Living in a Charming Older Home in Tyler? Don’t Let the Plumbing Surprise You.
Tyler is full of character-filled homes—from historic neighborhoods near the Azalea District to post-war ranch-style homes scattered throughout the city. While these homes offer unique charm and timeless architecture, they often come with plumbing systems that are... well, outdated.
At Bannister Plumbing and Air, we regularly assist Tyler homeowners in identifying and resolving issues caused by aging plumbing infrastructure. Here’s a look at the most common plumbing problems in older Tyler homes—and what you can do about them.
1.Old, Worn out Pipes
If your home was built before the 1960s, there’s a good chance it still has older drain lines. These older pipes were standard in their day, but over time, they’re prone to:
- Rust and corrosion
- Low water pressure
- Sediment and mineral buildup
- Discolored or metallic-tasting water
Over time, the inside of these pipes clogs up, much like clogged arteries, choking your water flow and increasing the risk of leaks.
The Fix: Repiping. These new pipes can be made from modern materials such as copper, PEX, or CPVC. This upgrade ensures that the plumbing system operates efficiently, reduces the risk of leaks and water damage, and can improve both water quality and pressure.
2. Slab Leaks from Shifting Foundations
Tyler sits on expansive clay soil, which swells and contracts depending on rainfall. That movement can crack foundation slabs—and the water lines beneath them.
Older homes are particularly vulnerable to:
- Underground pipe leaks
- Wet spots on floors
- Unexplained increases in water bills
- Low water pressure in multiple fixtures
The Fix: We recommend a slab leak repair. Our plumbers will assess the severity of your slab leak and advise you on the most appropriate and cost-effective repair method, which can include any of the following:
- Pipe rerouting
- Cutting through the foundation
- Repiping
- Pipe coating
3. Recurring Drain Clogs and Slow Drainage
In older homes, cast iron or clay drain lines can degrade over time, leading to:
- Frequent clogs
- Gurgling sounds
- Slow drains in tubs, sinks, and showers
- Backups in low-level plumbing fixtures
Tree roots are also a major culprit in East Texas, invading aging drain lines through tiny cracks.
The Fix: Professional drain cleaning, hydrojetting, or replacing damaged sections of pipe.
4. Outdated or DIY Plumbing Fixtures
If your home has gone decades without a major plumbing update, you may find:
- Faucets or toilets that leak or wobble
- Improperly vented drains
- Uncode-compliant plumbing repairs from previous owners
- Odd noises when fixtures are used
These aren’t just annoyances—they can indicate serious performance or safety issues.
The Fix: Bannister’s licensed plumbers can upgrade fixtures, repair faulty installations, and ensure everything is up to modern code.
5. Hidden Leaks and Water Damage Behind the Walls
Old copper and steel pipes, aging fittings, and decades of wear can lead to tiny pinhole leaks that go unnoticed—until they cause visible damage.
Look for:
- Stains on ceilings or drywall
- Mold or mildew smells
- Peeling paint
- Constantly running water meter (even when all fixtures are off)
The Fix: Leak detection, wall repair, and proactive pipe inspections during a plumbing tune-up.
Don’t Wait Until It’s a Plumbing Emergency
The older the home, the more likely minor plumbing issues will snowball into costly repairs. At Bannister Plumbing and Air, we specialize in helping Tyler homeowners modernize and maintain old plumbing systems—without compromising the charm of your historic home.
We offer:
- Non-invasive leak detection
- Whole-home plumbing inspections
- Fixture upgrades
- Re-piping services
- Expert advice from techs who know East Texas homes inside and out
Let’s Bring Your Plumbing Up to Speed
If you’re living in one of Tyler’s beautiful older homes and noticing any of these plumbing problems, give Bannister Plumbing and Air a call. We’ll help preserve your home’s history—while giving you 21st-century peace of mind.
