How was plumbing done for 1950's houses constructed on a concret slab?
by
Judy Taylor
+9
The concrete slab that my 1954 desert ranch house sits upon shows several cracks and uneven areas. Apparently there is one drain for the kitchen and laundry, and one drain for the bathrooms in this 1300 sq. ft. house. Since the kitchen drain stopped working and the heavy duty router failed, I know the next step is professional. Yet I would like to know how the drains were first constructed. I just can not visualize. Would anyone know of any sites or references I could use to find out?
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Go to your city planning department... they may have records about the code requirements for plumbing in your area... it would not have been PVC and could be galvanized, or copper.... both of which can corrode and are susceptible to mineral deposits... the drain to the street may be clay or iron pipe... both of which weaken over time and collapse. Go on HomeAdvisor.com or AngiesList.com and find a good, reputable plumbing contractor..... they will have honest answers for you on what could be wrong and what it will take to fix it.
my 1st 50’ s fixer was on a slab. All duct work for heat was via the attic. The piping was centralized to the mid portion of the house....the kitchen shared a wall with the bath, water heater.the area was cut out of the concrete. I think to catch any drainage from the water heater...my shoe box was 850 sq feet. My currant shoebox is 850 sq ft...with a full basemet.both have acess panels to plumbing
Hello Judy! Yes, I have seen what you are describing and if you are in such a home, it is important to know how plumbing was installed in slab homes. More importantly, one must know how to access the plumbing lines beneath the slab when/if necessary. Click on the link below — you will find the information invaluable!
https://www.johncflood.com/blog/plumbing/plumbing-problems-slab-foundation-homes
This site may also help you out in terms of visualization-http://www.mcgarryandmadsen.com/inspection/Blog/Entries/2014/9/25_What_are_the_common_problems_to_look_for_when_buying_a_1950s_house.html
amen to that,!...I no longer wish for a riding vacuumed cleaner.
!
amen to that! with my previous house i was considering a riding vacuum.