Behind the Walls: The Hidden Dangers of Old Plumbing in Alberta Homes
- jmphimpact
- Jun 5, 2025
- 4 min read
When you walk into a charming older home in Alberta, maybe a cozy craftsman in Edmonton or a century-old farmhouse in the countryside, there’s something undeniably comforting about the creaks in the floor and the character in the woodwork. But behind those beautifully aged walls? There may be a ticking time bomb, and it’s your plumbing.
At Jurassic Mechanical Plumbing & Heating Ltd., we’ve seen it all. Owned and operated by experienced tradesmen Mike Deters and Shawn Reid, we’ve spent years working on Alberta’s older homes. What lies beneath the surface can mean the difference between a peaceful home and a flooded nightmare.
In this blog, we’ll uncover:
What old plumbing really means
The specific dangers hiding behind your walls
The most common types of outdated systems in Alberta homes
Warning signs every homeowner should watch for
What to do before disaster strikes
How Jurassic Mechanical can modernize your plumbing without losing your home’s character
What Qualifies as "Old Plumbing"?
If your home was built before 1990, it’s considered to have aging plumbing. But homes built before 1960? You’re almost guaranteed to be dealing with:
Galvanized steel pipes
Cast iron drains
Lead-based solder or even lead supply lines
And the scary part? Most of these systems have a lifespan of 40–70 years. So if your home is reaching that milestone, your plumbing has either expired, or it's on life support.
The Hidden Dangers of Old Plumbing ☠️
1. Lead Contamination
Lead was commonly used in plumbing pipes and solder until the late 1980s. Even small levels of exposure can be hazardous, especially for children and pregnant women. The health risks are so serious that Health Canada has classified lead as a toxic substance, and many municipalities are now mandating lead service line replacements.
Fun (terrifying) fact: You can’t see, taste, or smell lead in water. The only way to be sure? Professional testing and inspection.
2. Corrosion and Pipe Decay
Galvanized steel and cast iron pipes corrode from the inside out, meaning by the time you notice rust-colored water or low pressure, the damage is well underway. Decay can lead to:
Water discoloration
Leaks or bursts
Foul odors from drains
Mold and rot behind walls
3. Pipe Bursts and Water Damage
Old pipes are brittle and prone to sudden failure, especially in Alberta’s cold climate where temperature swings can cause pipes to expand and contract rapidly. Bursts often occur without warning, leading to major water damage, destroyed drywall, and the need for emergency remediation.
4. Blocked Drains and Sewer Backups
Cast iron drain lines degrade over time, often forming rough inner surfaces where waste and debris cling. The result? Sluggish drainage, frequent clogs, and eventually… backups.
In some older homes, we’ve even seen tree roots growing into ancient sewer lines.
Common Types of Old Plumbing in Alberta Homes
Type of Pipe | Used Until | Lifespan | Risks |
Lead | ~1950s | 100+ yrs | Toxicity, corrosion |
Galvanized Steel | ~1960s | 40–50 yrs | Corrosion, low flow, rust |
Cast Iron | ~1980s | 50–70 yrs | Sewer line collapse, clogs |
Polybutylene (PB) | ~1995 | 10–15 yrs | High failure rate, brittleness |
Copper (early) | Still used | 50+ yrs | Solder may contain lead (pre-1986) |
If your home has any of the first four, it’s time to consider replacement, or at the very least, a full system inspection.
7 Warning Signs Your Home’s Plumbing is Too Old
You may not be able to see your pipes, but they often send out distress signals:
Discolored water – Often brown or yellow from rust or decay
Unusual smells – Sulfur or musty odors from mold and bacteria buildup
Low water pressure – Common in corroded galvanized pipes
Frequent clogs – Aging sewer lines or drain systems
Water stains on ceilings/walls – Leaks from behind the scenes
Peeling paint or bubbling drywall – Signs of moisture seepage
Sudden increase in water bills – Hidden leaks can waste hundreds of gallons
Ignoring these signs might not just cost you money, it could lead to structural damage or health hazards.
Why Replacement Is Better Than Repair
When you patch a single section of old plumbing, you’re not solving the core issue, you’re putting a band-aid on a broken bone.
Here’s why re-piping or replacing outdated systems is the smarter choice:
Stops leaks and water damage before it starts
Improves water quality and pressure
Increases property value and code compliance
Saves you from future emergencies
Can reduce insurance premiums with proof of modern plumbing
Jurassic Mechanical: Alberta’s Old Plumbing Experts
We don’t just install new pipes, we diagnose, strategize, and customize your plumbing upgrade based on the unique layout and needs of your home. Our team has the tools, training, and care needed to replace outdated systems without destroying walls or disrupting your life.
Why homeowners trust us:
Over 30 years of hands-on trade experience
Specialists in character homes and heritage properties
Clean, code-compliant upgrades
Smart planning with minimal demolition
Fast response and no-surprise pricing
From Edmonton bungalows to farmhouse remodels, we handle every home with respect, and we treat your plumbing like it’s our own.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
It’s easy to delay plumbing work when everything seems fine. But here’s what "wait and see" can cost you:
Water damage repair: $3,000–$15,000+
Mold remediation: $2,000–$6,000
Emergency plumbing call: $500–$1,200
Insurance deductibles: Up to $2,500 per claim
The real kicker: Declined insurance claims due to neglected maintenance
Why wait until your ceiling caves in?
Ready for Peace of Mind? We’ve Got You.
Your home may be older, but your plumbing shouldn’t be prehistoric. Don’t let hidden hazards cost you comfort, safety, or money.
Let the experts at Jurassic Mechanical Plumbing & Heating Ltd. inspect, upgrade, or fully replace your aging system with care, speed, and unbeatable experience.
📞 Call us now: 587-453-1019
📧 Email: info@jurassicmechanical.com
🌐 Visit: www.jurassicmechanical.com
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