Choosing The Right Plumbing Company

Choosing The Right Plumbing Company

Choosing a plumbing company can be overwhelming! You may see advertisements on tv, hear advertisements on the radio, and see advertisements online. A Google search can yield page after page of results, and you may get different results whether you’re in Canton, Woodstock, or Marietta! 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. 

plumbing-company
Here are some things you can do to make sure that you’re choosing the right plumbing company. 
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.
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!

Preventive Drain Care Maintenance

Drain Maintenance

Clogged drains are a nuisance every homeowner deals with at some point. Oftentimes, clogged drains are nothing more than a nuisance that can be cleared quickly. Sometimes, there can be more serious implications. There are lots of options for clearing minor clogs, and there is even drain maintenance you can perform to keep clogs at bay. Keeping minor, annoying clogs at bay can prevent more serious clogs and problems from occurring. Some clog clearing options include chemical cleaners, organic cleaners, plumbing snakes, and plungers. However, its cheaper (and easier!) to do some basic maintenance and keep the clogs away altogether.

If minor clogs continue to present themselves or are allowed to persist, you can be facing some nasty consequences. The first consequence you may notice from a poorly cared for drain is a bad smell. Foul odors are more common to kitchen drains, where food particles have been allowed to rot, but foul odors can occur in bathroom sink and floors drains as well. 
If you don’t care for your drains at the first sign of a foul odor, you will more than likely begin to develop minor clogs. Clog formation first causes your drains to work slowly, and eventually they will become so clogged that they won’t work at all. 
If you still don’t take care of your drains after minor clogs begin to present themselves, you could be facing permanent damage. Drains aren’t built to last forever, but some basic preventive drain care maintenance can greatly extend the life of your drains. 
The most basic step in drain maintenance is to be mindful of what is going down your drains. In bathrooms, the main culprit is hair. You can easily stop unwanted hair from going down your bathroom drains by placing a wire mesh filter over the drain and cleaning it out every few days. In the kitchen, its important to watch what food particles are going down your drain. Many food products can go into a garbage disposal. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, its important that only water goes into your sink drain. Floor drains, such as in the basement or laundry room, should always have drain covers on them as its hard to monitor debris falling into your floor drains. 
Drain maintenance also includes cleaning the inside of your drain twice a year. This prevents the accumulation of biofilm, hair, and other clog inducing things. Cleaning your drains is easy! Simply pour two cups of white vinegar down the drain, wait ten minutes, then flush out the drain with hot water. 
For more help with drain maintenance or if you’ve got a tough clog that won’t go away, call the professionals at Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095 today!
 

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Summer is in full swing, and while most of us would rather be sitting poolside, its important to keep up with home maintenance tasks. Keeping up with your home maintenance all year long is a great way to make sure that you and your home make it year after year without needing costly repairs or replacements.

Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, but we’ve made this easy for you! Before you head out to the pool or on vacation, follow our checklist below!


Here are some key things to check off on your summer home maintenance checklist-

  • Make sure all your lawn equipment is working and keep up with your yard work regularly. Extra long grass, weeds, and bushes can cause damage to your lawn equipment. 
  • Keep your outdoor hoses stored properly. It may be a good idea to invest in a hose reel. Nice hoses can be expensive, and keeping them properly stored all year long can add years to the lifespan of your garden hoses.
  • Evaluate your sprinkler system to make sure all sprinkler heads are working properly. 
  • Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. Having this done during the off season when chimney sweep services are in low demand can save you money. Creosote can build up in the flue and cause a fire. Better safe than sorry!
  • Be sure to cut down any branches hanging over your roof. Overhanging branches can fall on your home and cause damage during summer thunderstorms. 
  • Clean your gutters and downspouts. 
  • Check out the caulking and weather stripping around all doors and windows. This is an easy, cheap fix and can save you tons of money on your utility bills by making your home hold heat more efficiently during the hot summer months.
  • Have your HVAC unit checked out. Having your unit inspected and professionally maintained can add years to the lifespan of your AC unit and can help it run more efficiently. 
  • Change your air filters. Old, clogged air filters can decrease the efficiency of your unity, which increases your utility bills. Also, its gross. Changing the air filter can help improve the quality of the air you’re breathing.
  • Drain your hot water heater. Sediment in your hot water heater can cause major problems. Read our post on draining your hot water heater!

Keeping up with yearly maintenance on your home is important and can go a long way in saving you money. Performing maintenance tasks can make your home run more efficiently, saving you money on utility bills, and can prevent you from needing major repairs throughout the winter or in the spring.

Follow our handy summer home maintenance checklist, and for help with plumbing maintenance or to get a head start on plumbing repairs, call the local professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing. We’re here for you 24/7 at (678) 822-7095!

