Common Plumbing Problems with Older Indianapolis Homes & How to Fix Them

Old Pipe Materials

Indianapolis has no shortage of older homes or older pipes. While old pipes aren’t necessarily an issue themselves, the different materials they’re made of can create a variety of problems as they age.

Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized pipes became the standard for Indianapolis homes in the early 1900s as a safer replacement for lead pipes. The zinc coating that gave it its name was meant to resist rust, but that coating breaks down from the inside over decades, and the corrosion that builds up inside the pipe restricts flow and eventually causes leaks. If your home has weak water pressure, rust-colored water, or pinhole leaks that keep reappearing in different spots, galvanized pipe may be the culprit.

Clay Pipes

Clay was the go-to sewer material in Indianapolis' oldest neighborhoods, the Old Southside, Lockerbie Square, and Cottage Home among them, well into the mid-1900s. Clay pipe itself can last a very long time, but the joints between sections are the weak point. As the ground shifts and joints separate, tree roots find their way in, and the pipe becomes prone to cracking and blockages.

Orangeburg Pipes

Orangeburg is a sewer pipe made from wood pulp fibers layered with tar, and it was used heavily across the country, including Indianapolis, from the 1940s through the early 1970s because it was cheap and easy for builders to install.

One of its main selling points was its defense against tree root intrusions. At the beginning, they were believed to be completely impervious to roots. The problem is that they weren’t really built to last.

The material absorbs moisture and swells, the tar binder breaks down over time, and the pipe walls simply don't have the strength to hold up against soil pressure or roots indefinitely. Most Orangeburg pipe is now well past its expected 50-year lifespan, which is exactly why homeowners in mid-century pockets of Broad Ripple, Butler-Tarkington, and similar Indianapolis neighborhoods are replacing it proactively rather than waiting for a collapse.

How to Fix It

The right fix depends on the pipe material, which is why you should always contact a licensed plumber who is experienced in Indianapolis’s pipe variety to identify what you're dealing with first. This is usually done with a camera inspection for sewer lines and a visual or pressure check for supply lines.

Galvanized steel has usually corroded from the inside, so patching is temporary; replacing the affected sections with more modern materials is the lasting fix. Clay often has plenty of life left in the pipe itself; it's the joints that fail. So root removal and a root inhibitor can work if the pipe is structurally sound, while cracked joints need lining or spot repair. Unfortunately, Orangeburg can't be repaired. Once confirmed, replacement is the only option.

Given the potential scope of the project, it's best to consult a professional plumber who can assess the condition of your pipes and recommend a full or partial replacement as needed.

Unmaintained Plumbing Systems

Plumbing that hasn't been inspected in years is more likely to fail without warning, especially in a home where the original pipe has never been touched or inspected.

How to Fix It

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding major plumbing issues, especially in older Indianapolis homes where the system may be more outdated. Schedule annual inspections with a licensed plumber to check for leaks, test water pressure, and ensure that your system is functioning correctly. You can stay on top of this maintenance with ease with a preventative maintenance plan, which provides regular maintenance for an annual fee.

This proactive approach can help identify and fix small problems before they escalate into more significant, costly repairs.

Tree Root Intrusion

Indianapolis neighborhoods with mature tree canopies, specifically including silver maples, are particularly prone to root intrusion, since roots actively seek out the moisture inside sewer lines and work their way into any crack or loose joint. This is especially common with aging clay and Orangeburg pipe, where joints and seams give roots an easy entry point.

How to Fix It

If you suspect tree roots are affecting your plumbing, contact a plumber to perform a camera inspection of your sewer lines. If roots are found, the plumber can use specialized equipment to remove them and repair any damaged sections of the pipe. In some cases, preventive measures like installing a root barrier or applying a root inhibitor can help avoid future problems.

Failed Past Repairs

It's common in older houses to find a patchwork of past DIY fixes, especially in homes that have changed hands several times. A repair done with the wrong fitting or mismatched pipe material often fails again, sometimes worse than the original problem.

How to Fix It

If you suspect that a past repair is failing, it's important to have a professional plumber assess the situation. They can determine whether the original repair was adequate and recommend a more permanent solution, if necessary. Replacing old or inferior materials with high-quality, durable ones can prevent the issue from recurring.

Hard Water Buildup

Hard water is a common issue throughout the Indianapolis area, and while it affects homes of all ages, older homes are often more vulnerable to its effects. Over decades of use, minerals like calcium and magnesium can build up inside aging pipes, faucets, showerheads, and water heaters.

In older plumbing systems, this buildup can compound existing problems by restricting water flow, contributing to low water pressure, reducing water heater efficiency, and putting additional strain on fixtures and appliances. Hard water can also leave behind visible signs, including white mineral deposits around faucets, cloudy glassware, and frequent buildup on showerheads.

How to Fix It

The right solution depends on how severe the buildup is and the condition of your existing plumbing. A professional plumber can inspect your system to identify whether mineral deposits are affecting your pipes, fixtures, or water heater.

For many homeowners, installing a whole-home water softener can help reduce mineral buildup and protect plumbing components from further damage. Regular maintenance, such as flushing your water heater and cleaning fixtures, can also help extend the life of your plumbing system, especially in older homes where years of buildup may already be present.

Outdated Fixtures

Outdated plumbing fixtures are another one of the common plumbing problems with older Indianapolis homes. While these fixtures may have historical charm, they are often worn down and can lack the efficiency and reliability of modern designs—which can lead to leaks, inconsistent water flow, and higher water bills.

How to Fix It

Upgrading to modern, water-efficient fixtures can resolve many of these problems. Consider installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, which reduce water usage without compromising performance. If your water heater is also outdated, replacing it with a newer, more efficient model such as a tankless water heater can improve water temperature consistency and reduce energy costs.

Pipe Bellies or Sags

Pipe bellies or sags occur when sections of a pipe begin to dip or sag due to soil movement, improper installation, or the house settling—making them common plumbing problems with older homes. These sags can cause water to pool in the pipe, leading to clogs and increased pressure on the pipe walls, which can eventually cause leaks or bursts.

How to Fix It

Addressing pipe bellies often requires regrading or replacing the affected section of the pipe to ensure proper flow. A professional plumber can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may involve excavating and repositioning the pipes or replacing them entirely.

Owning an older home in Indianapolis comes with the responsibility of maintaining its unique charm while ensuring that the plumbing system is up to modern standards. By being aware of these common plumbing problems with older Indianapolis homes and taking proactive steps to address them, you can keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly for years to come.

At Ciriello Plumbing, we've spent more than 70 years and three generations working on the pipes within Indianapolis' historic neighborhoods, from Irvington to Broad Ripple to the Old Southside. Whether you're dealing with a suspected Orangeburg line, a sewer smell after a storm, or galvanized pipe that's finally showing its age, our team can inspect, diagnose, and fix it right the first time.