Looking for Tulsa plumbers who know their way around older homes? Spot On Plumbing is veteran owned, offers a 5-year warranty on PEX pipe, a 2-year warranty on bury hydrants, and can handle water leaks, gas leaks, clogged drains, water heaters, and more.
Plumber Comfortable Working With Older Homes
Michael Coates
Plumber Comfortable Working With Older Homes
Hey there, I’m Michael Coates with Spot On Plumbing right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. If you’ve ever lived in or worked on an older home, you know that it’s a whole different ballgame compared to newer builds. Don’t get me wrong, older homes are full of charm, those hardwood floors, the character in the walls, and the history in every room. But when it comes to plumbing pipes, water lines, gas lines, and even water heaters, they can come with their fair share of headaches.
Here at Spot On Plumbing, we don’t shy away from the tough jobs. In fact, we kind of thrive on them. We’re veteran owned, proud of our service, and we stand by our work with solid warranties: 5 years on PEX pipe installs and 2 years on bury hydrants. When you call us, you’re getting more than just a plumber, you’re getting a team that treats your home like it’s our own.
In this post, I want to walk you through what makes plumbing in older homes different, some of the most common issues we run into, and why having the right plumber who’s comfortable with these homes can save you a ton of stress (and money).
The Charm and Challenge of Older Homes
Tulsa has a ton of older houses. From Craftsman bungalows to mid-century ranch styles, we’ve got neighborhoods full of homes built in the early to mid-1900s. These houses are solidly built and they’ve stood the test of time, but the plumbing often hasn’t.
The main challenges usually come down to:
Aging plumbing pipes (galvanized steel, cast iron, or even clay)
Old water lines that may be undersized or corroded
Outdated gas lines that could be a safety hazard
Water heaters that are way past their prime
Clogged drains thanks to decades of use and buildup
Add to that the fact that building codes have changed a lot over the years, and you can see why an experienced plumber is essential. A rookie might look at those old plumbing pipes and just scratch their head, but we’ve been around long enough to know exactly what we’re dealing with.
Common Plumbing Problems in Older Tulsa Homes
Let’s break down some of the specific problems we run into all the time.
1. Water Leaks in Old Pipes
Water leaks are probably the most common issue we see. Old galvanized steel pipes corrode from the inside out, which means they can look okay on the outside but be paper-thin on the inside. One pinhole leak can quickly turn into a major problem.
When we find a water leak in an older home, we don’t just slap a patch on it and walk away. We’ll assess the bigger picture, are the rest of the pipes in similar condition? Do you need a full repipe with PEX pipe (which comes with our 5-year warranty), or will a targeted repair get the job done for now?
2. Bad Water Lines
Old water lines can be undersized for modern needs. Back when your house was built, people didn’t have dishwashers, big showers, or multiple bathrooms like we do today. That means your old water line might not keep up.
We can upgrade your water line to ensure you’ve got plenty of pressure and flow for modern life. Nothing’s worse than trying to shower while someone else is washing dishes and suddenly the water trickles down to nothing.
3. Gas Leaks and Gas Smells
This one’s serious. If you’ve ever noticed a gas smell in your home, you know how scary that can be. Older homes often have outdated gas lines that can develop leaks. Gas leaks aren’t something to mess around with, they’re dangerous and need to be handled right away.
At Spot On Plumbing, we’re trained and licensed to detect and repair gas leaks safely. If you smell gas, call us immediately (after you’ve safely exited the house and contacted your gas company). We’ll find the source, repair it, and make sure your home is safe again.
4. Water Heaters That Just Can’t Keep Up
Older homes often still have the same water heater they had 15–20 years ago. At that point, it’s usually costing you more money in energy bills than it’s worth, not to mention the constant risk of it failing.
We install and repair water heaters all across Tulsa. Whether you want a traditional tank or a tankless system, we’ll make sure you’ve got hot water when you need it. Trust me, nothing makes you appreciate a new water heater like stepping out of a cold shower in the winter.