Pool Safety Tips and Places To Swim

Pool Safety Tips and Places To Swim!

 Spending time at the pool is a great way to keep your kids active during the summer and can help prevent your kids from uttering those two words every parent dreads hearing- “I’m bored!”. Hanging out at the pool is always a family favorite and is a great pastime for all members of your family no matter how old they are.
 
Although spending time at the pool is the perfect family friendly summer activity, it does come with certain risks. Nearly 400 children drown each year in the United States, and 58% of those drownings occur in pools. This is a scary statistic, but it shouldn’t keep you from soaking up some sun and enjoying your family poolside this summer!
 
Today we’re bringing you some pool safety tips that can help keep you and your family safe all summer long. We’re also going to be talking about a couple of great places around Woodstock, GA where you and your whole family can swim! 
atlanta-ga-plumber 
 

5 Pool Safety Tips-

 
1. Swim lessons! Swim lessons are a great way to keep your kids safe at the pool. A child who knows how to swim is at a significantly lower risk of drowning than a child who can’t swim. You can start swim lessons with babies as young as 6 months!
 
2. Supervise, supervise, supervise! Always make sure there is at least one set of responsible eyes on your kids when they are in or near a pool! While one set of eyes is a must, two sets are even better! You can never have enough supervision when it comes to pool time.
 
3. Know CPR! This is a life saving tip that everyone should know! Check with your local county rec center, fire department, or Red Cross chapter to find a CPR class.
4. Create pool time rituals. If you create a process your child has to go through before entering the pool (swim diaper, swim suit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, life vest, etc.) it can hinder them from making impulse decisions and jumping into the pool on a whim.
 
5. Forget the goggles. This may seem counter intuitive, but teaching your kids (and yourself!) to be comfortable looking around under water can be crucial. If your child is comfortable opening his or her eyes under water, it will help them feel less disoriented if they do accidentally fall into the water.

Places To Swim-

The Cherokee County Aquatic Center is a great place to have fun with the whole family! They’ve got state of the art indoor pools where trained instructors offer lessons to kids and adults of all ages. You can even join a swim team there! They’ve also got a great outdoor pool area with a lazy river, tons of slides, and other water activities. 

Chattahoochee Gold Swim is another great swim facility located in Woodstock, GA that provides lessons for all ages. You can even host a birthday party here!

 Following our 10 pool safety tips can help ensure that you and your family have a safe, fun filled summer at the pool this year. Don’t let plumbing tasks around the house take the fun out of your summer. Relax with your friends and family at the pool and contact Masterflo Plumbing today for all your residential plumbing needs! Give us a call at (678) 822-7095!

Woodstock, GA Summer Events

Woodstock, GA Summer Events

The kids are out of school, and you may find yourself searching for fun things for the whole family to do and ways to keep your kids busy this summer! Fortunately, Woodstock, GA has some great, family friendly events going on all summer long! 

woodstock,-ga

Here’s a quick roundup:

  • Every year Woodstock hosts a summer concert series! This year’s lineup includes Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Drivin N Cryin with The Steppin Stones, Gump Fiction, and Runaway June with Whiskey Gentry. 
  • Downtown Woodstock also plays host to Northside Hospital Cherokee Movies In The Park every summer. Movies begin at sundown and are shown on a 30′ screen. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs! For more information on the movie lineup head on over to www.GaMoviesInThePark.com.
  • The 4th of July brings an all day celebration to downtown Woodstock. The parade begins at 10am and runs from Woodstock Elementary School down Main Street to Sam’s on Highway 92. After the parade, you can stick around for the festival until 3pm. The festival includes food, live music, games, bounce houses, and arts and crafts. Don’t forget to close out your day right with Woodstock’s fireworks at dusk behind the Target shopping center on Highway 92.
  • Woodstock also plays host to another concert series during the month of September! Each Thursday during the month of September from 12pm-1pm you can grab some lunch and catch a concert!

Don’t miss all these great summer events hosted by the city of Woodstock! If you’re in the Woodstock, GA area and need a plumber this summer, make sure to call Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095!

Easy Dishwasher Maintenance

Easy Dishwasher Maintenance

Your dishwasher is one of your most over used and over looked appliances in your kitchen! Chances are you run your dishwasher anywhere from 4-7 times a week! If you’ve ever been without a dishwasher, you know how much time and hard work having a working dishwasher can save you. In addition to being convenient, dishwashers often use less energy and water than washing all your dishes by hand. However, like all hard working appliances in your home, your dishwasher needs some regular maintenance to stay in tip top shape. Over time, you may have noticed that your dishwasher doesn’t wash as well as it used to or that it may start to smell. Fortunately, its nothing a little easy dishwasher maintenance can’t fix!

