Sewer Line Repair Atlanta, GA

Sewer Line Repair Atlanta, GA

All of the drains and drain pipes in your home eventually go to the same place- they all connect to one big pipe called the sewer drain. While most of us never even give it a second thought, the sewer drain is perhaps the single most used piece of plumbing in your home! It gets so much use because it has to handle every single drop of waste water coming from your home. In most homes with modern day plumbing, the sewer drain is buried underneath your property. While this means you don’t have to see it, it also makes it hard to detect small leaks. When these small leaks go undetected, they can fester and turn into large leaks. Large leaks from your sewer line can produce disastrous, expensive problems for you.

sewer-line-repair

Today we’re going to talk about a few signs you can look for that can be indicative of a leak in your sewer line. If you notice any of these signs, you may need sewer line repair and should call an experienced plumber as soon as possible!

Signs you need sewer repair:

  • Soggy patches in your yard- If your sewer line is leaking, then a ton of extra water is going to be getting leaked out underneath your yard. All this extra water will create soggy patches in your yard, even if it hasn’t rained recently.
  • Lush patches in your yard- All the extra water underneath your yard will help your vegetation to flourish. If you notice patches of grass, flowers, or other plants that are growing rapidly it may mean that there is extra water underneath from a sewer line leak.
  • Odor- This one is a no brainer! If you smell any noxious odors in your yard or around your property it could possibly be a sign of a sewer line leak.
  • Stubborn drain clogs- If you have multiple drains that are clogged and you’ve tried all the typical drain clog solutions and the clogs are still there, you may have a major clog in your sewer pipe. Like we mentioned above, all your drains lead to the sewer line. If there’s a major clog in your sewer pipe, it will eventually affect all your other drains.

If you believe you may have sewer problems, don’t hesitate until you have a plumbing disaster on your hands. Call the trusted experts at Masterflo Plumbing today. We’ll come out quickly and assess your sewer line. If you have a sewer problem, we’ll check it out and determine the best course of action to get your sewer line repaired quickly.

If you need sewer line repair contact us immediately at (678) 822-7095!

Water Heater Maintenance

Water Heater Maintenance

Finding yourself with no hot water or with a leaking hot water is every homeowner’s worst nightmare! Unfortunately, water heater problems generally plagued every home owner at some point. Winter has arrived, and its definitely not the time to find yourself without hot water. Water heater repair can be costly, and sometimes a broken water heater can cause additional damage to your home. Scheduling a regular water heater maintenance visit can ensure that you don’t find yourself without hot water this winter. It can also increase the lifespan of your hot water heater.

water heater maintenance

At Masterflo Plumbing we’d love to save you the hassle, headache, and expense of a broken water heater by conducting your water heater maintenance visit. So, what happens during a water heater maintenance visit?

Sediment Flushing

If you have a traditional storage tank water heater, you have a large storage tank that holds all of your water. As time goes by, sediment can build up along the bottom of the storage tank. After this sediment has had the chance to build up, it can become harder for the heating element to penetrate and heat the water. This can result in a very inefficient water heater, and you may end up with no hot water at all! During a routine maintenance visit, we’ll flush out the storage tank to get rid of any built up sediment before it has the opportunity to cause problems.

Anode Rod

The anode rod is a piece of your unit that protects the hot water heater from rust by degrading over time. If the anode rod is not replaced before it has the chance to degrade completely, its protection will be gone and your water heater will be subject to rust. During each routine hot water heater maintenance visit, we’ll check your anode rod to make sure its still functioning properly and doesn’t need to be replaced.

These are just a couple of things that will happen during a hot water heater maintenance visit. To learn more, call your local, trusted Canton, GA Plumber at (678) 822-7095. At Masterflo Plumbing, we’ve got the skills and experience necessary to keep your hot water heater maintained and repaired! Contact us today to schedule your visit.

water heater maintenance

Remember- the best way to prevent a broken water heater is to schedule regular water heater maintenance visits with your local, trusted Canton, GA plumber!

 

What To Do For Frozen Pipes

What To Do For Frozen Pipes

We’re waking up this morning in Cherokee County to frigid temperatures, blustery winds, and patches of ice on the roadways! Now that traditional winter temperatures and conditions are starting to show up, that may mean that your home is at risk for frozen pipes!

frozen pipes

Here are a few easy ways to prevent frozen pipes-

  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.

frozen pipes

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 prevent damage to your home-

  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!

