Leaky Pipes 101

Leaky Pipes 101

Earlier this week, we talked about the different types of pipe corrosion that can affect your plumbing system. The biggest danger of pipe corrosion is ending up with leaky pipes! Now that you know more about pipe corrosion, we’re going to move on to talking about leaky pipes and why this issue is so important to you if you’re a homeowner! 

leaky-pipes

Your home’s plumbing system is something that is vital to the comfort, health, and safety of you and your family. We’re all familiar with plumbing leaks- that annoying dripping sound coming from your toilet or kitchen sink. While leaky pipes may seem like just a minor annoyance, leaky pipes can actually turn into huge, disastrous, expensive problems. 

The best way to avoid spending thousands of dollars on repairs from plumbing leaks is to know what you’re looking for, know the implications, and fix any plumbing leaks immediately by calling a local plumber.

Signs you may have plumbing leaks-

  • an unexpected increase in your water bill
  • visible mold or mildew
  • warped, sagging, or stained spots on your ceilings or walls
  • warped, cracked, or sagging floors
  • sporadic wet or lush patches in your yard

Most common places you may have plumbing leaks-

  • bathrooms
  • kitchen
  • laundry room
  • basement
  • underneath your foundation

Dangers of plumbing leaks-

  • If you suffer from allergies, mold can further irritate your allergies or cause chronic allergies
  • Mold inhalation can lead to chronic dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues
  • If you have a sewer leak, toxic bacteria can leak into your home
  • Mold can destroy your drywall
  • If you have extensive mold damage, you may need major home renovations to reverse the effects
  • Potential flooding

Ways of detecting plumbing leaks-

  • radar
  • gas
  • video 
  • geophone

If you haven’t had your home’s plumbing system inspected this year, call us today to schedule your appointment! If you suspect that you may have some leaky pipes, don’t hesitate to call! Leaky pipes can affect the health of you and your family and your home’s structural integrity! Call us today at (678) 822-7095!

Masterflo Plumbing Acquires LaBlanc Plumbing

Masterflo Plumbing Acquires LaBlanc Plumbing

Local Plumbing Company Increases Residential Service Business with Acquisition

atlanta-plumbering-merger

Masterflo Plumbing, a leading plumbing company located in Canton, GA,  announced that they have acquired LaBlanc Plumbing and all of its residential plumbing assets in an effort to enhance its residential plumbing division.

The purchase of LaBlanc Plumbing, based in Canton, GA, further increases Masterflo Plumbing’s share of the Canton and Woodstock residential plumbing market. “The combination of LaBlanc Plumbing with our existing residential plumbing division will provide our clients with better service in a more timely fashion,” said Mike Roberts, president of Masterflo Plumbing. “The buyout is also expected to result in greater efficiencies and significantly increase our market share,” added Mr. Roberts.

LaBlanc Plumbing, founded by Michael LaBlanc in 1999 in Canton, Ga has deep roots in Cherokee County. Starting his plumbing career in 1979, Michael LaBlanc built his plumbing business the old fashioned way, through great service, honesty and referrals.  With almost 40 years in the residential plumbing industry, Mr. LaBlanc has built a name for himself as an honest plumber that has always put his customers before himself. This is reflected in his referral-based business model. When asked about the sale to Masterflo Plumbing Mr. LaBlanc replied stating, “I can’t think of a better, more honest company to take care of my clients than that of Masterflo Plumbing and its leadership from Mike Roberts”.

LaBlanc Plumbing and all of its accounts and assets will now operate under the Masterflo Plumbing name. As part of the acquisition, all of LaBlanc Plumbing’s associated phone numbers are forwarded to Masterflo Plumbing, where existing LaBlanc Plumbing clients can expect to receive the same great service during the transition.

For more information please feel free to reach out to Mike Roberts at 678-822-7095.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

The 4th of July is, perhaps, the most patriotic of all American holidays! We often celebrate with fireworks, backyard BBQ’s, and parties. While most of us believe July 4th is the day we received our independence from England, this is not entirely true.

Before the USA was the United States of America, it was actually a group of colonies, an extension of England. As the colonies began to develop and change and differ from England, conflicts started to arise between the colonies and England. In 1764, Britain decided to impose new rules on the colonies. This did not sit well with the people in the colonies. Eventually, these disagreements led to the war we know now as the American Revolution.

During the course of the American Revolution, a Congress was formed in the colonies. The people who made up this Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence. On July 4th, 1776, this Declaration of Independence was officially approved and adopted by Congress. This is where the “4th of July” comes from. Even though the people living in the colonies officially declared their independence on that date, the American Revolution did not end until later.

4th of july

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Masterflo Plumbing! We hope you have a happy, safe, and relaxing holiday weekend. Remember, if you find yourself in need of an emergency plumber this holiday weekend, you can count on us! Contact us at (678) 822-7095!

