The Impact of Time, Stress, & Deterioration on Old Systems
Flint is a city with deep history, resilient people, and neighborhoods filled with homes and businesses of every era. But beneath the surface, the city’s aging sewer system highlights an unfortunate vulnerability. Many locals are familiar with leaky basements, corroded pipes, or recurring sewer backups. These aren’t just occasional headaches but symptoms of an infrastructure struggling under everyday demands.
At ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint, we care deeply about protecting Flint’s commercial and residential properties and supporting the community that makes this city so strong. That’s why it’s important to take a closer look at how aging infrastructure creates risks—and how property owners can stay ahead of these issues with preventative measures and early detection.
How Flint’s Older Pipes Can Lead to Persistent Leaks
Many Flint buildings, including its historic properties built before the 1970s, still rely on outdated plumbing materials, including:
- Galvanized Steel. These pipes can gradually rust from the inside out, restricting water flow and creating weak spots that leak.
- Cast Iron Pipes. Once durable, cast iron now shows its age through cracks and mineral buildup.
- Clay Sewer Lines. Common in older neighborhoods, clay pipes often collapse or allow tree roots to invade, leading to serious blockages.
Galvanized steel, clay, and even cast-iron pipes may have once stood strong, but time can leave them vulnerable to leaks. It is best to repair plumbing issues before they begin. Even a minor drip behind the walls can quickly escalate into mold growth or structural damage.
Telltale Signs of Deteriorating Plumbing Systems
Replacing older pipes and plumbing lines with modern PVC or copper is often the most reliable fix, but property owners may not notice the problem until visible damage appears.
Signs your plumbing may be at risk include:
- Frequent Leaks. Recurring drips under sinks or in basements are a sign your fixtures need to be upgraded.
- Rusty Water. Discolored water can point to corroded pipes.
- Low Water Pressure. Mineral buildup or pipe deterioration can significantly reduce flow.
- Unusual Noises. Banging or clanking in pipes can signal wear.
Routine inspections by a plumber can help you identify and prevent much of this hidden damage.
Infrastructure Factors that Frequently Caused Sewer Backups & Basement Flooding
Flint’s older sewer lines and infrastructure can struggle during heavy rains or snowmelt, creating backups that spill into basements. Homes built decades ago weren’t designed to handle today’s demands on the sewer system, and homeowners face the consequences in their basements, where backups are inconvenient and hazardous.
Many factors can push a sewer system to its limits, including:
- Tree Root Intrusion. Large, mature trees lining Flint’s streets send roots into cracked sewer lines, creating obstructions that lead to backups.
- Combined Sewer Systems. In parts of Flint, stormwater and sewage share the same pipes. During storms, this can overwhelm the system and force contaminated water into basements.
- Shifting Soil Conditions. Freeze-thaw cycles, common in Michigan winters, put pressure on home foundations and underground lines, causing breaks and misalignments.
A single basement flood can damage flooring, walls, and personal belongings. More importantly, it raises health risks by introducing bacteria and contaminants into the living space.
Prevention Tips for Basement Flooding
Keeping your basement dry starts with staying ahead of the most common causes of flooding.
We recommend:
- Installing a Backwater Valve. This simple step can help prevent sewage from flowing back into your home.
- Checking Basement Drains. Ensure drains remain clear of debris and properly sealed.
- Inspecting for Root Intrusion. Have sewer lines scoped to catch tree roots early.
- Maintaining Gutters & Downspouts. Direct water away from your foundation to reduce sewer overload.
By taking these preventative measures (check out our blog, “How to Prevent and Address Mold Growth in Basements,” for more tips), you can lower your basement’s risk of mold growth and costly water damage.
The Impact of Lead & Corrosion on Flint Households
The Flint water crisis highlighted how infrastructure can directly affect residents’ health and homes. Beyond water quality concerns, aging main lines also contribute to leaks and pressure inconsistencies that stress plumbing. Sudden water pressure shifts increase the risk of pipe bursts, especially in older buildings.
The city’s troubles with lead pipes may be finally correcting course, but beyond water safety, corrosion also contributes to structural damage. Corroded pipes are brittle, more likely to leak, and can fail without warning. While many replacement projects are underway, countless properties still rely on older service lines and interior pipes that create vulnerabilities.
Why It’s Wise to Replace Outdated Plumbing Fixtures & Appliances
Infrastructure issues aren’t only beneath the streets. Inside Flint homes, plumbing fixtures and appliances often show their age as well.