 

  1. Check the seals. Your dishwasher may run long after the rubber gaskets that form a watertight seal around the door are functioning. If you notice any water leaking onto the floor around your dishwasher, don’t panic! It may be a simple case of needing to replace the seal. 
  2. Keep the screen clean. The small screen at the bottom of your dishwasher on the inside is designed to catch any large food particles or fallen silverware or other dishes. Most of us avoid this area like the plague and can think of a million things we’d rather do than clean it, but giving it a good cleaning can keep your dishwasher running efficiently and can prevent smells. 
  3. Clean the spray arm nozzles. Check your user manual from your dishwasher’s manufacturer and periodically remove these arms and clean them in warm, soapy water. You can use an old toothbrush to clean each spray nozzle to make sure you’re getting the maximum water flow to all your dirty dishes. 
  4. Check for mold and mildew. While it sounds gross, mold and mildew in the dishwasher can really be a common occurrence. Mold and mildew can be very easy to combat- just pour two cups of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar into your empty dishwasher and run it once on the heaviest setting. 
  5. Make sure its level. Just like pictures hanging on a wall, your dishwasher can become unlevel, causing it to work at a diminished capacity or leak. You can check to see if your dishwasher is level by placing a bubble level on the floor on the inside of your dishwasher, If needed, adjust the legs to make it level. 

Keeping up with some basic dishwasher maintenance can help keep your dishes sparkling clean and can greatly prolong the life of your dishwasher. For dishwasher repair, maintenance, or replacement call Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095 today. 

 

 

 

Garbage Disposal Trouble Shooting

Garbage Disposal Trouble Shooting

Garbage disposals are perhaps one of the most frequently used and most frequently underappreciated of our kitchen appliances! If you’ve ever had a sink without a garbage disposal, you’ll quickly realize how handy the little appliance really is! Even if you take great care of your garbage disposal, leaks can and will develop over time. Garbage disposals, although small, have several parts and it can take some trouble shooting to identify where the leak is coming from. If you tend to be a DIY’er, you may want to investigate the leak before calling a professional plumber. 

garbage-disposal-troubleshooting

 

We mentioned that garbage disposals have several parts. With most garbage disposal leaks, there are four main areas where they may occur-

  • The sink flange- The sink flange connects the top of the disposal to the bottom of the sink drain.
  • The dishwasher connection- This is usually a rubber hose connected to the side of the garbage disposal.
  • The drain pipe- This is usually a plastic or metal pipe that drains water and food away to the sewer.
  • The actual garbage disposal

If you want to try and identify the source of the leak yourself, you can do an easy test. Make sure to dry the outside of the disposal and all of its parts that you can see so that the leak will be easily visible to you. Next, stop up your sink and fill it with a few inches of water. After a few minutes, if you notice water coming from the disposal under the sink, you’re leak is probably coming from the sink flange. If, after a few minutes, the disposal under the sink is still dry, pull the sink stopper and watch the other three parts we mentioned above. You should notice water coming from the dishwasher hose, the drain pipe, or some other area of the disposal. 

Once you’ve identified the leak, you can decide whether or not to try and fix it yourself. Of course, the repair necessary will depend on where you determined the leak was located. Sometimes, fixes are easy and sometimes fixes that seem easy and simple will turn into large, complicated solutions. If the leak is coming from the sink flange, it may just need tightening. If simply tightening it doesn’t work, you may need to loosen it, apply plumbers putty to reseal it, and then tighten it back up.  If the dishwasher hose is the culprit, you may need to either tighten it or replace it depending on whether its just loose or if its cracked. The drain pipe may also be able to be tightened. If tightening it doesn’t fix the leaky drain pipe, you may need to replace the seal. Sometimes, the entire disposal needs to be replaced. 

For help with garbage disposal trouble shooting, repairs, or replacement, call the professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

Home Buying Tips: Plumbing

Home Buying Tips: Plumbing

Spring is here, and many people are buying and selling homes! The housing market in Cherokee County is booming, and you may be looking at purchasing a home here and settling down. Buying a home is an exciting process, but it can also be a stressful and daunting one! There are so many steps to take, documents to get in order, checklists to go through, and things to look at. Once you’ve purchased a home you can’t simply return it like a pair of shoes, so its important to do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. Before buying a home, its a good idea to check out some home buying tips to make sure you’re completely ready to say yes to your dream home.
Buying a home with pre existing plumbing problems could turn into a huge headache for you. Fortunately, even if you’re not a professional plumber there are a few home buying tips that can help you out a lot when it comes to your home’s plumbing system. Today we’re going to talk about a few of these tips.

