Tax Credits 2016

Tax Credits 2016

Don’t forget- tax season is just around the corner! Here at Masterflo Plumbing we’ve got a couple of hints to help you make the most of 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!

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!

10 Yearly Home Maintenance Tips

10 Yearly Home Maintenance Tips

We all know that our cars need regular maintenance to keep running smoothly and efficiently, and our homes do, too. If you do some regular maintenance items each year, you can help prevent damage and stave off costly repairs. You’ll also keep your home running in tip top shape. Your home provides comfort, safety, and security for your family. Keeping it running well should be a top priority for you.

home-maintenance-tips

Here are 10 (easy) yearly home maintenance tips:

  1. Replace your furnace filters. This should be done 3-4 times each year to help reduce dust and allergens in your home and keep your furnace running more efficiently.
  2. Clean the condenser coils behind your refrigerator. This should be done once a year. It can be done easily with a vacuum cleaner. Not only will it keep your fridge running efficiently, it can also reduce your risk of a fire hazard.
  3. Replace the batteries in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector yearly. This is an easy tip and is vital to the safety of you and your family.
  4. Check your water heater for leaks, cracks, or rust. Many problems with your hot water heater can be repaired if they are detected early enough. If left to fester, you will have to replace your entire unit.
  5. Check your furnace for any signs of wear or rust. Furnaces can also be repaired if problems are detected early enough at a fraction of the cost of replacing your entire unit.
  6. Clean your oven. Most ovens are self cleaning. Cleaning your oven can help eliminate obnoxious odors while you cook and can lower your risk of a fire hazard.
  7. Check your toilets and faucets for signs of a leak. Leaks can cause major damage to the integrity of your home and your home’s foundation if they are not caught and repaired.
  8. Clean your gutters. Depending on the amount of surrounding foliage and the area in which you live, this should be done at least once a year and as many as 4-5 times per year!
  9. Have your chimney professionally cleaned. This is particularly important if you plan to use your fireplace during the winter. Using your fireplace can be a huge fire hazard if your flue has not been cleaned out.
  10. Check your flashlight for batteries. Even if you don’t see any major natural disasters that affect the power where you live, power outages are common and can occur anywhere. Don’t get caught in the dark!

Remember to follow these 10 year home maintenance tips to keep your home safe and running efficiently for you and your family. For help with any plumbing maintenance around your home, don’t forget to call the trusted professionals at Masterflo Plumbing. Contact us at (678) 822-7095 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Common Plumbing Problems (And Some Solutions)

Common Plumbing Problems (And Some Solutions)

Hearing the words “plumbing problems” is never a good thing. No one wants to deal with plumbing problems. Generally plumbing problems result in calling a professional plumber and sometimes spending hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars for a solution. 

While its almost certain that you will face a number of plumbing problems throughout your life time, the good news is that there are many common plumbing problems that can be solved fairly easily and without a plumber. If its not a problem that can be solved completely on your own, there are some things you can do to prevent the problem from worsening and causing further damage.

Today let’s take a look at some common plumbing problems and their solutions. Chances are that you’re not alone!

 

Hot Water Heater Problems

No hot water? Or do you have luke warm water? Are you running out of hot water too quickly?

  • Make sure your pilot light is lit
  • Double check your temperature setting
  • If you’ve got a big family or you use unusually large amounts of hot water, you may need a larger hot water heater or a second hot water heater installed

Clogged Drain

Is your drain clogged up? Is the water backing up into your sink?

  • Try not to pour hot grease or oils down your sink drain
  • If its already backed up, try to use a different sink
  • Don’t use chemical drain cleaners that you find in the store
  • Try using a plunger to move the clog

Stinky Drains

Do you cringe every time you’re near your sink? Are there foul odors coming out of your drains?

  • If you have a garbage disposal run it every time you put food in it
  • Try pouring vinegar and baking soda down the drain and flushing it with hot water

Leaky Pipes

Do you see water damage on your floors, walls, or ceilings? Do you hear a leak coming from your pipes?

