrodes slowly, you may see low pressure first.
10. Non-existent or inadequate trap seals
A trap holds water to block smells. Old fittings may have shallow or missing traps. Gases can enter the room.
Fit proper traps when you update fittings. A plumber can check each one, since poor traps cause odours.
Starting point for a Victorian property
Start with a drain survey and a check of the water pipes, because they show the biggest risks. Then fix the biggest risks first. Keep records of what you find and fix.
Related guides and local help
If you want to know more, read Foul Drain vs Surface Water Drain: What Goes Where?. You can also read Soakaway Problems: Why They Fail and What to Do About It and Why Drains Smell Worse in Summer and How to Stop It, because they cover closely related problems.
These guides help too: Septic Tank Maintenance: A Complete Guide for UK Homeowners, CCTV Drain Survey: What to Expect and When You Need One, 7 Signs Your Restaurant Drain Needs a Maintenance Contract, Emergency Plumber Costs: What Affects the Price and Tips and 5 Warning Signs of Pitch Fibre Pipe Failure to Watch For. Each one explains a related topic in plain English.
Need help near you? Read our drain jetting page first, or see Drain Jetting in Bodmin and Drain Jetting in Bognor Regis. You can also see Blocked Drains in Crowland, since every service page has a free quote form. We pass each request to a local drainage engineer.
