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. 

 

 

 

Water Line Issues

Water Line Isues

The water line is the main pipe that brings water in from your municipal water source into your house. This is a vital component of your home and is key in providing safety, sanitation, and comfort to you and your family. Generally, water lines will last a long time as they are designed to last up to a hundred years! While modern water lines are designed to last a long time, they aren’t invincible and under certain circumstances they can encounter problems. These problems can severely limit the lifespan of your water line. 

There are two main water line problems that you can encounter as a home owner. Let’s take a look at those two problems today so that you can be aware of what to look for. 

Water Line Issues

  1. Tree Roots– Tree roots are always growing and looking for water sources. Usually, these water sources are natural, but not always! Tree roots seek out any water source they can find, and sometimes this can be your water line. Once tree roots find their way into your water line, they will continue to grow and expand and can eventually cause some major water line problems. Eventually, this can affect the flow of water through your pipes and can even poke holes in the pipe. Fixing this problem can be costly. The best way to avoid this problem is to have your pipes inspected every year by a professional plumber. 
  2. Corrosion– While modern pipes are designed to resist corrosion, they are not completely immune to every type of corrosion. Formicary and pitted corrosion can still occur in your water line. These kinds of corrosion can significantly weaken your pipes, which will eventually lead to holes and leaks. Again, the best way to combat corrosion in your water line is to have an annual inspection of your home’s plumbing system. If corrosion is caught early, it can be repaired and you can avoid having to replace your water line. 

    Water line issues plague many home owners, but with the right knowledge and the right plumber, you can successfully combat water line problems in your home! To schedule your annual plumbing inspection, call the professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095!

Pipe Corrosion: What You Need To Know

Pipe Corrosion: What You Need To Know

Copper is now the main material used to make modern day plumbing pipes. Copper is sturdy and resilient and will last for a long time. Not only is it a great material, its also cost effective! If modern day copper plumbing pipes are maintained well, they can last for nearly 100 years! Fortunately, your plumbing system is built to last!
While copper pipes are extremely resilient, they aren’t fool proof. Pipe corrosion can drastically shorten the life of your pipes, threatening the lifespan of your plumbing system. With regular plumbing maintenance, pipe corrosion doesn’t have to be a threat to your plumbing system.
There are two main types of pipe corrosion. Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with pipe corrosion, but let’s take a look at the two types that could threaten your pipes!
pipe-corrosion

2 Types Of Pipe Corrosion-

1. Formicary Corrosion– Formicary corrosion is more commonly call “ants nest corrosion”. This type of pipe corrosion is causted by the interaction of formaldehyde particles in the air coming into contact with your copper pipes. Formaldehyde can eat tiny tunnels through the copper, which weakens the metal. If the metal is weakened, it becomes susceptible to pinhole leaks and larger leaks. Formicary corrosion is nearly impossible to see, so keeping up with your annual plumbing maintenance is extremely important! If formicary corrosion has begun to occur in your pipes, catching leaks early is key. 
2. Pitted Corrosion– Pitted corrosion is focused on a much smaller area of the pipes than formicary corrosion. Pitted corrosion is caused by chlorine particles interacting with the copper pipes instead of formaldehyde particles. Because pitted corrosion affects a smaller area of pipe, it can lead to corrosion and leaks much more quickly than formicary corrosion. Pitted corrosion can quickly lead to pinhole leaks. If pinhole leaks aren’t caught early on, they can turn into larger leaks or cause rotting. Fortunately, pitted corrosion can be seen and detected! Its incredibly important to have your pipes inspected annually to check for this type of pipe corrosion. 
While pipe corrosion can seem like a scary monster just waiting to eat away at your pipes, having your pipes regularly inspected by a professional plumber can keep the problem at bay! If you haven’t had your pipes inspected this year for pipe corrosion, now is the time to act! Give us a call today at (678) 822-7095!

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall begins in just a couple short weeks. With slightly cooler temperatures coming, its a great time to get started on your annual home maintenance. Keeping up with your home maintenance before the winter months is a great way to make sure that you and your home make it through the winter months unscathed. If your home isn’t ready for winter, you could end up facing some costly repairs.

With temperatures remaining steady in the 90’s this summer, we all know it was hard to get motivated to do anything. Cooler temperatures are on the horizon, and we’ve got your annual home maintenance checklist ready to go! Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, but we’ve made this easy for you! Just follow our checklist below!

annual-home-maintenance-checklist

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

  • After you cut your grass the last time for the year, drain all the extra gasoline out of your lawn mower and make sure any extra gasoline is properly stored.
  • Roll up your hoses and store them indoors. Nice hoses can be expensive, and properly storing them indoors and out of the elements can add years to the lifespan of your garden hoses.
  • Insulate any outdoor faucets and winterize your sprinkler system. This one is easy to forget, but frozen pipes can be very destructive to your home and property! Check out more about frozen pipes here and here.
  • Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected before lighting it up for the year. 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. If the branches ice over during the winter, they may get too heavy and fall on your roof.
  • 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 fall and winter.
  • Have your HVAC unit checked out. If you wait till the first cold night to check it out and discover there’s a problem, you may have a hard time getting an HVAC technician to come out quickly as they’re sure to be busy.
  • 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 annual 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!