 

8 Winter Home Maintenance Tips

8 Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Getting your home ready for the winter is important for homeowners in most parts of the United States. Even here in Georgia, we can see some low, freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and sleet. Staying ahead of the bad weather and making sure you’re prepared for it can potentially save you tons of money in costly repairs each year!

Here are 8 winter home maintenance tips that can help you avoid home damage this year:

  1. Get your furnace or boiler checked out and serviced by a contractor before winter heats and you need to use your heat! Turning up the heat in your home during frigid temperatures can help you avoid other costly repairs to your home.
  2. If you plan to use your fireplace during the winter, have it checked out by a professional before you build your first fire of the year!
  3. Keep all interior doors open to help even out the temperature throughout your home. This can help prevent your pipes from freezing.
  4. Adding extra insulation in your attic can help prevent freezing pipes. Also, if you’re in an area of the country that sees a lot of snowfall and winter precipitation and extra heat escapes into your attic, it can warm the snow and ice on the roof. If the warm snow and ice refreeze, it could cause an ice dam which can cause water damage inside your home.
  5. Check the weather stripping and caulking around all doors and windows. This simple step can help better insulate your home and can save you money on your utility bill.
  6. Have a professional plumber come out and inspect your pipes for potential leaks before any bad weather hits. Small leaks can turn into potentially huge plumbing disasters if left un-repaired during winter weather.
  7. Make sure you know where the main water supply valve is located. In case of a burst pipe, turning off the water supply can stop the leak and prevent more damage.
  8. Before winter weather hits, make sure all your gutters and downspouts are cleaned out and can drain properly. If snow and ice builds up in your gutters and downspouts and can’t drain, you could face potential water damage.

For any assistance getting your plumbing ready for winter, contact us today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

Choosing A Tankless Water Heater

Choosing A Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters aren’t right for everyone, but a lot of people are making the switch and loving it! You can read our post here on the benefits of tankless water heaters and how they can save you money. If a tankless water heater is the right fit for you, you can save yourself tons of money on your utility bill each year! Today we’re going to talk about choosing a tankless water heater so that you can make the right selection for you and your family!

There are several things to consider when thinking about purchasing a tankless water heater for your home- fuel type,  demand, and purpose.

Fuel Type

Tankless water heaters can be electric or gas. If you’re going to purchase an electric tankless water heater, you have to consider voltage, amperage, and your circuit breaker.

  • Voltage- Most units sold will accomodate 110V, 208V, 220V, and 277V.
  • Amperage- Different units will have different requirements. Make sure you can support the electrical demands of the unit you choose.
  • Circuit breaker- Make sure you have a circuit that will support an electric water heater. You may have to put your water heater on its own circuit.

If you’re going to purchase a gas tankless water heater , there are also a couple of things to consider.

  • Gas type- You need to determine if your gas type is natural or propane. Make sure you have thoroughly checked out your current gas line to determine whether or not it meets the requirements of the new water heater you plan on buying. The requirements of your new gas tankless water heater may exceed those of your old water heater.
  • Venting requirements- Venting is very important and these requirements should not be overlooked. Make sure to purchase Category III stainless stell (UL1738 certified) venting for your new gas tankless water heater. Type B venting accessories are not ok! Its also a good idea to check out your local building code for any specific needs. Some tankless water heater manufacturers sell gas venting kits. While these kits are handy, make sure you’ve checked out the specific installation requirements for the tankless unit you’ve purchased to ensure that kit will meet all your needs. There are many things to consider when installing a gas tankless water heater such as the vent route, where the discharge will go, access to air for combustion, etc.

Demand

When you’re choosing a tankless water heater, its a good idea to think about how many fixtures you’re trying to heat water for. Are you looking for a unit to heat water for just one sink? A whole bathroom? An apartment? A whole house? You may need to do some research on the typical flow rates for all the fixtures you are going to be heating water for.

Purpose

When shopping for a tankless water heater, you may have a specific purpose or need in mind. Here are some examples of the most common purposes and which model may work best.

  • Single Point Application- This is when only one fixture (one sink, one shower, a washing machine, etc.) will need to have water heated by the tankless water heater.
  • Thermostatic- A thermostatic tankless water heater boosts the temperature of the water if it has cooled off due to a long pipe run or for sanitation purposes. These units are great if precise temperature control is needed.
  • Whole House Use- Large tankless water heaters are designed to heat water for whole houses where many fixtures will need hot water.

choosing a tankless water heater

For more information on choosing a tankless water heater and installation, contact us today at (678) 822-7095! At Masterflo Plumbing, we’ve got the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to help you make the best choice for your family!