 

Zika Prevention

Zika Prevention

Your home’s plumbing system is vital to the comfort, health, and safety of you and your family. We’re all familiar with plumbing leaks- that annoying dripping sound coming from your toilet or kitchen sink. While plumbing leaks may seem like just a minor annoyance, plumbing leaks can actually turn into huge, disastrous, expensive problems. This year, plumbing leaks can present a new risk- Zika. The Zika virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, has been making headlines for months now. If you have a plumbing leak which has led to standing water in or around your home, you may be at an increased risk for having mosquitoes rapidly multiply around your home. Finding out more about Zika prevention is vital to your health.

The best way to avoid spending thousands of dollars on repairs from plumbing leaks and lower your risk of attracting mosquitoes to your property is to know what you’re looking for, know the implications, and fix any plumbing leaks immediately by calling a local plumber.

zika

Signs you may have plumbing leaks-

  • an unexpected increase in your water bill
  • visible mold or mildew
  • warped, sagging, or stained spots on your ceilings or walls
  • warped, cracked, or sagging floors
  • sporadic wet or lush patches in your yard

Dangers of plumbing leaks-

  • If you suffer from allergies, mold can further irritate your allergies or cause chronic allergies
  • Mold inhalation can lead to chronic dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues
  • If you have a sewer leak, toxic bacteria can leak into your home
  • Mold can destroy your drywall
  • If you have extensive mold damage, you may need major home renovations to reverse the effects
  • Potential flooding
  • Standing water can attract mosquitoes

Zika Prevention-

  • Get more information about Zika Prevention from the CDC

zika-prevention

If you suspect that you may have a plumbing leak, call the local professionals that you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (678) 822-7095!

Gas Line Repair Marietta, GA

Gas Line Repair Marietta, 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 Marietta, 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!

What Is Hydro Jetting?

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Have you heard of hydro jetting? Wondering exactly what it is? Keep reading to find out!

hydro-jetting

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.

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.

Hydro jetting 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!

Hydro jetting is 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, hydro jetting 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 hydro jetting. You can call us 7 days a week at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

Zika and Plumbing Leaks

Zika and Plumbing Leaks

Your home’s plumbing system is something that is vital to the comfort, health, and safety of you and your family. We’re all familiar with plumbing leaks- that annoying dripping sound coming from your toilet or kitchen sink. While plumbing leaks may seem like just a minor annoyance, plumbing leaks can actually turn into huge, disastrous, expensive problems. This year, plumbing leaks can present a new risk- Zika. The Zika virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, has been making headlines for months now. If you have a plumbing leak which has led to standing water in or around your home, you may be at an increased risk for having mosquitoes rapidly multiply around your home. 

The best way to avoid spending thousands of dollars on repairs from plumbing leaks and lower your risk of attracting mosquitoes to your property is to know what you’re looking for, know the implications, and fix any plumbing leaks immediately by calling a local plumber.

zika

Signs you may have plumbing leaks-

  • an unexpected increase in your water bill
  • visible mold or mildew
  • warped, sagging, or stained spots on your ceilings or walls
  • warped, cracked, or sagging floors
  • sporadic wet or lush patches in your yard

Dangers of plumbing leaks-

  • If you suffer from allergies, mold can further irritate your allergies or cause chronic allergies
  • Mold inhalation can lead to chronic dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues
  • If you have a sewer leak, toxic bacteria can leak into your home
  • Mold can destroy your drywall
  • If you have extensive mold damage, you may need major home renovations to reverse the effects
  • Potential flooding
  • Standing water can attract mosquitoes

Zika-

  • Get more information about the Zika virus from the CDC

zika

If you suspect that you may have a plumbing leak, call the local professionals that you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (678) 822-7095!

Water Line Replacement

Water Line Replacement

Most modern day plumbing systems installed in our homes are designed to last for nearly a hundred years without having to be replaced in their entirety. Small issues may arise occasionally, but your plumbing system generally will not need an entire overhaul. Copper piping is mostly immune to rust, so copper is the most common type of pipes  used for residential plumbing systems. Although modern plumbing systems are designed to last for so long, this is not a guarantee you’ll never have to face total water line replacement in your home.

water-line-replacement

Some of us, unfortunately, do end up dealing with water line replacement. While this is a major undertaking for a professional plumber, there are some signs you can learn to look out for so that you will recognize the problem. If you recognize that you need water line replacement right away, you can potentially prevent thousands of dollars in damage to your home or property.

