The houses here
Homes in this part of town range from older farmhouse-style properties to postwar houses and later infill. Lots can be irregular, and some properties were connected to municipal services long after they were built. That means service lines and laterals may follow unusual routes.
Common plumbing problems
- Laterals with unusual routes or junctions.
- Possible lead or galvanized use lines in older homes.
- Old septic tanks left in place after sewer connection.
- Basement water where lots slope toward the house.
- Mixed pipe materials from piecemeal updates.
Local notes
Older properties sometimes have abandoned septic tanks or old wells on the lot. These should be properly decommissioned so they do not collapse or become a hazard. If you find an old concrete lid or a pipe sticking out of the lawn, ask before digging nearby.
If a lateral seems to take a strange path, a camera with a locator shows exactly where it runs.
How we help
- Locate and camera the lateral.
- Check the service line material.
- Advise on old tanks and wells.
- Plan updates in stages.
The pipes behind the walls in Quaker Hill: pipes, drains and houses
| Typical houses | 1970s and 1980s homes |
|---|---|
| Supply pipes | copper supply |
| Drains | cast-iron stack, ABS branches |
We camera old laterals before basement bathrooms.
Questions people ask us
What should I do about an old septic tank?
It should be pumped and filled or removed, following local rules.