There’s something undeniably charming about old homes—the architecture, the vintage details, and the history in every creaky floorboard. But, along with all that charm there can also be a whole set of plumbing problems just waiting to surprise you at the worst possible moment. Leaky pipes, low water pressure, clogged drains—you name it, an old house has probably dealt with it.
In this guide, we’ll go over the most common plumbing problems in old homes, how to locate and use your water shutoff valves like a pro, and how to fix or prevent these issues before they drain your bank account.
The #1 Money Waster: Not Knowing When or How to Shut Off Your Water
If there’s one plumbing mistake that will drain your wallet, it’s not knowing how to shut off your water in an emergency. A tiny leak can quickly turn into a big plumbing issue, racking up costs in repairs to damage in the floors, walls, and anything in its path. The difference between a quick fix and a disaster? Shutting off your water—fast.
So, where is this money-saving valve? In most homes, you’ll find it in the basement, crawl space, garage, or outside near the water meter. It’ll either be a gate valve (a round handle) or a ball valve (a lever you turn 90 degrees). To shut it off, remember the golden rule: righty tighty, lefty loosey.
Be sure to test your shutoff valve to make sure it actually works as old ones can get stuck. Most importantly, make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it because a little knowledge now can save you a fortune later!
1. Old & Corroded Pipes
In older homes that have not been renovated, original pipes can rust, corrode, and clog, leading to low water pressure, rusty water, and surprise leaks. Small leaks can be temporarily patched with pipe clamps or epoxy, but the long-term fix is to look into replacing them for better durability.
To minimize damage, shut off your water the moment a leak appears—a quick reaction can mean the difference between a minor repair and a costly disaster.
2. Leaky or Failing Fixtures & Faucets
Old faucets and fixtures don’t last forever. Over time, they wear out which can cause them to drip and drive up your water bill.
If you notice water stains, constant dripping, or an unexplained spike in your water bill, it’s time for a fix. Replacing washers, O-rings, or cartridges can stop minor leaks, while upgrading to modern, water-efficient fixtures saves money in the long run.
But before you grab a wrench, turn off the shutoff valve under the sink—or the main valve if needed to prevent any surprise indoor showers!
4. Hidden Pipe Leaks & Water Damage
Old plumbing systems often hide slow leaks behind walls or under floors, causing structural damage, mold growth, and skyrocketing water bills. If you notice musty smells, mysterious stains, or unexpected moisture, you might have a hidden leak.
Tools like moisture meters or infrared cameras can help detect the problem, but fixing it usually means cutting into drywall to access and repair the damaged pipe.
If you find a major leak, shut off the water immediately to stop further damage—because the longer it runs, the bigger the repair bill!
5. Clogged Drains & Sewer Line Issues
Old cast iron or clay sewer lines can be compromised by tree roots, debris buildup, and even collapses, while indoor drains often clog with grease, soap scum, and hair.
If you’re dealing with slow drains, gurgling noises, or—worst of all—sewage backups, it’s time to act fast. A plunger or drain snake can handle minor clogs, but serious issues may require hydro-jetting or a sewer line inspection.
If sewage starts backing up, shut off the main water supply immediately to stop the mess from getting even worse!
6. Water Heater Failures & Leaks
Old water heaters don’t always age gracefully. They can accumulate sediment, corrode, and eventually start leaking.
If you’re experiencing no hot water, unpredictable temperatures, or a puddle forming around the tank, your heater is crying for help.
A yearly flush can clear out sediment, but if your unit is 10-15 years old, replacement is the smarter move.
If a leak starts, shut off the cold water supply to the heater immediately to prevent flooding and water damage.
7. Toilet Problems: Running, Leaking, or Clogged Toilets
An old toilet can waste gallons of water or turn your bathroom into a disaster zone.
Worn-out flappers, faulty fill valves, or clogged waste lines are the usual culprits behind constant running or frequent overflows.
A new flapper or fill valve can stop running water, while a toilet auger tackles tough clogs. If the bowl starts overflowing, shut off the small valve behind the toilet to prevent an unwanted mess.
8. Low Water Pressure
If you find that your home is struggling with weak water flow, corroded pipes, clogged aerators, or even municipal supply issues could be to blame.
If your sinks, showers, or appliances are barely trickling, start by cleaning faucet aerators and checking for leaks. If the whole house has low pressure, it might be a city supply issue. If a pipe replacement is needed, however, shutting off the water is a must to prevent further damage.
9. Frozen Pipes in Winter
Frozen pipes are a common problem in old homes. Poor insulation leaves them vulnerable to freezing and bursting in cold weather.
If you notice no water flow in certain faucets or frost on pipes, use a hairdryer or heating pad to gently thaw them. You can also wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation to prevent future freezes. On especially cold nights, leave faucets dripping to keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing.
If a pipe bursts, shut off the main valve immediately to stop the flood before it wreaks havoc!
DIY Fixes vs. When to Call a Plumber
When it comes to plumbing, knowing when to DIY and when to call a plumber can save you both time and money.
Simple tasks like replacing faucet washers, clearing minor clogs, or adjusting toilet components are usually easy fixes you can handle yourself. But for more complex issues, like major leaks, sewage backups, water heater failures, or pipe replacements, it's best to leave it to the professionals.
The biggest cost-saver is knowing how and when to shut off your water. It can prevent further damage while you wait for the plumber, saving you from costly repairs down the road.
The Bottom Line
Owning an old home definitely comes with its share of plumbing quirks, but many of these issues can be managed with a bit of preventive care and knowing how to shut off your water in an emergency.
By locating your main shutoff valve today, you’ll be prepared to avoid those costly surprises when plumbing problems arise. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your home’s plumbing now.
Commercial Service Is Ready To Help
If you ever find yourself overwhelmed by a plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted professionals like Commercial Service for help. At Commercial Service, we have dedicated over 75 years to helping Indiana's residents and businesses stay comfortable and satisfied with their heating, cooling, and plumbing. No matter the season, we’ll make sure your home’s plumbing is operating efficiently and effectively.
Commercial Service is the partner you can trust with all of your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. Call us today at 812-339-9114.