  • Leaky pipes occur due to age
  • If you notice a leak shut off the water supply to that area
  • Pipe repair should only be done by a licensed, professional plumber

If you live in Woodstock, GA and are facing any of these common plumbing problems, call us today at (678) 822-7095! At Masterflo Plumbing we have a huge team of professional plumbers who have the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to deal with your plumbing problems correctly the first time!

plumbing-problems

 

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. While many plumbing issues like replacing a hot water heater or having old sewer lines replaced are mostly specific to homeowners, plumbing emergencies can affect homeowners as well as renters! While plumbing emergencies are generally rare, they can happen at any time and are usually unpredictable. 

Although preventing plumbing emergencies is impossible, there are some steps you can take that may help reduce your risk of finding yourself faced with a plumbing emergency. Plumbing emergencies can have many unwanted consequences. Depending on the nature of the emergency you may potentially face health hazards, the integrity of your home may be compromised, you may find some of your possessions have been damaged, and you may find yourself shelling out thousands of dollars to fix the problem.

Today we’re going to talk about ways of preventing plumbing emergencies.

preventing-plumbing-emergencies

  1. Use drain covers in your kitchen to keep food and utensils from clogging your pipes or damaging your garbage disposal
  2. Use drain covers in your showers to prevent hair from clogging your pipes
  3. Avoid pouring grease or oil down your kitchen sink drain
  4. If you believe you have a leak or a serious clog, call a plumber immediately
  5. If you are aware that you have old pipes or fixtures, have them replaced and upgraded
  6. Have an experienced plumber check your whole plumbing system for leaks (including pinhole leaks)
  7. Keep up with regular home and plumbing maintenance 
  8. Have your hot water heater inspected every year
  9. If you have problems with your hot water heater have them repaired as soon as possible
  10. Winterize your plumbing if you live in an area with below freezing temperatures in the winter

While these tips can certainly help with preventing plumbing emergencies, there is never a guarantee! At Masterflo Plumbing we pride ourselves on being available to our customers. If you have a plumbing emergency, don’t hesitate to call us. We are available for plumbing emergencies throughout the metro Atlanta area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Call us now at (678) 822-7095 for all your plumbing needs!

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!

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits 2016

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits 2016

Tax season is just around the corner and we all need a little money back in our pockets, right?

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!

5 Must Know Winter Tips For Homeowners

5 Must Know Winter Tips For Homeowners

Winter is here and we’re all feeling the winter blues. We’ve been cooped up inside due to frigid temperatures and have only had a small dusting of snow to show for it. Good news- we’ve got a few tips to cheer you up this winter!

Here are our 5 must know winter tips for homeowners:

winter-tips-for-homeowners

  1. Keep an eye on your thermostat. Of course we all love to be nice and toasty when its cold out, but try to achieve that by using methods other than running up the thermostat. Dress in layers and snuggle up under some blankets. If you leave the house, don’t forget to turn the thermostat way down. Also, you can turn it down at night when you go to bed since you’ll be under the covers all night.
  2. Change your fan setting. That’s right, ceiling fans can be useful during the winter as well as the summer. Flip the switch on your ceiling fan to make it run clockwise. This will help force warm air that has risen back down. This is especially useful if you have high, vaulted ceilings.
  3. Check out your windows. Windows need maintenance, too, and most homeowners forget about them! Windows account for most of the heat loss in your home. Having your windows replaced or reglazed can save you tons of money on your utility bill each winter by preventing or lessening heat loss.
  4. Don’t forget about your attic! When was the last time you checked out the insulation in your attic? Many attics are not insulated at all and some haven’t been insulated in years. Insulation can wear out and break down over time and become ineffective. Having your attic properly insulated is another great way to keep heat from leaving your home.
  5. Double check the temperature your hot water heater is set to. A normal setting is generally 120 degrees. If your temperature is set higher than this, you could be spending unnecessary money to heat your water each month.

Make sure you’re following our must know winter tips for homeowners!! If you need a plumber this winter in metro Atlanta, contact us at Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095!

 

Water Heater Repair Atlanta GA

Water Heater Repair Atlanta GA

Do you need water heater repair in Atlanta GA? Keep reading to find out!

