Overflowing Toilet

Overflowing Toilet

If you’re reading this post, chances are that you’ve got an overflowing toilet. We all deal with toilet problems at some point or another- an obnoxious clog, a broken seat, a cracked bowl, a toilet that won’t stop running. The good news is that most of these problems are minor and can be fixed without having to call a professional plumber. Unfortunately, some of us have had to deal with a much worse toilet problem- a leaking or overflowing toilet.

If you’ve got an overflowing toilet, keep reading to find out what you should do next.

what to do if your toilet overflows

  1. Turn off the water! This is the first step and perhaps the most important! Turning off the water source to the toilet immediately can prevent any further leakage which may help to prevent some damage. Usually you don’t need to turn off the water source to the whole house. There is a shut off valve specifically for the toilet just behind the toilet or near the base. If you can’t find this valve, you should shut off the water supply to the whole house.
  2. Call a plumber! This is the next most important step. Unless you are a licensed, professional plumber, an overflowing toilet should not become your next DIY project. Contacting a professional plumber as quickly as possible is important. The longer your toilet problem is allowed to continue, the more damage you could have.
  3. Move any nearby objects! Water damage is no joke- a small amount of water can create major damage. If you’ve got any furniture, household objects, or wall hangings nearby, you should move them away to keep them safe.
  4. Clean up! Although the problem may not be completely fixed yet, if you’ve already shut off the water source to the toilet its safe to go ahead and clean up any water. Cleaning up standing water that has spilled from the toilet can help prevent more damage from occurring. It also helps keep the area safe for you and your plumber.

Now you know a little bit about what to do if your toilet overflows! If your toilet is leaking or overflowing and you’re in the metro Atlanta area, make sure to call the trusted professionals at Materflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

Interior Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Interior Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is in full effect here in metro Atlanta, and we’ve had plenty of nice days to get outside. Although its tempting to blow off home maintenance for more leisurely activities, don’t forget that keeping up with your home maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. 

exterior-spring-home-maintenance

Wednesday we shared our exterior spring home maintenance checklist. Today, we’re sharing our simple interior spring home maintenance checklist:

  • 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

Exterior Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Exterior Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is in full effect here in metro Atlanta, and we’ve had plenty of nice days to get outside. Although its tempting to blow off home maintenance for more leisurely activities, don’t forget that keeping up with your home maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. 

exterior-spring-home-maintenance

To 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

 

How Often Should I…?

How Often Should I…?

How often do you find yourself wondering if something around your home needs to be replaced or how long its going to last? Similar to the groceries in your refrigerator and pantry, many items around your home have a “shelf life” or expiration date. In order to save yourself thousands of dollars in unnecessary replacement costs, make sure you are keeping up with all of your routine home maintenance. If you are up to date on all of your home maintenance, you can prolong the shelf life of many things around your home.

If you find yourself asking how often you should replace certain things around your home, read on to find out the average life span of things around your home.

how-often-should-i

Bedroom Items

  • Windows and window frames should be replaced every 20-30 years
  • Mattresses should be replaced every 8-15 years
  • Interior paint should be freshened up every 7-10 years
  • Real wood flooring should be replaced every 20-30 years
  • Screen doors should be replaced every 10-20 years

Bathroom Items

  • Bath tubs should be replaced every 15-20 years
  • Toilets should be replaced every 15-20 years
  • Linoleum or vinyl flooring should be replaced every 15-20 years
  • Grout should be refreshed every 3-5 years
  • Cabinets should be replaced every 20-30 years
  • Sinks should be replaced every 15-20 years
  • Faucets should be replaced every 15-20 years

Kitchen Items

  • Microwaves should be replaced every 5-10 years
  • Gas ovens should be replaced every 15-25 years
  • Dryers should be replaced every 10-20 years
  • Dishwashers should be replaced every 10-15 years
  • Refrigerators should be replaced every 10-20 years
  • Washing machines should be replaced every 10-20 years
  • Garbage disposals should be replaced every 5-15 years

Living Room Items

  • Carpet should be replaced every 10-15 years
  • Air conditioning units should be replaced every 15-20 years
  • Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years
  • Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 10 years

Outdoor Items

  • Driveways should be replaced every 20-30 years
  • Exterior paint should be refreshed every 5-7 years
  • Wooden decks should be replaced every 20 years

For help with any plumbing maintenance, repairs, or replacements, contact Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

2016 Tax Credits

2016 Tax Credits

Its April 1st, which means you’ve got just a few more weeks to get your taxes filed! Everyone files taxes hoping to get money back, and we’ve got a couple tips to help you maximize your tax return.

tax-credits-2016

Did you know that you can qualify for tax credits based on having certain appliances installed in your home? If you’ve already upgraded your appliances you may be eligible for these tax credits this year. If not, you may consider making this changes in the coming year.

For more information, you can check out Energy.gov. There’s also a local database so you can find incentives specific to your state! Check it out and save yourself some money!

For other ways to put more money in your pocket, contact Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095 for an affordable, professional plumber in your area!

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Monday we talked about some of the risks of using natural gas as an energy source. We briefly touched on carbon monoxide poisoning. Today, we’re going to delve into carbon monoxide poisoning a little more and what you can do to make your home more safe for you and your family. 

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that can result as a by-product of using natural gas as an energy source. It is tasteless, odoroless, and colorless and is often referred to as the “silent killer”. If it is inhaled, it can lead to death or other serious health complications. 

Where is carbon monoxide found?

