Manufactured homes are an affordable option for people seeking to access housing without a financial burden. Manufactured homes provide flexibility and give people the opportunity to own a home without debt or mortgage. However, the quality of the houses is not always top-notch, and many people have faced issues regarding different aspects of the house. Issues regarding plumbing for manufactured homes are one of the major problems that people in these houses face. Here are some issues that people face with plumbing for manufactured homes.
Corroded or Rusted Pipes
Corroded pipes are a common issue in manufactured or mobile homes. Many mobile homes utilize galvanized pipes made of steel, which tend to be the less expensive option. However, these pipes are more susceptible to rust and corrosion compared to standard pipes used in stationary homes. The combination of moisture and air contributes to rust formation and damages the pipes. Corroded pipes can lead to leakage, discoloured water, and reduced water pressure.Pipe Leaks
Pipe leaks are ubiquitous in any plumbing system, especially for manufactured homes. Most of the materials in mobile homes are second-hand materials, even pipes. They are fragile and susceptible to leaks and damage. Leaks can happen at the points of connection where it is weak and attached with inferior materials. Leaking pipes can damage the house and help breed mold growth. Pipes around sinks and bathrooms are more susceptible to leakage than any other place.Frozen Pipes
Plumbing for manufactured homes is vulnerable to freezing in cold temperatures. The pipes are exposed to temperatures outside. Water expands when it starts to freeze, and thus, it damages pipes when it freezes. Mobile homes do not have any insulation, and thus, the unheated areas are susceptible to this issue. Frozen pipes damage the plumbing system of the house and cause clogging. It could permanently damage the plumbing system if you don’t take action quickly.Broken or Cracked Pipes from Shifting
Mobiles tend to move around a lot, and this can put stress on the plumbing system. Temperature fluctuations can damage the pipes. The house could also get into an accident that could physically damage the plumbing system. Connection points tend to be more vulnerable, which can cause the entire system to collapse.Improper Pipe Slope
Pipe slopes are required to maintain and properly control the water pressure in the plumbing system. If the pipe slope is improper in a mobile home, it could lead to low water pressure, sewage build-up, and drain backflow. Improper slop can be caused by many factors, such as manufacturing defects, external damage due to shifting, wrong house design, or renovation damage. Improper slope should be corrected as it could exacerbate into a bigger problem.Low Pressure
Low pressure is the main problem of plumbing for manufactured homes. Low pressure can happen due to sewage build-up, pipe freezing, leakage, or improper pipe slope. Mineral deposits are also common in mobile homes, which can cause pipe clogging and consequently low pressure. Manufactured homes have faulty pressure valves, which also lead to low pressure.Tips for Plumbing for Manufactured Homes
- Regular inspection: Perform regular inspections of your house plumbing system for damage.
- Upgrading pipes: Upgrade pipes if they are old or damaged beyond repair.
- Searching for signs of leaks: Watch out for leakage signs such as a wet floor or walls.
- Septic tank inspection: Maintain your septic tank through inspection and pumping.
- Pipe insulation: Insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing.
- PEX Piping: Consider PEX pipes, which are resistant to freezing and damage.