Many areas in our region have experienced record rain falls this summer, which has homeowners concerned about unexpect basement flooding. Using a sump pump may be enough to keep your mind at ease, but it’s important to take the time to find out whether it’s in the best condition to perform efficiently if and when it’s needed.

Unfortunately, many homeowners assume that their sump pumps are in perfect working order, only to discover a basement flood that could have been avoided if their pumps had been maintained properly. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make sure your sump is ready to do its job.

Regular Check Ups

Don’t just assume your pump working properly, especially during the times when you’re most at risk for flooding. Remember you need to give it a visual inspection at any point of the year when flooding is likely. This especially includes everything from sudden warm winter day that causes a significant snow melt to a heavy Spring time downpour. Also give you sump pump a once over every few weeks, as checking regularly will help you find a potential problem early, before you end up with a huge mess.

Pump Clean Up

Regular sump pump maintenance also involves giving it a good cleaning. You may not realize that your pump is clogged by built up debris, like small rocks, dried leaves, or other run off. Don’t just clean the pump filter. While you’re at it, be sure to check the entire pump and pit to make sure there’s nothing that’s preventing the pump from working correctly.

Replace Old Pumps

Most pumps last anywhere from 7-9 years, and while it’s a good idea to make the most out of your pump’s longevity, don’t risk a flood by relying on an old or damaged sump pump. Although maintaining your pump will help to extend your pump’s life, you need to recognize that any signs of failure could lead to an unfortunate and costly disaster.

Do you have any additional suggestions on how to maintain your sump pump? If so, please feel free to share your ideas in the comments below. If you are need of any expert advice on maintaining your sump or cleaning your sump pump, feel free to contact Action Plumbing today.

If you had to take a peek inside your hot water heater for one reason or another, you may have noticed a metal rod and wondered why it’s there in the first place. It obviously serves a purpose, but it’s unclear to many what that purpose is.

You may be surprised to learn that the little metal rod is there for a very good reason … it actually prevents your water heater from rusting, and its usefulness stems directly from its simplistic design.

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

Known as an anode rode, this small device has a steel wire center, surrounded by another kind of metal like zinc or aluminum. The anode rod is carefully installed through an opening in your heater so a connection is made between your tank’s inner walls and the rod itself.

When metal erodes, there is a natural process of oxidation that results in deterioration of the metal. This metal loss occurs when electrolytes carry away electrons from the metal, which can cause serious rust issues. Although the process can’t be avoided completely, an anode rode minimizes the damage. This is because the erosion process is focussed 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 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 rodes

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 fresh water. 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 play 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 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!

Garbage disposals may provide a lot of benefits, with convenience being at the top of the list. There’s no doubt that throwing your food scraps down the drain is better than dumping them in the trash to rot and stink. If you’re like many homeowners, you use your garbage disposal at least once a day. But the question is … how often do you clean it and are you sure you’re cleaning it properly?

Why Clean Your Disposal

Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal will help prevent any nasty odors from wafting out of the drain. It also helps to avoid problem causing clogs and other costly plumbing issues. Believe it or not, the items you decide to put down your disposal can actually help keep the machinery clean. They can also help with the disposal’s upkeep and maintenance.

Acceptable Items to Dispose

• Biodegradable foods and tiny scraps
• Chicken, fish, and other small bones act as a scrubbing agent for internal parts
• Ice cubes also scour the inner disposal
• Deodorize and freshen with orange, lemon or lime peels

Unacceptable Items to Dispose

• Absorbent foods like rice or pasta
• Beef bones, pork bones, or other large bones
• Any items that will clog drains or pipes like eggshells or coffee grounds
• Starchy foods like banana peels and potato peels
• Grease and fat clogs drains and coats pipes and blades

If you’ve been grinding items deemed acceptable, chances are good that you’ve already been caring for your disposal without even realizing it. The best way to keep a disposal clean is to use it regularly, as a unused disposal will often experience odors, clogs, and stubborn build up.

In the event that you do have a minor clog, clearing it yourself is often easy enough. By just turning the blades using a small wrench, you can manually rotate the internal gears safely from the outside. Never use any type of chemical cleaners and only attempt to remove visible clogs by manually turning the blades or using a long pair of pliers. NEVER put your hand down into the garbage disposal … EVER!

If you have a stubborn clog or have any questions about proper garbage disposal cleaning techniques, contact Action Plumbing today for help!