Professional Drain Cleaning in Marietta, GA

Professional Drain Cleaning In Marietta, 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!

drain cleaning marietta ga

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).

easyplumbingfixes

Not convinced, yet? Here are some reasons why you need a professional drain cleaning in Marietta, 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- (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!

6 Spring Home Maintenance Tips

6 Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Its finally March which means that spring is just around the corner! We’ve made it through most of the harsh winter weather and can finally start looking forward to warmer temperatures, sunshine, and lots of time outdoors. Before it gets too hot outside, there are some maintenance items that you should take care of around your home. Remember, your home is just like your car- the better you maintain it, the more efficiently it will run.

spring home maintenance tips

Here are 6 spring home maintenance tips to keep your house running smoothly- 

  1. Check your gutters. Spring is notorious for bringing lots of rain. If your gutters are full and the rainwater can’t drain properly, you risk damage to your siding or to your lawn.
  2. Check the caulking around your windows and re-caulk them if necessary. This is an important step to do in the fall before winter comes, but its also an important maintenance item that should be done in the spring as well. A tight seal around your windows can keep cool air in during the summer, lowering your utility bill. 
  3. Check the soil around the base of your home. Make sure the soil around the base of your home is built up so that rain water runs away from your home. If necessary, add extra soil to the base of your home. Allowing rainwater to pool around your home’s foundation can compromise the structural integrity of your home.
  4. Check your air conditioning unit. Make sure your AC unit is clean or have a professional come out for a routine maintenance visit. Keeping your AC unit maintained will help prevent you from needing a whole new unit.
  5. Check your attic! Winter is prime time for rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels to look for warm shelter. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be your attic. Look through your attic for signs of chewing or holes. You should also look for any signs of mold that may have come from melting snow or rain during the winter. 
  6. Check your roof. You can do a preliminary check of your roof on your own. If you see anything concerning such as loose shingles or warped spots, call a professional roofer.

Keeping up with your home’s maintenance can save you money on utility bills and in future repairs. Follow Masterflo Plumbing’s 6 spring home maintenance tips to keep your home in great shape! For any plumbing maintenance issues don’t forget to contact the trusted professionals at Masterflo Plumbing! 

Kitchen Appliance Maintenance

Kitchen Appliance Maintenance

Earlier this week we talked about some easy yearly home maintenance tips. Today we’re going to focus in on kitchen appliance maintenance! Before spring comes and the warm, sunny days are here to stay, get caught up on your home maintenance items indoors! Once spring comes, you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors and be able to rest assured that your home is in excellent condition and is running in top shape.

Refrigerator

kitchen appliance maintenance

  • Check the gasket on your refrigerator to ensure that it is sealing properly. Place a dollar bill between the gasket and the door. Once the door is closed, you should be able to pull the dollar bill out, but there should be tension.
  • Check the interior shelves for cracks or to see if they are ill fitting. If they are cracked or shaky, replace them to avoid a collapse inside your fridge.
  • Clean the back panel of your refrigerator and the coils.

Dishwasher

kitchen appliance maintenance

  • Check the door gasket for any water leaks while a cycle is running.
  • Make sure to rinse large scraps of food off your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher to prevent clogs and smells.
  • Load your dishwasher carefully with larger items around the exterior of the dishwasher so that you don’t block the spray arm.
  • Put knives with the blade down. For other utensils, put the handles down for maximum cleaning.
  • Check the spray arm to make sure there are no clogs in the tiny holes.

Stove and Oven

kitchen appliance maintenance

  • Clean your drip pans periodically to prevent food buildup from causing a fire. If your drip pans are extra dirty, you can replace them.
  • Clean the interior of your oven to prevent food buildup on the bottom of your oven.
  • You can use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean your drip pans, as well as the inside of your oven.

 

These easy kitchen appliance maintenance tips can keep your kitchen running more efficiently and can greatly extend the life of your kitchen appliances. When performing your kitchen appliance maintenance tasks, if you notice a leak or any other plumbing issues, make sure to call the trusted experts at Masterflo Plumbing! (678) 822-7095! Our professional plumbers have the skills and experience necessary to get the job done right the first time!

5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Repair And Replacement

5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Repair And Replacement

Running out of hot water is not only a nuisance- its costly, as well. No one wants to run out of hot water during the chilly winter months. And, no one wants to pay for hot water heater repair or replacement just after the holidays! While 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 tips for avoiding hot water heater repair and replacement.

tips-for-avoiding-hot-water-heater-repair-and-replacement

5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Repair And Replacement-

  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!

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!