Covid-19 Precautions

During this difficult and unprecedented time we would like our current and future customers to know that we take your safety and the safety of our employees very seriously. At Masterflo Plumbing, we are committed to continuing to serve our residential and commercial customers with the same level of expediency and quality our customers have come to know and value.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security lists plumbers as essential workers who are obligated to maintain service as usual. As we continue to work and serve our customers, we have taken extra precautions to maintain the health and safety of our employees as well as our customers. At Masterflo Plumbing we are continuing to monitor this rapidly changing situation and are complying with all CDC recommended guidelines.

Our certified plumbing technicians are equipped with the following:

  • Sanitary Masks
  • Sanitary Gloves
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Sanitary Foot Covers

We take your safety seriously and will take every precaution when in your home or business to ensure the health and safety of you, your family, and your employees.
Thank you for your continued business and support of Masterflo Plumbing. To schedule service please call 678-822-7095 or email [email protected].

 

 

Taking Care Of Your Pool Toys

Whether you’ve got kids or not, if you have a pool then chances are high that you probably have a few pool toys laying around. Pool toys come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and types and can be fun for children and adults of all ages. From inflatable rafts to plastic beach balls and anything in between, pool toys can provide hours of endless entertainment. Although your pool toys spend their days in the water, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re clean! Keeping your pool clean is a no brainer, but its important that you don’t forget to keep your pool toys clean, too. Keeping your pool toys clean can help prevent you, your children, and your friends from picking up nasty germs or touching mold and mildew that may develop. The bacteria that grows on pool toys can cause colds and ear infections. Keeping your pool toys clean can also help prevent extra bacteria from growing in your pool. Proper pool toy care and cleaning will also help greatly extend the life of your pool toys. After all, no one wants to purchase new pool toys year after year. If you feel a slimy film developing on your pool toys, your toys are definitely past due for a cleaning! This slimy film is actually a growing layer of algae. The algae on your pool toys can spread to your pool water. Once algae begins growing in your pool, it can be difficult and costly to get rid of. 

 

 

To clean your pool toys, there are a couple of options. Before you get started, make sure you’re wearing protective gloves and eyewear. This is particularly important if you’re using option one, which uses bleach. You may also want to wear old clothes in case of any splash back. You may also want to do this on a concrete or gravel surface to prevent damage to your lawn. If this isn’t possible, you can lay out a shower curtain liner to protect your yard. Foam toys should be thoroughly cleaned 3-4 times a year and inspected regularly for signs of mold and mildew. The porous material that foam toys are made of cause them to be extra susceptible to mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria growth. Plastic and rubber pools toys can be cleaned on an as needed basis. 

 

Option One-

 

  1. Pour two cups of household bleach into one gallon of water and mix well.
  2. Using a sponge, dab the water and bleach mixture over your pool toys. For any built up grime, you can use a soft bristled dish brush.
  3. Rinse your toys well with a hose.
  4. Thoroughly dry all your pool toys before putting them back into the pool.

 

Option Two-

 

  1. Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with one quart of warm water. Mix well to dissolve baking soda.
  2. Using a sponge, dab the baking soda and water mixture over your pool toys. For any built up grime, you can use a soft bristled dish brush.
  3. Rinse your toys well with a hose.
  4. Thoroughly dry all your pool toys before putting them back into the pool.

 

Both options will work well to clean your pool toys. Option two is a more natural way to clean your pool toys. Although it seems strange to dry pool toys that are made for getting wet, its important to dry them to discourage mold, mildew, and algae from growing.

 

In addition to properly cleaning your pool toys, proper storage is also important. Properly storing your toys can help prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria growth and can help protect your toys from getting damaged. There are some great DIY pool toy storage options out there. A couple options include a pallet chest or a toy net. Both options allow for air flow around the toys, which can help cut down on mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. If you’re putting your pool toys away for the season or for an extended period of time, its a good idea to give them one last cleaning before putting them away. After you clean them, make sure they’re completely dry and deflate any inflatable toys before storing them. 

