The Fox Valley area is full of beautiful older homes — craftsman bungalows, mid-century ranches, post-war colonials. They have character that new construction simply can't replicate. But character sometimes comes with plumbing challenges that modern homes don't face.
Dylan Lavenau, owner of D&A Fox Valley Plumbing, has spent more than a decade working on older homes in Geneva and the surrounding communities. Here's his rundown of what to watch for — and when it's time to call a plumber.
Galvanized steel pipes
Galvanized steel was the standard pipe material in homes built before the 1960s. It was a solid choice when it was installed — but it has a lifespan of 40 to 70 years, and many of those pipes are now at or past end of life.
The problem is corrosion. Over decades, galvanized pipes rust from the inside out. The result is reduced water pressure (sometimes dramatically), discolored water with a metallic taste, and eventually leaks. If you have galvanized pipes and you're seeing any of these signs, it's time to talk about repiping.
Cast iron drain lines
Cast iron drain pipes can last 75 to 100 years — but they don't last forever. In homes from the early and mid-20th century, these pipes are often reaching the end of their useful lives. Watch for frequent backups, sewage odors, or visible rust and cracks.
The tricky part: cast iron failures often happen in sections you can't easily see, like under the basement floor or behind finished walls. A camera inspection is the best way to assess their condition without tearing anything apart.
Outdated fixture valves
Older homes often have shutoff valves that haven't been turned in decades. These valves can seize up over time, meaning that in an emergency — like a burst pipe — you can't shut off the water to a specific fixture. You have to shut off the whole house.
Make it a habit to test your shutoff valves once a year. If a valve is stuck or won't close completely, have it replaced before you need it in an emergency.
Polybutylene pipes (1978–1995)
If your home was built or replumbed between 1978 and 1995, there's a chance it has polybutylene (PB) pipes — a gray plastic material that was widely used before being phased out due to widespread failures. PB pipes can fail without warning, often at fittings and joints.
If you have PB pipes, it's not a matter of if they'll fail — it's when. Repiping with modern PEX or copper is the right long-term solution.
Two-handle faucets and old fixtures
Older fixtures often used rubber washers that degrade over time, causing drips and leaks. These are typically easy fixes — replacing a washer or cartridge — but they're commonly ignored because the drip seems minor. A slow drip can waste thousands of gallons per year.
What to do with an older home
You don't need to repipe your entire house the day you move in. But a thorough plumbing inspection when you purchase an older home — or if you've never had one done — is one of the smartest investments you can make. Knowing the condition of your pipes lets you plan proactively instead of reacting to emergencies.
- Get a plumbing inspection before purchasing a home built before 1980
- Test all shutoff valves annually
- Watch for water pressure drops, discoloration, or unusual odors
- Have a drain camera inspection done if you're experiencing frequent clogs
- Don't ignore small leaks — they get worse, not better