5. Clogged Drains
If you’ve ever had a clogged drain in an older home, you know it’s not always as simple as pulling out the plunger. Years of buildup, grease, hair, and even tree roots can cause major blockages.
We use professional-grade equipment to clear clogged drains and make sure they stay that way. If your drains keep clogging, it might be a sign of a bigger issue in your sewer line, and we can inspect that too.
Why Spot On Plumbing is Different
Look, you’ve got options when it comes to Tulsa plumbers. So why call Spot On Plumbing?
Veteran Owned: We bring the same discipline, attention to detail, and commitment to service from our military background into every job we do.
Warranties You Can Trust: We stand by our work with a 5-year warranty on PEX pipe installs and a 2-year warranty on bury hydrants. That’s not just talk, it’s peace of mind.
Experience with Older Homes: We don’t get rattled by old plumbing systems. In fact, we enjoy the challenge. We know how to modernize your home’s plumbing while respecting its history.
Full-Service Plumbing: Whether it’s a water leak, gas smell, water heater repair, or clogged drain, we’ve got the tools and expertise to handle it.
Real-Life Stories from Tulsa Homes
Let me give you a couple of real-life examples (names changed for privacy).
The Case of the Leaky Pipes
A family in midtown Tulsa called us because their water bill had suddenly shot up. After some detective work, we found an underground water leak in their old galvanized pipes. Instead of just patching it, we replaced the main line with PEX pipe. They not only got their water bill back under control, but now they’ve got a system that’s going to last for decades, with our 5-year warranty backing it up.
The Gas Smell That Couldn’t Be Ignored
Another homeowner called us in a panic after smelling gas in their kitchen. We arrived quickly, traced the issue to a corroded gas line under the house, and replaced it. We also ran a full test on the system to make sure everything was safe. The homeowner told us later they finally slept easy that night knowing the danger was gone.
Hot Water at Last
One of my favorites was an older couple who had been putting up with a failing water heater for years. They thought it was just “normal” to run out of hot water halfway through a shower. We installed a new high-efficiency unit, and the next day they called me just to say thank you. They hadn’t realized how much they were missing until they got it fixed.
How We Work With Older Homes
When you call Spot On Plumbing to work on your older home, here’s how we approach it:
Assessment: We start with a thorough inspection. We don’t just look at the problem, you might call about a clogged drain, but we’ll check for underlying issues like root intrusion or broken pipes.
Clear Communication: We explain what we find in plain English, no technical jargon. You’ll know exactly what’s going on and what your options are.
Respect for Your Home: Older homes deserve care. We take extra steps to minimize damage, keep things clean, and preserve the character of your house.
Modern Solutions: Whether it’s installing a new water line, replacing old plumbing pipes with PEX, or updating your water heater, we use modern, reliable materials that stand the test of time.
Warrantied Work: You’re backed by our warranties, so you don’t have to worry about the same problem popping up again anytime soon.
Tips for Homeowners with Older Homes
If you’ve got an older house in Tulsa, here are a few tips to keep things running smoothly:
Listen for Clues: Gurgling drains, rattling pipes, or a faint gas smell shouldn’t be ignored.
Check Water Pressure: Low pressure could mean clogged pipes or undersized water lines.
Keep an Eye on Your Water Bill: A sudden spike could point to a hidden water leak.
Flush Drains Regularly: Don’t let buildup turn into a full-blown clogged drain.
Don’t Delay Repairs: Small leaks or old water heaters usually get worse over time, not better.
Wrapping It Up
Working on older homes in Tulsa isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. There’s something special about helping homeowners bring modern reliability to a house with decades of history. At Spot On Plumbing, we’re not just fixing pipes and drains, we’re giving you peace of mind.
So whether you’re dealing with a water leak, a suspicious gas smell, a clogged drain, or a water heater that’s seen better days, give us a call. We’ll bring the expertise, the warranties, and the dedication to get the job done right the first time.
Remember: Spot On Plumbing isn’t just another plumbing company. We’re your veteran owned, Tulsa plumbers who stand behind every repair and replacement we make.