 

Although proper cleaning and storage habits can greatly extend the life of your pool toys, its important to regularly check your toys for signs of damage. If you notice that any of your plastic or rubber pool toys have holes, you should discard them. Holes in your pool toys can lead to mold and mildew growth on the inside of a toy where it can’t be cleaned. If your foam toys are damaged or are already moldy, you should dispose of them as well. 

For all of your outdoor plumbing repairs and maintenance make sure to choose Masterflo Plumbing!

Top 4 Summer Plumbing Problems

Top 4 Summer Plumbing Problems

Summer is still going strong, which also means potential home issues that pop up in the summer can also still be in full swing! Typically, summer related plumbing problems may not cross your mind when you think of potential summer home maintenance issues. If you’re facing plumbing issues with your home this summer, you’re not alone.

Here are the top 4 summer related plumbing problems:

  1. Garbage disposal issues. Although garbage disposals can make rinsing off dirty dishes easier, you still have to be careful about what you put down your disposal. Any type of produce generally isn’t good to put down your garbage disposal and can cause some major clogs. If you’re having lots of backyard cookouts with things like corn, watermelon, and other types of fruits, make sure to dispose of those in the trashcan before putting your dishes in the sink. Its also important not to dispose of cooking oils from the grill down your disposal. Always make sure to run cold water down your disposal for a few seconds after you’ve used it to make sure any waste is properly cleared.
  2. Sewer problems. Spring and summer rain and thunderstorms can lead to major problems for your sewer lines. If excess rain gets into your sewer pipes, you can be facing a sewer line back up. Signs of sewer line problems include toilet water backing up into your bathtub, slow drains, and foul odor. If you notice any of these issues, its important to call a plumber right away. Sewer line problems can cause extensive damage to your home if left unaddressed.
  3. Toilet problems. Because your children are out of school during the summer and are home more often, you may be more prone to having toilet problems. These problems can include persistent clogs, leaks, constant running, or a tank that won’t refill. Some toilet problems you may be able to solve yourself, but if not, its always a good idea to call for professional help before you find yourself without a toilet.
  4. Sprinkler problems. Before the start of the season its a good idea to check your lawn sprinklers to make sure all the heads are in working order. When you’re mowing the lawn also be sure to watch out for the heads so you don’t damage them!

For help with your summer plumbing problems give Masterflo Plumbing a call today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

 

Keeping Your Pool Safe

Keeping Your Pool Safe

If you’ve got a pool at your home, now is the time to take full advantage of it! Summer is upon us and the pool is a great way to cool off and have fun with your family and friends. Pools are a great way to relax, have fun, and even get some exercise this summer. However, your pool can also present some safety risks. Here are some easy steps to keeping your pool safe this year.

  1. Have a pool alarm. You can purchase alarms that will let you know if your pool gate has been opened, and you can also install pool alarms under the surface of your pool water to alert you to activity in the water.
  2. Get rid of your diving board. Diving boards can be dangerous whether you know how to dive or not. For an inexperienced diver, diving boards present a myriad of safety risks. However, even an experienced diver can slip and fall on a diving board and can be injured.
  3. Keep rescue equipment and a first aid kit nearby. Its a good idea to have a life ring nearby in case someone falls in. A nearby first aid kit to treat any minor injuries is also a good idea.
  4. Do a daily check of your pool area. Checking daily for slip and fall hazards around your pool can prevent life threatening injuries. Check for floats, toys, towels, etc.
  5. Store your chemicals safely. Chemicals are often necessary to keep your pool germ free, but its imperative to store them away from children. Pool chemicals can be life threatening if ingested.
  6. Have a set of pool rules. Make sure you have pool rules and go over them frequently, particularly if you have small children. Some good rules to have are no running in the pool area, no rough housing, and no entering the pool area without an adult present.
  7. Learn CPR. Knowing CPR can be life saving if there’s an accident at your pool.
  8. Teach your kids how to swim. If you have a pool at your home, its never too early to make sure your kids know how to swim.