Signs you may need water line replacement:

  • Loss of water pressure- If you have noticed a slow decline in the water pressure in your home, you could have lime scale buildup in your pipes. This decline can be noticed over a period of several months, or even several years! Lime scale is created when hard water flows through your pipes and deposits small amounts of minerals on the pipe walls. Lime scale buildup happens slowly over a long period of time. Eventually, lime scale can become so built up in your pipes that the water flow to your home has been restricted. Once you have this large amount of lime scale in your pipes, total water line replacement is usually the best way to fix the problem.
  • Corrosion- Although its impossible to visually inspect your entire water line because part of it is buried, its a good idea to check out the portions that you can see at least once a year. Taking a look at any of your exposed pipes once or twice a year for any signs of corrosion can potentially prevent total water line replacement. Signs of corrosion include a white, chalky buildup on your pipes or any leaks. If you catch corrosion issues early, sometimes the pipes can be repaired individually. If you have widespread corrosion in your water line, however, total water line replacement may be necessary.

water-line-replacement
If you notice any signs that you may need water line replacement, its important that you contact a plumber immediately! Letting a damaged plumbing system fester can potentially create further issues and damage to your home and property. For a dependable, local plumber you can trust, call the experts at Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

Emergency Plumber Marietta, GA

Emergency Plumber Marietta, GA

While many minor plumbing issues can be handled by a homeowner, there are many more plumbing issues that can’t. Sometimes these issues aren’t pressing and can be handled by your plumber during a routine appointment, but other plumbing issues may require an emergency visit from your plumber. Although its rare to need an emergency plumber, its important to have the number of a trust worthy and responsive plumber on hand, just in case! 

The key to keeping your plumbing emergencies under control is knowing when to call an emergency plumber! Calling a plumber if you’re facing an emergency is crucial to preventing unnecessary damage. Plumbing problems can cause a wide variety of problems for homeowners. A plumbing problem that may seem minor to a homeowner could actually cause serious complications. Plumbing problems can affect the integrity of their home and property, affect the health of the occupants in the home, and can affect how high your water bill is.

emergency-plumber-in-marietta-ga

Because its not always completely obvious when you need to call an emergency plumber in Marietta, GA, we’ve put together a list for you.

  1. Flooded basement: This one is pretty obvious! A flooded basement is usually caused by burst pipes. Without immediate attention, your house and property could be subject to even further damage.
  2. Clogged drains: Clogged drains are fairly common place, so this one isn’t as obvious! If your drains do not unclog when you use baking soda, a plunger, or commercial drain cleaner (which we do NOT recommend using), you should call a plumber immediately. Stubborn clogs can lead to burst pipes and are unhygienic.
  3. No water from the faucet: This generally occurs during low temperatures when pipes have frozen. When water freezes and becomes ice, it expands which can cause burst pipes. If your pipes have frozen, call a plumber immediately to avoid burst pipes and even more damage.
  4. Bad smell: If there is a bad smell coming from your drains, this is a sign that your sewer pipes may be leaking. Leaking sewer pipes can cause damage to your property and is also a huge health risk to humans and pets.
  5. Exceptionally high water bill and/or the sound of running water: If you don’t believe that your water consumption has gone up (be sure to take into account if you’re doing any outdoor watering!), but your water bill has increased or you can hear running water even when all faucets are turned off, you may have a slab leak. A slab leak can lead to extensive damage and repairs can be costly. To avoid any further damage, you should call an emergency plumber as soon as possible.

At Masterflo Plumbing, we pride ourselves on being extremely responsive and available to our customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! If you need an emergency plumber, or even if you think you may need an emergency plumber, don’t hesitate to call us any time of the day or night! We’ll come out immediately to assess the problem, determine your needs, and find a customized solution just for you!  If you need an emergency plumber in Marietta, GA  make sure to call your dependable, local emergency plumber today at (678) 822-7095!

emergency plumber in atlanta ga

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Running out of hot water is everyone’s worst plumbing nightmare. Not having hot water is a huge inconvenience, and can sometimes mean that you’re facing a costly problem. Although its not possible to completely avoid ever needing to repair or replace your hot water heater, there are certain steps you can take to lower your risk.

At Masterflo Plumbing we like to save you time and money, so today we’re going to talk about some water heater maintenance tips for avoiding hot water heater repair and replacement.

water heater maintenance tips

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips-

  1. Check the temperature setting a couple times each year. Your hot water heater temperature should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you’ve got it set any higher, you will definitely see an increase in your utility bill. You’re also working your hot water heater harder, and it’ll be more likely to need repairs or total replacement.
  2. Drain your hot water heater twice a year. Sediment build up on the bottom of your hot water heater is normal and occurs naturally. If too much sediment is allowed to build up, you may be increasing your risk of needing hot water heater repair or replacement. Draining your hot water heater allows you to remove most of the sediment.
  3. Make sure you have proper ventilation that is in working condition. If your hot water heater is heated by using gas, it needs to be vented. If the ventilation is not working properly, toxic byproducts could be invading the air in your home.
  4. Check the pressure relief valve twice a year. The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that relives excess pressure if the water heater has overheated. Relief valves can leak or corrode which can cause them to malfunction and could possibly lead to more damage. Catching any leaks or corrosion early can save you time and money.
  5. Schedule a maintenance visit with a professional plumber annually. A professional plumber will be able to check out your unit to make sure its in proper working condition. Someone with a trained eye may be able to catch and fix small problems before they turn into large ones.

Although there is never a sure way to avoid all hot water heater problems, following these 5 tips for avoiding hot water heater repair and replacement can minimize your risk. If you need a professional plumber in metro Atlanta, don’t hesitate to contact Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!