Carbon monoxide can be found in many places in your home including: 

  • Chimneys- Blocked chimney openings, cracked flues, or buildup of soot can lead to carbon monoxide
  • Kitchens- If your gas oven, range, or cooktop vent is broken or improperly installed carbon monoxide may be found in your kitchen
  • Basement/laundry room- If your gas dryer or washer is broken or improperly installed, carbon monoxide may be found

What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Dizziness, loss of consciousness, headaches, nausea, fainting, shortness of breath, short term memory loss, speech problems, and other flu like symptoms are all signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What should you do in case of a carbon monoxide emergency in your home?

Open all the doors and windows in your home and go outside. Turn off all your appliances and have them checked by a licensed professional before using them again. Seek medical treatment. If you believe carbon monoxide is present in your home, don’t do anything (such as light a cigarette or match) that could start a fire.

How can you protect yourself and your family?

Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home will drastically reduce your chances of experiencing complications from carbon monoxide poisoning. While 75% of homes in America contain a source of carbon monoxide, only 1 in 10 homes have a carbon monoxide detector. Approximately 72,000 carbon monoxide incidents occur in the US each year. Protect yourself and your family!

For gas line repair and maintenance, call the trained professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

carbon-monoxide-poisoning

Gas Line Repair Canton, GA

Gas Line Repair Canton, GA 

Most of us are familiar with natural gas as an energy source in our homes. Natural gas is one of the most common and affordable forms of energy for homeowners throughout Canton, GA and its surrounding areas. Because of its popularity, affordability, and availability, its important that you know the potential hazards that can come along with using natural gas as an energy source in your home. If you are facing any problems with your gas lines, it is imperative that you call a licensed professional for gas line repair immediately! 

  • Carbon Monoxide- Carbon monoxide is a by-product of using natural gas. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide can be very hazardous to the health of you and your family. If it is inhaled, it can cause major health problems. It is odorless and colorless, making it virtually impossible to notice on your own. If you have inhaled carbon monoxide, you may experience symptoms that are very similar to the flu. 
  • Gas Line Leaks- Although gas line leaks are generally very rare, they are very dangerous. If natural gas has the opportunity to build up in an enclosed space, it can cause illness to those inhaling it, as well as an explosion. Leaks can happen inside or outside your home, and are very dangerous in either place. Before doing any landscaping or other outside work that requires digging, you should call your local utility company and have them come out and mark the gas lines in your yard. Natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you notice this smell, make sure to shut off any gas valves at your home and call 911 and your local utility company. 

gas-line-repair

Gas leaks and carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous! Preventing these issues is as simple as having your gas lines inspected and maintained regularly by a licensed professional. At Masterflo Plumbing we have the skills and experience necessary to prevent gas line issues in your home. We are also able to do gas line repair in an emergency if needed! To schedule your routine gas line maintenance inspection or for emergency gas line repair, call us today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

 

Do I Need A Plumber?

Do I Need A Plumber?

No one likes spending unnecessary money, but we have all become accustomed to having modern, working, indoor plumbing. Chances are that at some point you’ve found yourself wondering “Do I need a plumber?”. Your local, trusted professional plumber may be able to do a lot more for you than you think. Sometimes spending a little bit of money with a trained professional can do a lot for the comfort, safety, and health of you and your family when it comes to plumbing. 

Here are a few ways a professional plumber can assist you:

  • Kitchen- properly install your refrigerator so all water lines to the fridge and ice maker are working, dishwasher installation, new sink faucet installation, repair leaky faucets, repair clogged drains,  and garbage disposal repair and installation

do-i-need-a-plumber

  • Bathroom- install water saving toilets, install new faucets for your tub, shower, or sink, repair leaky toilets, repair dripping faucets, repair clogged sinks, and repair clogged bathtub drains

do-i-need-a-plumber

  • Outside- repair slab leaks, repair broken pipes under your lawn, install new sewer lines and systems, repair existing sewer lines, repair frozen pipes, water heater repair, water heater installation, and leak detection

do-i-need-a-plumber

If you find yourself asking “Do I need a plumber?” and the answer is “Yes!” call the local professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing. Our large team of professional plumbers has the experience and skills necessary to take care of all your plumbing problems! Give us a call today at (678) 822-7095!

Easy Plumbing Fixes

Easy Plumbing Fixes

At some point, most of us will run into plumbing problems at home. If you are renting, this generally means you will call your landlord and have them take care of it. Unfortunately, if you own your own home and are not a professional plumber, this often means calling an experienced plumber out to your home to take care of the problem. Sometimes, this can result in you spending tons of money. Today we’re going to discuss some easy plumbing fixes that you can attempt yourself before calling for professional reinforcements!

easyplumbingfixes

Unblock Traps- Undo the sink trap, remove the blockage, and reassemble the trap. Although some clogs can be fixed by using a snake, oftentimes the best way to remove the clog and prevent future clogs is to remove it entirely.

Fix Pesky Sink Clogs- Remove the spring tab from the drain plug, remove the ball valve from the trap, remove the pop up plug, then thoroughly remove all debris in the drain. Sink drain clogs are super common, and contrary to popular belief, its NOT a good idea to use chemical drain cleaners.

Leaky Pipes- Check your pipes periodically for signs of rust or lime scale. This can indicate that you may have a small leak. If left alone, small leaks can turn into big leaks which can cause lots of damage.

If you have a plumbing emergency or have tried these easy plumbing fixes and still find yourself with a plumbing problem, call your local, trusted professional plumbers at Masterflo Plumbing today- (678) 822-7095!