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Although water heaters are super sturdy and durable appliances, they work hard every single day. Your hot water heater is, perhaps, the most hard working appliance in your home. Its also the least thought about appliance in your home because its not appliance that you see every day. This daily use can and does cause them to develop problems and small malfunctions over time. This is totally normal! If you notice a problem with your hot water heater, its important that you contact an experienced plumber for water heater repair in Atlanta GA immediately! We have the experience, skills, and tools necessary to fix your hot water heater before it becomes irreparable. The longer a problem with your water heater is allowed to continue, the worse it will get. If the problem goes on long enough, you may have to replace your entire unit!

The top two most common water heater repair issues are:

  • Leaks- Leaks are a very common water heater repair issue. There are many areas of your hot water heater that can spring a leak. Bad valves and loose pipe junctions are the most common cause of leaks. If your hot water heater springs a leak in the main tank, this can be a huge problem! A small leak in your hot water heater can quickly turn into a big disaster. A leak in the main tank is usually caused by rust and can eventually lead to your whole tank exploding. If you see any leaks- even a small one- have it repaired immediately!
  • Low output- If your hot water heater is suddenly not keeping up with your demand for hot water, it could mean a variety of things. You could have a dirty burner assembly that is having trouble igniting all of the jets. This would significantly lower the temperature of the water in the tank. You could also have a large buildup of sediment in your tank. Because the cause of low output is hard to determine, its important to call a trust professional immediately to pinpoint and fix the issue.

If you have any of these water heater repair issues in Atlanta GA, be sure to call us at Masterflo Plumbing! You can trust us to accurately correct your water heater problem the first time around! With years of experience repairing and replacing water heaters, we can take care of all your hot water heater needs. Call us today at (678) 822-7095!

water heater repair atlanta ga

Atlanta GA Plumber: Leak Detection Services

Atlanta GA Plumber: Leak Detection Services

If you believe that you may have a leak and need an Atlanta GA plumber, read on to find out more information….

Plumbing leaks should be easy to detect- you see water dripping from a pipe and you know you’ve got a leak, so you call a plumber. Right? Sometimes it is that easy, but what about when you have a tiny pinhole leak? Or what about if you’ve got a leak in a pipe that’s not exposed?

atlanta-ga-plumber

Most of your plumbing system is hidden. Nearly all of the pipes that supply fresh water to your home or remove waste water are hidden behind drywall, studs, floorboards, concrete, or dirt. Fortunately, this means you don’t have to look at your plumbing system. However, it also means that you may have a hard time detecting some leaks. Even small leaks can turn into big problems, so its important that you make sure you know about any and all leaks and have them taken care of.

The first sign of a leak is an increase in your water bill if you haven’t knowingly increased your water consumption. There may also be some outward signs such as discolored spots on your walls, warped floor boards, or an increase in the humidity in your home. If you notice any of these signs, call a plumber immediately as it may be time for some professional leak detection. Leaks that are occurring in hidden pipes have to be detected and repaired by a professional Atlanta GA plumber before they cause major damage to your home or property.

While some of the outward signs of a leak may give you a general idea about where the leak is, actually reaching the pipes can be problematic unless you’re a professional plumber. Sometimes, in order to reach a leak, you may have to cut through drywall, break through concrete, or dig through large amounts of earth. This can cost tons of money and could also create more damage than the leaky pipe. In order to avoid large amounts of excavation, its best to have a professional come pinpoint the exact location of the leak. If the leak is small enough, even if its hidden, a professional plumber may be able to fix it without doing any excavation.

Plumbers can perform leak detection in a variety of way. Most of these ways employ the use of technology such as acoustic listening devices, ground microphones (these can detect the sound of water leaving the pipes) and pressure detectors (these find areas of rising pressure coming from leaks).

Perhaps the most effective way to find a hidden leak is by using video pipe inspection equipment. Video pipe inspection equipment uses miniature cameras mounted on the ends of fiber-optic cables that can be run down a water or sewer line. The image from the camera is then fed back to a monitor so your plumber can find the exact location of the leak. Being able to view the leak will also allow your plumber to determine its exact size and magnitude.

Trying to detect and fix a hidden leak on your own can be tricky and can result in further damage. If you’ve got a hidden leak, your best choice is to call the professionals right away! At Masterflo Plumbing we have the technology, skills, and experience necessary to find your leak and find a solution for you.

Contact an Atlanta GA Plumber today at (678) 822-7095, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, for all your plumbing needs!