It probably seemed like a wonderful investment opportunity. Purchase an older, and do some work on it during the weekends. Then once renovations are completed, instant profit. But did you get the plumbing inspected before you settled on the contract? Here are some things you may not know about plumbing in older homes that could cost you.

It’s important not to dump harsh chemicals into your septic system like drain cleaners, but are you also considering the other chemicals you use to clean? Toilet cleaners, dishwasher soap, and even laundry detergent can kill off the healthy bacteria which is taking care of your waste. Try to use natural products for all cleaning jobs in your house to keep your septic system in good shape.

You don’t need to add anything to a correctly installed septic system to ensure it’s working properly! In fact, chemicals being dumped down the drain can cause more problems by killing off the good bacteria needed to digest the waste. The best treatment for your system is to have it pumped at regular intervals.

Insulating pipes in unheated areas of your house can save you the headache of burst pipes and flooding down the road. If you find that a room with pipes is especially cold, you should also use caulk to seal any holes in the walls, or any cracks around windows to ensure no drafts get in.

In order to ensure that your toilet works smoothly, make sure the chain connected to the handle is of the proper length. If the chain is too short, you will likely have a leak between the tank and the basin, and if the chain is too long, you run the risk of it catching in the flapper.

Brushable sealant is great for connecting joints which aren’t glued or soldered where you don’t want to stick to tape. You can find types which are specific for threaded plastics or galvanized steel, ensuring your connection is as tight as possible. Plumbing stores or even big box home stores will carry both products and can also offer you advice.

Make sure to clean out your pipes using chemicals or tools often to stop them from blocking up. This is especially important for toilet drains or pipes which are outside and can be affected by tree roots. Call in a professional if you end up having problems you can’t deal with yourself.

You absolutely must use sealant on a joint unless it has been glued or soldered. Sealant tape is easy to use and will create an amazingly tight fit, so choose the right one for the job. Blue tape is for sealing a connection for water, and yellow tape is for gas joints.

Now that you are aware of the pitfalls of older style plumbing in some houses, you will be able to avoid making costly purchase mistakes in the future. Always get the plumbing inspected before purchasing a property if you are in any doubt as to the state of it. Your bank balance will thank you for that decision in the long term.