At Masterflo Plumbing we wish everyone a safe, happy, and fun filled summer!

Finding A Plumber

Finding A Plumber

Finding a plumber can be overwhelming. There are so many plumbers to choose from on Google and so many different directories out there claiming to provide you with the best plumber possible. There are also advertisements on tv and the radio boasting their skills. Chances are, if you need a plumber, you’re already under enough stress! Here are some key factors to look at that can help you easily choose the best plumber for you. 

right-plumber

1. Ask for referrals. Referrals from trusted family and friends are a great way to choose a plumber. Its likely that your family and friends already have experience with the company they are recommending, so you can get a good idea of what to expect.

2. Read reviews. The internet has made it easy for you to check out hundreds of reviews of plumbers local to you. Check out Yelp, Google, and Facebook!

3. Check out their website. A good website can give you an idea of the company’s history, their services, and what to expect from them. Check out how long they’ve been in business, and what kind of certifications they have. You can also find out whether its a small family owned business or a large chain business and choose what’s best for you.

4. Ask questions. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few companies, call them up and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out the answers to things that are important to you to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your home’s plumbing needs.

5. Ask for referrals. Its also okay to ask them for referrals! Any good, reputable plumbing company should be comfortable giving you referrals to some of their satisfied customers.

6. Expect a home evaluation. Once you’ve called a plumbing company to come out to your home, expect them to spend a significant amount of time looking at your current plumbing system to evaluate your specific needs. No two plumbing systems are the same, and your needs won’t be exactly like anyone else’s. The company you choose should spend a significant amount of time personalizing a solution just for you.

7. Get itemized quotes. Its also okay to get several quotes for the work you need done. Make sure to have the quotes itemized and written out so you can easily compare them. The cheapest solution may not always be the best one. Look for price, efficiency, and any parts warranties included.

 

Choosing the right plumbing company can be tricky, and its a really important decision. Your plumbing system is a key component to your security,  comfort, and health at home. Having plumbing work done incorrectly can be disastrous, and your plumbing needs should be met correctly the first time. At Masterflo Plumbing, we look forward to customizing a plumbing solution just for you! You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (678) 822-7095!

Common Plumbing Problems: Rusty Water

Common Plumbing Problems: Rusty Water

In today’s world with all of our advancements in science and modern technology, we generally expect to turn on our taps at home and see clean water. However, sometimes you may turn on your taps and see rusty water running! Sometimes, rusty water may occur if your local water authority is doing work on the pipes or has some kind of leak or burst pipe. However, depending on the age of your home’s plumbing system, the rust could be coming from right inside your own plumbing system. Before panicking and calling a plumber, here are some things you can look for.

rusty-water

  1. Is it definitely rust? You don’t have to be a scientist or a plumber to figure out if its definitely rust in your water. Rusty water should have a metallic odor and be reddish brown in color.
  2. Where is the rust coming from? Its important to try and determine where the rust is coming from. Sometimes, you may get a notice from your local water authority that there is rust in the water and they’re working on a solution. However, if none of your neighbors seem to have the same problem, it could be coming from inside your home. Here’s an easy way to check- Fill a glass with cold water. Check the water in the glass for a metallic odor or a rusty coloring. Let the cold water run for a few seconds and check with another glass. Then, run the hot water and check it in another glass. If the rusty water appears in the hot water or if it goes away after a few seconds, the rust may be coming from your home. If the rust appears continuously, you should call your local water authority. If the rust only appeared in the cold water, the rust could potentially be coming from the pipes in your home. If it appeared in the hot water, it could be coming from your hot water heater.
  3. What next? Whether its your pipes or your hot water heater, it must be replaced! You simply can’t repair a rusty pipe or a rusty hot water heater. Rust and corrosion will simply get worse and worse if the problem pipes or hot water heater aren’t replaced. If you replace your hot water heater, replacing the anode rod every few years on your new hot water heater can potentially prevent the issue in the future and greatly extend the life of your new water heater.