Home Buying Tips:

  • Foundation problems. Cracks in the foundation or basement don’t always mean there’s a plumbing problem, but it could be a possibility! Cracks in the foundation can mean there’s a leak somewhere and can greatly compromise the integrity of your home, putting your family’s safety at risk.
  • Bug problems. Here in north Georgia, its nearly impossible to get away from the bugs! However, too many bugs can be a sign of a problem. Some bugs breed and thrive near standing water. If you notice bugs, particularly mosquitoes, that seem to be thriving at your new home, double check for any odd sources of standing water. Standing water can indicate a leak or poor drainage.
  • Random patches of fresh paint. Sometimes random patches of fresh paint can indicate that the homeowner has simply painted over a small nail hole. Other times, it can be the first sign of a larger problem. If there has been a water leak in the ceiling or walls, it may take more than fresh paint to completely repair all the damage.
  • Foul odors. Some bad smells can be a passing fluke, but others can indicate a larger problem. Pre existing plumbing problems like leaks, septic tank problems, or sewer problems can cause foul odors. These problems should not be overlooked as they can be quite costly to fix.
  • Poor drainage around the home. Its important to try and check out a home you’re thinking of buying after its rained. Poor drainage around your home can potentially cause problems for your landscaping and your home’s foundation. Its important to make sure that the grading of the lot allows rain water to drain away from the home. Its also important to check out the gutters and make sure they’re installed and working properly.
  • Mold. Mold doesn’t always come from a plumbing leak, but it certainly can! If you notice mold its crucial to find out the source to see if it will be a continuing problem that needs to be addressed.

If you’ve recently purchased a new home and need a professional plumber that you can count on day or night, make sure to call Masterflo Plumbing! We’re locally owned and operated and are here for your plumbing needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Give us a call at (678) 822-7095!

Spring Home Maintenance: Interior Edition

Spring Home Maintenance: Interior Edition

Spring is in full effect here in metro Atlanta, and we’ve had all the crazy springtime weather to prove it! Spring is a great time of year to do some annual maintenance tasks around your home. Keeping up with regular spring home maintenance can greatly extend the life of many of your home’s components and can save you money in repairs down the road. 

spring home maintenanceWe’ve already talked about home maintenance tasks to be performed on the exterior of your home, but the interior of your home is just as important! Keeping up with these simple spring home maintenance tasks around the interior of your home can make a big difference in keeping you and your family safe, healthy, and comfortable all year long!

  • Replace your HVAC filter to ensure that your AC unit is running as efficiently as possible.
  • Clean the grills on your air system ducts.
  • Make sure all your vents are open and there is nothing blocking them.
  • Check for any gaps around your windows and reseal them with caulk if necessary.
  • Check the locks on your windows to make sure they’re working properly. If they aren’t, make sure to replace them with new locks.
  • Test the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Make sure you know where your fire extinguisher is and check to make sure the pressure valve is working.
  • Check all your interior plumbing for any signs of leaks.
  • Look in your attic for any signs of leaking from your roof.

For help with any plumbing maintenance or repairs call the local professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing! (678) 822-7095

Spring Home Maintenance: Exterior

Spring Home Maintenance: Exterior Checklist

Spring is finally here in metro Atlanta, and the weather is just starting to warm up! With all the nice weather and sunshine we’re having, its time to start on your spring home maintenance checklist. Today we’re going to talk about the home maintenance tasks you should be doing each spring on the exterior of your home. Don’t forget that keeping up with your home maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. 

spring home maintenanceTo keep things simple for you, we’ve come up with a simple exterior spring home maintenance checklist:

  • Check on your lawn tools (lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, etc.) to make sure they’re in working condition. Many lawn tools can be repaired instead of replaced if they’re not working properly.
  • Look at your roof for loose, missing, or damaged vents or shingles and have them repaired and replaced as necessary so you don’t find yourself with a leak.
  • Check all your siding and trim for loose or damaged spots and have these places repaired as necessary.
  • Check for damaged windows or screens.
  • Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and don’t have any damaged or broken places. Spring time can bring lots of rain and if the rain isn’t diverted properly, it can cause damage to your home.
  • Look around your homes foundation and/or basement for any obvious cracked or damaged spots. Any cracks (even small ones) can seriously compromise the integrity and safety of your home.
  • Inspect any exposed wood for signs of damage, rot, or bug infestation. Compromised wood can present structural and safety issues for your home.
  • Make sure all tree branches are trimmed back and away from your home. This will prevent them from falling on your home in case of a storm.
  • Check your yard for any particularly wet or lush patches that seem to stand out. This could be a sign of a pipe leak under your yard.

For help with any plumbing maintenance or repairs call the local professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing! (678) 822-7095