Plumbing Fun Facts

Plumbing Fun Facts

Although modern day plumbing and advances in sanitation technology are fairly new, plumbers and the plumbing industry have been around forever. Many of us don’t spend too much time thinking about plumbing or plumbers, and don’t realize that the plumbing industry actually has a long, rich history. To get the new year kicked off, we’re going to go through a few, fun plumbing facts!

canton-ga-leak-detection

  • The Egyptians were skilled in plumbing drainage construction as far back as 2500 B.C.
  • In 1700 B.C. the Minoan Palace of Knossos on the isle of Crete featured four separate drainage systems that drained into giant sewers made of stone.
  • Aqueducts to supply water to the Roman Baths were first built in 312 B.C.
  • In 800 B.C. the first Roman sewers were constructed.
  • In 1738 JF Brondel introduced the first valve type flush toilet.
  • The Tremont Hotel in Boston became the first hotel to have indoor plumbing in 1829.
  • The National Public Health Act was passed in England in 1848. It became the world’s first model for a plumbing code.
  • In 1870, Thomas Twyford designed the one piece toilet.
  • Toilet paper was first used in China. The Chinese were also the first to mass produce it
  • 10 million trees are used worldwide each year to keep up with toilet paper demand
  • Splinter free toilet paper wasn’t introduced until 1935
  • Americans use approximately 8.6 sheets of toilet paper per bathroom trip
  • 75% of the world’s population does not use toilet paper due to cost or insufficient plumbing
  • During Desert Storm, the military used toilet paper to camouflage their tanks
  • The average person will spend about 3 years of their life on the toilet
  • The Pentagon uses almost 700 rolls of toilet paper every day
  • Americans used 50% more toilet paper than other Western countries
  • Toilet paper wasn’t introduced in the United States until 1857
  • The United States is the largest exporter of toilet paper in the world!

We hope everyone’s new year is off to a great start. Remember, if you need residential plumbing services in the metro Atlanta area, contact us today about any of our services at (678) 822-7095!

Winter Home Prep

Winter Home Prep

Winter Home Prep- Its the end of December, but for those of us in Georgia, the harshest winter weather is still ahead of us! January and February are traditionally the coldest months of the year and can bring freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow. Getting your home prepared for winter is important for the safety and comfort of you and your family!

winter home prep

Follow our winter home prep checklist to make sure you, your family, and your friends stay safe and warm this winter!

  • A new door mat- During the course of the year, your doormat can get worn down and is no longer functional. A new door mat will encourage guests to wipe their feet and will help to reduce slips and falls.
  • Stock up on outdoor supplies- Make sure you have a snow shovel, and an ample supply of salt or sand BEFORE winter weather hits. If you wait till harsh weather hits your area, stores are likely to sell out of the supplies you need.
  • Focus on your home’s humidity- Dry air that occurs in your home during the winter can be damaging to your health and the health of your children. Consider purchasing a humidifier if you don’t already have one. If you do, make sure its clean and ready to be used.
  • Get your fireplace professionally cleaned- If you have a fireplace that you plan to use to heat your home during the winter, make sure you have a professional chimney sweep clean it for you first! This small step can drastically reduce your risk of having your home catch on fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Clean your gutters- Having your gutters cleaned before winter weather hits will keep that winter precipitation flowing and can prevent clogged gutters. Clogged gutters can eventually lead to siding damage, gutter corrosion, and foundation damage.
  • Plug up all the leaks in your home- If you’ve got a leaky roof, a drafty window seal, or worn out weather stripping on a door, now is the time to fix all those leaks! Fixing all those holes can help keep you warm and will cut down on your winter utility bills.

Following these tips can help keep you safe and warm this winter! For any winter plumbing emergencies, make sure to contact Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

Water Heater Installation Special

Water Heater Installation Special

Don’t forget- for the month of December, Masterflo Plumbing is offering you a great deal on water heater installation in Atlanta, GA!

This month ONLY we will install a 40 gallon electric water heater for you for only $699!

Don’t get stuck without hot water this winter!

water heater installation

At Masterflo Plumbing we’re bringing you deals that can’t be beat by trusted, professional plumbers you can count on! December will be over before you know it, so don’t hesitate to contact us today for your water heater installation in Atlanta, GA at (678) 822-7095!

