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Why Your Dishwasher Needs a High-Loop Drain (And How to Check If It’s Installed Correctly)

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A seemingly small detail in your kitchen plumbing—your dishwasher’s high-loop drain—is critical in keeping your home safe from contamination and costly plumbing issues. In fact, the North Carolina Residential Code (NCRC) mandates its installation to maintain proper backflow prevention and sanitation standards. Let’s explore why this detail is essential, how it keeps your dishwasher running efficiently, and how to check if yours is installed correctly. What Is a High-Loop Drain? A high-loop drain involves routing the dishwasher’s drain hose to rise as high as possible under the kitchen sink—typically secured to the underside of the countertop—before descending to the drain or garbage disposal. This creates a “high loop” that prevents wastewater from your sink or garbage disposal from siphoning into the dishwasher. Without a high-loop installation, you risk cross-contamination from dirty water backing into your dishwasher, resulting in foul odors, harmful bacteria growth, and potential a
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Unlocking Hidden Dangers: What Your Home Inspector May Not Tell You!

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Buying a home is one of your life's most exciting - and nerve-wracking - experiences. It’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of finding “the one,” envisioning family dinners and cozy evenings in front of the fireplace. But before you dive in, one crucial step can save you a heap of heartache: the home inspection. Many buyers think of home inspectors as the gatekeepers of homeownership, delivering a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the property. But here’s the kicker: while we’re trained to spot many potential issues, there are hidden dangers we might not fully reveal simply because of the nature of the inspection process. So, let’s dive into some critical insights you might not hear during the walkthrough! Understanding the Home Inspection Process First things first: what exactly happens during a home inspection? Picture me crawling through attics, peering under sinks, and checking every nook and cranny of your prospective home. We look at structural components, systems like HVAC and p
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Location: Hubert, NC 28539, USA
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Know Your Smoke Alarms!

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Smoke alarms, often referred to as "smoke detectors," are essential for a home's fire protection plan. Understanding what type of alarm you have and how it functions is crucial, but it's not as complicated as it may seem. To identify the type of smoke alarm you have, simply look for the data sticker(s) on the back of the alarm, as displayed in Figure 1. Figure 1: Data Identification Information Residential alarm devices commonly fall into four categories: 1. Ionization Smoke Alarms 2. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms 3. Dual Alarms 4. Heat Alarms Ionization smoke alarms use radioactive material to ionize the air. When smoke disrupts the airflow through the plates, it triggers the alarm. These are best suited for rooms with flammable liquids, cooking grease, paint, and paper. Photoelectric smoke alarms utilize a beam of light that scatters when smoke is present, triggering the alarm. They are best suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor kitchens and are quicker
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Location: Hubert, NC 28539, USA
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Should I get a Home Inspection Before Buying a Fixer-Upper?

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Are you considering the purchase of a fixer-upper? It's not just a chance to fulfill the American dream, but also a smart financial move. With a little TLC, a neglected property can be transformed into your dream home, potentially saving you a significant amount of money. But how can you be sure of what you're getting into? While it's easy to spot visible issues, what about hidden problems like foundation concerns, electrical issues, and roofing defects? And if the property has a septic system, that adds another layer of complexity. When it comes to purchasing a fixer-upper, a comprehensive home inspection is absolutely essential. A licensed inspector can provide invaluable insights to help you gauge whether the property is worth investing time and money to achieve your dream home. While they won't make the decision for you, they can focus on the home's major components and help you anticipate potential repair costs. At Anchor & Crow Home Inspections, our "
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Location: Hubert, NC 28539, USA
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What is a Vapor Barrier - Why is it Important?

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In Eastern North Carolina, Moisture can be an issue for many homeowners, especially during specific periods of the year, such as hurricane season. Homes with crawl spaces and attics tend to see the most issues with moisture. For instance, competing temperatures, high moisture accumulation, and environmental particulates can lead to fungal growth, moisture intrusion, and other degradative problems, such as rotting wood or rusting metal, in a home.  Many homes have vapor barriers as a preventive measure. These barriers are typically made of plastic, foil, or kraft paper when dealing with insulation. They are strategically placed throughout the home to prevent moisture-related issues, including in ceilings, walls, floor assemblies, basements, crawlspaces, and slab-on-grade foundations. Neglecting these barriers could lead to severe moisture-related problems over time, and implementing routine inspections is crucial for homeowners. When did you last look at these readily accessible barrier
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Location: Hubert, NC 28539, USA
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Why Should I Pump A Septic Tank For Inspection

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Pumping a septic tank before an inspection is an important part of any septic inspection for several reasons: Visibility :   Pumping allows the inspector to see below the effluent line and into every part of the tank, which can help determine if it's watertight, structurally sound, and operating properly. It also allows the inspector to view the baffle wall, which separates the tank's inlet portion from the tank's outlet portion. Non-compostable materials :   Pumping can reveal non-compostable items like wipes, tampons, and kitty litter that might have built up in the tank. Septic systems cannot break down materials such as those listed. If left to build up over time, these items can potentially prevent the system from operating at optimum levels and may decrease operating capacity.  Damage :   Pumping can also reveal damage to the tank below the effluent line. When the tank is full, inspectors cannot adequately see through the multiple layers of effluent. Pumping allows in
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Location: Hubert, NC 28539, USA
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Infrared Thermography

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Some defects can't be seen by the human eye. An infrared camera can be used by a home inspector to detect areas of moisture within a home and detect active leaks. Once identified, these areas are put through a rigorous examination with a moisture-metering device. This comprehensive evaluation is carried out by a home inspector who is proficient in infrared thermal technology and building science, ensuring a thorough inspection. Our inspectors are Infrared Certified® through the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
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Location: Hubert, NC 28539, USA
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