To help reduce the chances of property damage, we recommend updating/replacing:
- Old Water Heaters & Washing Machines. Units still operating past their intended lifespan add strain to pipes and are more prone to leaks or sudden tank failures.
- Worn-Out Faucets & Valves. Even small drips can add up to gallons of wasted water and gradual damage to cabinets and floors.
- Inefficient Sump Pumps. Many basements rely on sump pumps, but older models may fail during storms or power outages.
Replacing outdated equipment prevents leaks and improves water efficiency, helping Flint residents save on utilities.
Added Stress from Flint’s Seasonal Conditions
Living in Flint also means preparing for Michigan’s unpredictable weather. Heavy rain in spring, summer storms, and freezing winters all put strain on properties already challenged by aging infrastructure.
The Infrastructural Strain of Harsh Michigan Winters
Michigan winters put added pressure on already vulnerable systems. Pipes in older Flint buildings may lack modern insulation, making them prone to freezing and bursting. Once a frozen pipe thaws, water can gush out quickly and damage floors, walls, and electrical systems.
To protect your home or business in winter, we recommend:
- Insulating Exposed Pipes. Use foam insulation sleeves or heat tape.
- Maintaining Indoor Temperatures. Keep your thermostat consistent, even when away.
- Shutting Off Outdoor Faucets. Drain and close spigots before freezing temperatures hit.
- Knowing Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is. Quick action can save thousands in damage.
- Checking gutters. Gutters clogged with leaves can cause significant damage during heavy rain and snow.
Property owners should consult a seasonal checklist. This simple habit can help prevent damage tied directly to older systems.
The Hidden Costs of Property Neglect
Many residents and property owners underestimate how fast water damage from city-wide infrastructural issues can escalate. If ignored, even minor leaks from old, compromised sewer lines and pipes can lead to mold growth, structural weakening, and higher repair bills.
Waiting to restore and repair can lead to:
- Mold Infestations. Mildew and mold often grow in hidden areas behind walls, under flooring, and in basements.
- Foundation Damage. Water seepage weakens basement walls and slabs.
- Roofing Leaks. Severe weather can cause storm and roof damage, leading to costly interior water damage.
- Electrical Hazards. Leaks near wiring can create serious fire risks.
- Higher Insurance Premiums. Repeated claims from water damage can drive up costs.
Because older infrastructure tends to fail silently, small warning signs are easy to miss. This is why it is essential to stay vigilant, even when there are no visible problems.
Preventative Steps Property Owners Can Take
Being proactive is critical at any time of the year, not only before the rainy season or the first deep freeze. While infrastructure replacement is a long-term project for the city, property owners can take practical measures now to reduce the risks of water damage.
We suggest:
- Upgrading Pipes When Renovating. Replacing old lines during a remodel helps prevent future emergencies.
- Maintaining Sump Pumps. Test pumps regularly and consider a battery backup for power outages. Check out our past blog to learn more about sump pump failure prevention.
- Sealing Foundation Cracks. Prevent groundwater from seeping into basements during heavy rains.
- Improving Drainage. Gutters, downspouts, and landscaping play a big role in keeping water away from foundations.
- Installing a Pressure Regulator. This simple step can protect pipes from surges that can cause cracks or bursts.
- Scheduling Routine Plumbing Inspections. Regular checkups help identify weak spots before they fail.
These steps may not eliminate every risk, but they significantly reduce the chances of costly water damage.
Partnering with Professionals in Flint & Genesee County
Even the most diligent property owners can’t always prevent water damage caused by outdated infrastructure. That’s where professional restoration services step in. Trained experts not only clean and repair damage but also identify the underlying causes so the same issue doesn’t happen again.
If you’ve noticed leaks, dampness, or other signs of water damage in your Flint business or home, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Quick action limits the damage (as we comprehensively outlined in our 2023 blog, “The Importance of Quick Response After a Water Disaster”), protects your health, and restores your property faster.
The good news is that professional help is near. ServiceMaster Restore has years of experience helping Flint and Genesee County landlords, commercial tenants, and homeowners recover from burst pipes, roof leaks, sewer backups, and basement flooding. Our restoration team has the skills, equipment, and focus to put your property on the road to recovery quickly and efficiently.
Call (877) 959-5828 today for professional water damage restoration and trusted support when you need it most.