Professional Drain Cleaning In Woodstock, GA

Professional Drain Cleaning In Woodstock, GA

Drain cleaning- I’m sure the word evokes sighs in many of you accompanied by the words “yuck”, “gross”, or “ew”. Drains are a vital part of the modern day plumbing system that allow our waste water to escape our homes. This is a crucial part of maintaining our comfort, health, and sanitation in the home.

In an ideal world, our waste water would escape down the drain and we’d never have to give the process a second thought. However, this isn’t realistic for most of us. 99% of us have dealt with a clogged drain before- whether in the bathroom or kitchen- and some of us deal with recurring clogged drains on a regular basis. To combat clogged drains, we’ve all done a little DIY drain cleaning. Who hasn’t attempted to use a chemical cleaner or snake purchased at the store or a homemade baking soda remedy? Chances are, if you’re using one of those methods your clog keeps coming back. Drain cleaning is serious business!

Think about how much you put down your drain everyday- soap, hair, food waste, etc! Because we put so much down our drains, its important to have a professional drain cleaning scheduled as part of your annual home maintenance. If you’re dealing with tough clogs or recurring clogs, you’re past due for your professional drain cleaning! If you aren’t dealing with these pesky problems yet, schedule your professional drain cleaning to head the problems off before they start! When tackling drain cleaning, a professional plumber will take into account the age and location of your plumbing, as well as the nature of the clog (if there is one).

drain cleaning in woodstock ga

Not convinced, yet? Here are some reasons why you need a professional drain cleaning in Woodstock, GA!

  • Commercial drain cleaners- Commercial drain cleaners are widespread, readily available, and affordable. But did you know that they’re also dangerous and not always effective? Store bought drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be extremely dangerous. They’re also “one size fits all”. These chemicals aren’t custom designed for the nature of your clog. Every clog is different and won’t respond the same to commercial drain cleaner.
  • Roots- While many clogged pipes are caused by debris washed down the drain, some clogged pipes can be caused by plant roots. Plant roots can slow or prohibit the flow of water making repairs necessary! Oftentimes if you have pipes that are being clogged by roots, its more than a simple DIY fix. A professional, experienced plumber can clear the roots causing the clog quickly and without causing unnecessary damage.
  • Maintenance- The main reason to have a professional drain cleaning is to prevent any future problems! Clogs don’t happen overnight; they build up over a long period of time. If left to fester, clogs can cause a lot more damage than just slow water drain. Having your drains professional cleaned once a year can keep you from having to shell out money for repairs that could have been avoided. Eliminate the problem before it starts!

If your drains are clogged or if you’d like to stay ahead of the curve and prevent them, contact us today for your professional drain cleaning in Woodstock, GA. At Masterflo Plumbing, we have years of experience doing drain cleaning and guarantee we’ll get your pipes in working order and keep them that way. Remember, you can call us any time, day or night, seven days a week!

How To Drain A Hot Water Heater In 4 Easy Steps

How To Drain A Hot Water Heater In 4 Easy Steps

Today we’re going to run through a few easy steps on how to drain a hot water heater. But first- why would you need to drain a hot water heater? Over time, sediment builds up in your hot water heater. This can lead to energy inefficiency, clogs, or eventually no hot water in your home! Draining your hot water heater each year as part of your yearly home maintenance is a good idea.

Here’s how to drain a hot water heater-

 

  1. Turn off the water supply- If its electric, turn off the power at the breaker box. If its gas, turn the thermostat to the pilot setting. Connect a drain hose to the valve near the thermostat and turn off the cold water supply.
  2. Drain the water- To prevent forming a vacuum, turn on one of the hot water faucets in your hosue (the tub, the sink, etc.). Open the drain valve on the hot water heater. Make sure the end of the hose that the hot water is draining out of is far away from anything that could be damaged by hot water.
  3. Get rid of any remaining sediment- Once all the hot water has drained out of the water heater, turn the cold water supply back on to flush out any sediment that remains in the hot water heater. Once all sediment has been washed out, close the drain valve and turn off the faucet inside your house. Make sure to read all the warning labels and instructions that go with your hot water heater- some hot water heaters need to remain full in order to prevent any damage.
  4. Check the pressure release valve- Turn your power supply back on once your tank has refilled. Once the temperature has come back up, check your pressure release valve by using the instructions that came with your hot water heater.

how to drain a hot water heater

Don’t forget- for the month of December, Masterflo Plumbing is offering you a great deal on water heater installation in Atlanta, GA! This month ONLY we will install a 40 gallon electric water heater for you for only $699! Don’t get stuck without hot water this winter! Call (678) 822-7095!