Owning a period property is the dream of many a house buyer. But although they are filled with character and charm, they can also be more prone to issues with drainage. It is important to bear this in mind before you put in an offer.
Ageing Parts
According to The Times, the British have an enduring love for period properties and they hold their value more than new builds. But with that heritage and history come more problems, as the infrastructure is hundreds of years old and can’t cope with today’s modern demands.
The main reason for increased drainage issues in an older home is simply wear and tear. Cracks, misalignment of pipes and even corrosion can lead to leaks and potentially flooding.
The materials that were once used to build drainage systems, such as cast iron and clay pipes, can also be more susceptible to damage, often from tree roots which find their way in. What’s known as root ingress is a common problem, as there are often many mature trees surrounding an older property. Outdated materials only have a limited lifespan and, like everything, will eventually need replacing.
Little Maintenance
If drainage systems have not been regularly maintained and have been allowed to fall into disrepair, merely being patched up when there are cracks, it can lead to major problems and can even require a massive overhaul of the whole system.
It’s a good idea to get a professional to carry out a CCTV drain survey, which is a non-invasive way of checking the interior of pipes using a camera on rods. This allows an engineer to check for any potential issues and recommend potential solutions. If you require a CCTV drain survey Leicester, there are several options, such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-leicester/, who have the necessary expertise.
A CCTV drain survey is much more reliable and comprehensive than a manual one. You’ll even receive a detailed report of the state of your drainage system, allowing you to decide whether it’s worth fixing or will be too expensive and you’ll have to walk away.
