Residential Plumbing Blog

Have you ever took a peek inside your hot water heater? If so, you may have noticed a metal rod wondering why it’s there in the first place. It obviously serves a purpose, but it’s unclear to many what that purpose is.

Surprisingly, that little metal rod is there for an important reason. As you can see, it actually prevents your water heater from rusting. Additionally, its usefulness stems directly from its simplistic design.

What is an Anode Rod and Why Do I Need One?

We call that item an anode rod. As you can see, this small device has a steel wire center. Metals like zinc or aluminum are surrounding the anode rod’s center. Additionally, we install the anode rod carefully through an opening in your heater. As you can see, we make a connection between your tank’s inner walls and the rod itself.

When metal erodes, there is a natural process of oxidation that results in the deterioration of the metal. This metal loss occurs when electrolytes carry away electrons from the metal, which can cause serious rust issues. Although you can’t avoid this process completely, the anode rode minimizes the damage. This is because the erosion process is focused on the more active metals of the anode rod instead of the less active metal making up the water heater.

Although the anode rod does a great job of protecting your heater, eventually it will rust away completely, putting your hot water heater at risk. This is why it’s important to maintain your water heater and have it inspected at least once a year to determine whether your anode rod is ready to be replaced.

There are a variety of anode rods currently in use, which include:

• Magnesium anode rods
• Aluminum anode rods
• Zinc anode rods

Of the three options, magnesium rods are the most common but are extremely susceptible to hard water which causes faster deterioration. Both aluminum and zinc anode rods are typically more resistant to hard water, however, there are some health risks associated with each, and it is recommended that you avoid drinking hot water from your faucet which has been heated by your hot water heater.

If you have questions about maintaining your anode rod or would like to find out more about the type of anode rod used in your hot water heater, feel free to contact Action Plumbing to talk with one of our specialists.

Household pests need water to survive (just as humans do), and often search out water sources in your home’s most vulnerable places. Have you noticed an unexpected house guest like an insect (or worse) taking a quick sip from the water that collects around your bathtub’s drain? This common occurrence may catch you by surprise from time to time, but have you ever thought about what else may be going on behind the scenes in some of the more questionable areas of your home’s plumbing?

A plumbing leak is more than just a source of irritation, it’s a nuisance that can attract all sorts of unwelcomed house guests looking for a steady supply of freshwater. Some of the most common types of thirsty little pests include a variety of creepy crawlies, insects, and rodents.

Can Pests Lead to Undiscovered Leaks?

You shouldn’t assume you have a leak in your plumbing at the first sign of a bug in the bathtub. However, it’s important to keep in mind that sudden recurring sightings of unwelcomed pests could lead to undiscovered leaks. Be sure to thoroughly investigate any areas where rodents or bugs seem to be gathering, and take an especially close look at any nearby plumbing or sources of running water.

On the bright side, if you do discover a leak, it’s much more likely to be in a location that’s easily accessible as opposed to being buried deep within your drywall. Some of the most common areas you should inspect include:

• Under your bathroom and kitchen sinks
• Under your refrigerator
• Your freezer’s water line
• The water line to any appliances using water (dishwasher, washing machine, etc.)
• Under your sink traps and garbage disposal

Make sure you pay close attention to any areas where your pipes are entering through your walls to be sure they are sealed tightly using one of many alternatives including foam insulation, rubber gaskets, or metal plates. Proper seals not only help keep your pipes in place … they to keep those unwanted pests out.

If any creep critters have to lead you to a plumbing leak, contact Action Plumbing today talk with one of our experts, and find out how we can help get your issue fixed fast!

Even with the best upkeep and careful cleaning, mold and mildew manage to find a way to target the damp areas of your home. Bathrooms and basements are always regular targets where fungi can turn into more than just an unsightly nuisance.

What’s the Difference Between Mold and Mildew

In order to spot a problem area in your home, you first need to know what it is you should be looking for. Mold is typically green, brown, or black, and can grow rather quickly, often having a fuzzy appearance. Mildew is normally gray or white in color and develops into thin layers often resembling powder. Both mold and mildew should be cleared away to prevent future growth that may potentially cause additional problems.

Are Mold and Mildew Dangerous?

Both can be dangerous depending on the type and amount of mold or mildew you encounter. Most healthy individuals would likely experience minor respiratory issues, while those who already have respiratory issues like asthma run the risk of serious complications.

Many people who have seasonal allergies also have a reaction caused by mold or mildew, experiencing sneezing, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and more.

How to Find Mold and Mildew?

Be sure to thoroughly investigate all areas of your home and not just those that you would normally consider damp. Luckily, mold and mildew clean up are fairly easy. By using a little bit of elbow grease and diluted bleach, a soft-bristled scrub brush will usually do the trick.

Remember, although it’s common to find slight mold or mildew in damp areas (like a poorly ventilated shower), mold or mildew found in parts of your home that aren’t normally damp is often the sign of serious trouble. Whether it be a leaking pipe or a rainwater seepage, an unexpected plumbing issue is often the source of mold or mildew build-up.

If you’re finding mold or mildew caused by an underlying issue, contact Action Plumbing today to find out more about how we can help you get your problem resolved quickly. Don’t ignore the signs of a serious problem. Action Plumbing is ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!