Historic homes in the North Hollywood neighborhood are considered high value real estate. Home renovation improves home quality but owners should renovate homes from the inside out. In other words, you might want to contact a plumber in North Hollywood before laying down expensive flooring.
Here are a few innovative ways to renovate plumbing systems from the 1920s to 1950s while still retaining your home’s best features.
Replacing Galvanized Pipes
Galvanized pipes are some of the most common found in North Hollywood. Between the 1920s and 1960s these pipes were an affordable and safe plumbing option. Made of steel and dipped in a zinc oxide protective coat, galvanized pipes are used in indoor and outdoor plumbing. Over time, they corrode or become clogged with debris. In the Los Angeles area, water can be aggressive. This means there could be high levels of chemicals that are used to purify water. Though you can drink it, your pipes will incur damage.
Galvanized pipes are easily replaced during a renovation. Copper or plastic pipes are solid replacement choices. Taking care of pipes first is one way to avoid destroying other work later.
Going Green
Homes built from the 1920s through the 1960s relied on galvanized pipes to carry water from city reservoirs into kitchens and bathrooms. Years of chlorine, ammonia and copper sediments build up inside pipes and also work to break them down. Still, these pipes were an improvement when compared to lead pipes. As years go by, pipe material becomes cleaner, safer and greener.
When looking at replacements, consider investing in new, green technologies. Synthetic pipes made of plastic and other materials are resistant to harsh chemicals and aggressive water. In addition, your water is safer to drink since metallic ​sediments aren’t stripped from the pipes themselves.
Replacing Iron-Clad Plumbing Systems
Iron-clad plumbing systems are some of the oldest plumbing systems and are often found on the East Coast. Older North Hollywood buildings have also been known to use these systems. Commercial buildings in particular have an iron-cast plumbing history. Unlike galvanized pipe, iron-clad systems have a better chance of holding up over time. Though they are still prone to deterioration, it might not be necessary to replace an entire system.
Public facilities inspectors are able to use micro-camera technology to enter the plumbing system and examine pipes. These teams develop a better understanding of existing problems and can remediate those without the need for stripping a building down to its shell.
Your replacement options include composite pipes and copper pipes. It is often cost-effective to replace pipes completely during an extensive remodel because pipes are already exposed. If this isn’t the case, then replacing sections as needed is another option.
Danny White is a freelance writer who offers to ghostwrite, copywriting, and blogging services. He works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.