For help finding the source of rust in your home’s water or for help replacing rusty pipes or a rusty hot water heater, call the professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

 

 

Water Heater Reset Button

Water Heater Reset Button

The recommended temperature at which to set your water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough to kill harmful bacteria while doing dishes, washing your hands, or taking a shower, but its not hot enough to cause serious harm to your skin. If your water heater overheats the water in the tank, the emergency cut off (ECO) kicks in and shuts your water heater down completely. Fortunately, you can reset it yourself by simply pressing the reset button on the ECO. Generally, this can be found attached to the upper thermostat. While its not uncommon for your water heater to occasionally need to be reset, if you notice that you are having to reset it frequently, you may need to call a plumber. If you are having to reset your water heater a lot, this means that the water in your tank is frequently overheating, which is usually a sign of a larger problem. 

water-heater

Here are a few of the most common reasons you may be having to reset your water heater:

  1. Bad thermostat. Your water heater has two thermostats. One is located at the bottom of the tank and the other is located at the top. Each thermostat is associated with a heating element. When the water is the right temperature, the thermostat is supposed to shut off the heating element. If one or both of your thermostats have gone bad, the heating elements could run continuously, over heating your water.
  2. Bad heating element. On the other hand, you could have a bad heating element. Heating elements are not designed to last forever, and its common for older ones to break. Usually, they just stop working causing you to only have cold water. In some cases, however, they can develop a short which will cause them to run continuously, over heating your water. 
  3. Bad ECO. You could simply have a bad ECO. This could be a result of wear and tear from frequent over heating, or it could just be a random failure. 
  4. Bad wiring. If your thermostats, heating elements, and ECO are all in good shape, you could have faulty wiring causing your water to overheat. If you believe this to be the problem, you should call a plumber immediately. Not only can this cause your water to overheat, but it also puts you at serious risk of fire or electrical shock.

If you’re having to use your water heater reset button frequently, we’ve got you covered at Masterflo Plumbing. Our team of highly skilled and trained plumbers is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’ve got a problem with your water heater call us now at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Can Hydro Jetting Benefit You?

How Can Hydro Jetting Benefit You?

Winter weather is here to stay Woodstock, GA and inclement weather can occur at any time. Having your home’s plumbing system well maintained can greatly benefit you and your home during an inclement weather event. If you’ve got clogged pipes or sewer lines, hydro jetting solutions may be the answer you’ve been waiting for! If you’re not familiar with hydro jetting, read on to find out more about this great solution.

hydro-jetting

 

What is it?

Hydro jetting is a highly effective method used by professional plumbers to clean out clogged sewer lines. A blast of water at an extremely high pressure- usually about 4000 psi- is sent into the lines. This blast generally removes any and all clogs, blockages, and buildups.

What happens first?

Oftentimes your plumber will do a video inspection of your lines to determine what has caused your clog and exactly where the problem is located. Even if tree roots are the cause of your problem, hydro jetting will usually cut right through them. Sometimes, if the tree roots are extra heavy and thick, your plumber may need to run a snake through the line first. Video inspection prior to hydro jetting is also a good idea to check for broken pipes or weak areas. Hydro jetting weak pipes can wreak havoc on your plumbing system.

Who can benefit from hydro jetting solutions?

Hydro jetting solutions can be used in residential or commercial settings. For residential purposes, hydro jetting can clear out sand, silt, lime scale, and even hair clogs. Yearly hydro jetting can help maintain your plumbing system in a way that routine snaking can not. Hydro jetting not only breaks up clogs, it also completely clears the pipes of any residual buildup. Its also very environmentally friendly as no harsh chemicals are used!

Why should I opt for hydro jetting solutions?

Hydro jetting solutions are a great way to maintain your plumbing system and get rid of pesky clogs or slow pipes. It should only be done by a trained professional in order to avoid causing any damage to your plumbing system. A trained plumber will know exactly how to use the hydro jetting system in order to maximize benefits and prevent damage.

