The older homes around Allenstown and The Range are some of Rockhampton's most characterful. They are also often dealing with original plumbing from the 50s and 60s that has reached or passed its useful life. Here is what we see most often.
Galvanised pipe corrosion
Galv pipes corrode from the inside out. Water pressure drops year by year as the internal diameter narrows with rust. By the time you notice low pressure at the shower, the pipes might only have a few millimetres of internal diameter left.
The fix is replacing with copper or PEX. Full re-pipe for a 3 bedroom Allenstown weatherboard runs $4,500 to $8,500 depending on access. Disruptive but permanent.
Cast iron sewer drains
Standard until the 80s. Cast iron pipes themselves last 80+ years but the joints corrode and tree roots find their way in. Classic sign is recurring blockages every few months. CCTV inspection tells you whether you need spot repairs or full relining.
Original brass tapware
Brass tapware has a 30 to 40 year service life. Past that, the spindles seize, washers cannot seat properly, and you end up with constant drips. Replacement is cheap and easy at $80 to $120 per tap including labour.
Weeping shower trays
Older homes often have tile-over-fibreglass shower bases that have started leaking through the floor. Look for swollen skirting boards or staining on the ceiling below. Fix is usually a new pre-formed shower base plus re-tiling. Do not put it off - the timber damage gets expensive fast.
Hot water systems past prime
Original tanks in 1960s-built Allenstown homes have long since been replaced. The replacements from the 80s and 90s are now reaching end of life. Look for rust at the base of the tank, leaking pressure relief valves, or just an old tank that runs out of hot water faster than it used to.
What to do first
If you have just bought an older Allenstown or The Range home, get a CCTV drain inspection done. About $250. Tells you whether you are looking at $500 of spot repairs or $15,000 of full sewer replacement. That kind of clarity is worth a lot when planning renovations.
Renovation tip
Older Allenstown homes often have plumbing that runs through original floor joists and wall cavities that were not designed for modern fixtures. If you are renovating, include a plumbing redesign as part of the scope. Cheaper than trying to retrofit modern bathrooms onto 1950s plumbing.