If you find yourself with frequent clogs or a generally slow plumbing system, our hydro jetting services may be right for you. This service can greatly improve older plumbing systems and is great for sand, silt, and limescale buildup. Contact the local professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today to discuss our hydro jetting services. You can call us 7 days a week at (678) 822-7095. 

What To Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen

What To Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen

Here in Cherokee County we’re seeing plenty of frozen temperatures and winter weather so far this yer! Although many of us have enjoyed the snow, this wintry weather we’ve been hit with can also pose some serious plumbing risks. The main plumbing risk your home may be at risk for is frozen pipes. North Georgia typically doesn’t see too many cases of frozen pipes since our winters are generally mild, but this year we’ve seen more and more customers with frozen pipes due to the below freezing temperatures we’re seeing day after day. 

Ideally, your pipes won’t freeze at all. Here are a few easy steps you can take to try and prevent your pipes from freezing. 

  1. Insulate any pipes exposed to cooler air. This can include pipes that run outside your home, in your basement, or in your attic.
  2. Use an insulating dome to cover outdoor faucets and spigots.
  3. Let your indoor faucets drip. This can reduce pressure in the pipes, which drastically lowers your chance of your pipes bursting.

Although these prevention measures can greatly reduce your risk of frozen pipes in your home, these steps are not fool proof! Sometimes mother nature (and your home!) have others plans. In case your pipes DO freeze, here are some steps you can take to fix your frozen pipes and prevent damage to your home.

What To Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen-

  1. Even if your pipes have frozen, keep your indoor faucets open. Once the pipes do begin to melt, allowing water to flow out of the faucets will reduce pressure in the pipes and allow them to melt more quickly.
  2. If you know the location of your frozen pipes, you can help speed up the melting process by applying heat with an electric heating pad applied to the pipes or by aiming an electric hair dryer at the pipes.
  3. Use an electric space heater aimed at the frozen pipes. Remember, if you choose to do this, do not leave the space heater unattended and keep it away from anything flammable.
  4. If you don’t know where your frozen pipes are or believe you may be at risk of damage to your home, call a professional plumber immediately!

For help with your frozen pipes or any other plumbing emergency this winter, call the trusted experts at Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095 or send us an email! No matter what the weather is like outside, we’re on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Cold Weather Water Heater Issues

Cold Weather Water Heater Issues

Winter is in full swing here in north Georgia. Did you know that during cold weather, most of our home appliances are used more than any other time of year. This, of course, includes your hot water heater. During the winter we tend to use more hot water than during warmer temperatures which can add extra stress to your hot water heater. Your hot water heater is one of your most used appliances all year long, so extra use during the winter can potentially cause problems if your water heater is properly maintained. The problem with not maintaining your hot water heater properly and additional use, is that you could possibly find yourself with no hot water during the cold winter months. Sometimes, there are warning signs you can look out for if your hot water heater is having problems. If you know what to look for, you can call a professional plumber to come take a look before you find yourself with freezing cold water only. 

cold weather

Warning Signs To Watch For:

  • Less Hot Water. If you’re familiar with the normal output of your hot water heater and you start noticing a drop in output, you may have a problem! If you find yourself with less hot water or with luke warm water, there could be a number of things wrong with your hot water heater. There are many things that can cause a problem with hot water output including a malfunctioning burner assembly, sediment buildup, or an electrical problem. If you notice that you have less hot water than usual, its important to call a plumber right away before you don’t have any hot water at all. 
  • Leaks. Leaks are a fairly obvious sign that something is seriously wrong with your hot water heater. Your hot water heater can spring a leak in the valve, the circulator pump, or the storage tank. A leak of any kind is never good. Small leaks can cause huge problems with your hot water heater, forcing you to replace the entire thing. Leaks can also threaten the integrity and safety of your home or your property. If you notice a leak, even if its small, you should call for a plumber immediately. 

Don’t let cold weather water heater issues affect you this winter. If you’ve found yourself without hot water or if your hot water heater is leaking, don’t hesistate- call Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!