Signs of Sewer Repair

Signs of Sewer Repair

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 from your home. In most homes with modern day plumbing, the sewer drain is buried underneath your property. Fortunately, this means you don’t have to see it! Unfortunately, this can make it hard to detect small problems before they become large, disastrous problems. Today we’re going to talk about a few signs that you can be on the lookout for to let you know if you need sewer repair!

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 call us at (678) 822-7095!

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Water Heater Replacement

Water Heater Wednesday: Water Heater Replacement

Fortunately, your hot water heater is usually hidden out of sight in your home. While most of us don’t really want to look at our hot water heater everyday, this can sometimes make it hard to tell when you need repairs or when you need a water heater replacement.

If your water heater is making strange noises or leaking, call Masterflo right away- your hot water heater may be in need of repairs! Repairing minor issues quickly can prolong the life of your hot water heater. However, you may not be quite that lucky. Although water heaters do last for a long time, they eventually break down and become too old to be repaired and function properly. Here are some signs to look out for to know if you need a hot water heater replacement-

  • Age- Age is the main sign that you may need a new hot water heater. Fortunately, its also the easiest indicator to keep in mind. Each unit can differ slightly, so for the most accurate lifespan of your hot water heater you should consult your owners manual. Most traditional, storage tank water heaters last approximately 10-15 years and tankless water heaters can last around 20 years. If you know that your hot water heater is beyond is life expectancy, you may be at risk for a sudden break down.
  • Rust- If you turn on your hot water and it begins running a reddish-brown color, this could indicate that you need a new unit. If your tank is rusted, it is at risk for corrosion and leaks. However, in some cases a little rust may not mean a new unit. Sometimes rusk can indicate that the anode rod has rusted and simply needs to be replaced.
  • Low Temperatures- Low water temperature doesn’t always mean you need a whole new unit. It may be an indicator that you need a simple repair. If your unit is old and nearing its life expectancy, it could indicate that your unit can no longer properly heat water and you may need a water heater replacement.

The decision to simply repair or replace your hot water heater can oftentimes be a tough one. Sometimes it helps to have a professional check out your unit and give you some advice. The experienced plumbers at Masterflo Plumbing have the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to help you make the best, most informed decision regarding water heater replacement.

If your water heater has completely broken down and you need a new one ASAP, don’t hesitate to call us. We can be reached for all your hot water heater needs anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Simply call (678) 822-7095 now!

 

 

Easy Plumbing Tips

Easy Plumbing Tips

Today we’re going to run through a few plumbing tips. The best part of these tips is that they’re easy and can save you a ton of time, money, and stress. Plumbing problems can hit you at any time and are usually unexpected. And of course- they usually occur at the most inopportune times. Its important to be prepared and have a few tricks up your sleeve so that you are more prepared to deal with the inevitable plumbing problem that pops up. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to avoid a huge disaster.

Here are some plumbing tips every homeowner should know-

  • Make sure you know how to turn off the water to your sink, toilet, and main water source. If you’ve sprung a leak it is vital that you know how to turn off the water to prevent further damage. And don’t forget- righty tighty lefty loosey.
  • Be familiar with the different types of plungers and which ones to use where. For inks you should use a bowl shaped rubber plunger. Plungers that should be used for toilets have an additional piece of rubber that allow it to get inside the opening of the toilet.
  • Don’t use an auger if you aren’t a professional plumber so that you can avoid damaging your pipes. On that note, don’t do any fancy DIY plumbing if you aren’t a trained professional! While trying to save money you can inadvertently cause additional damage costing you additional money.
  • Don’t use the chemical drain cleaners sold at the store as they are harmful to your plumbing system! Instead, if you’ve got to use something, use an all natural combination of baking soda and vinegar. Pour in half a cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar. Once the fizzing stops, pour hot water down the drain to flush it. If this doesn’t work, try plunging. If you still can’t clear the clog, its time to call a professional plumber.
  • Keep up with your septic tank maintenance. Its one of those things that gets forgotten about, but if your septic tank backs up you’ll end up with a major problem on your hands! Have your tank checked out by a professional yearly and don’t plant anything with roots over or near your lines.
  • Lastly- make sure to find a plumber you can trust BEFORE you have a problem and keep their number handy! Plumbing problems can escalate quickly.

Following these tips can potentially save you time, money, and keep you from dealing with a huge headache! For a trusted, experienced plumber in the metro Atlanta area call Masterflo today at (678) 822-7095! Remember, you can call us anytime day or night- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

 

 

Garbage Disposal Problems: Myths

Garbage Disposal Problems: Myths

A couple weeks ago we talked about some common garbage disposal problems. Today we’re going to talk about one of the biggest garbage disposal problems- myths! We understand that doing research on plumbing and garbage disposals isn’t really a top priority for most homeowners, and understandably so! However, having correct information about your garbage disposal can help you avoid many common garbage disposal problems. The garbage disposal is one of the hardest working appliances in the modern day American home- many of us use our garbage disposal multiple times every day without even thinking about it.

Because spending lots of time reading about your garbage disposal probably isn’t how you want to spend your free time, we’ll keep this short and sweet and help clear up some of those common garbage disposal myths.

 

Myth #1

You can sharpen the blades with ice cubes. No, no, no! Many of us have heard that if your garbage disposal is having a hard time grinding up food that you should put ice cubes down it and turn it on. This is a very common garbage disposal myth, and I have tons of friends who do this all the time. In fact, there are no sharp blades in your garbage disposal. The “blades” that grind up your food are actually blunt- surprise! Putting ice cubes down your garbage disposal won’t sharpen these blades because they are designed to be blunt. In fact, if you put ice cubes down your garbage disposal you could potentially cause a lot of damage. If your garbage disposal isn’t grinding up food properly, you should call a plumber to check it out to see if you need repairs.

Myth #2

You should run hot water while running your garbage disposal. The thought process behind this myth is that hot water helps to dissolve grease, food, and other organic matter that’s been put down your garbage disposal. However, if you run hot water while you’re running your garbage disposal, you could cause your garbage disposal to overheat! Its true that you should run water while running your disposal, but its important to try and use cold water whenever possible. If your garbage disposal overheats, you could cause substantial damage resulting in a whole new unit.

Myth #3

Your garbage disposal can grind up any food product you put down it. While your garbage disposal is a heavy duty, durable appliance, it can and will break if not treated properly. Your garbage disposal is designed to grind up SOFT food particles, not hard ones! Your garbage disposal is not built to grind up bones, gristle, corn cobs, popcorn kernels, etc. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if you can’t chew it, neither can your garbage disposal!

If you need a professional plumber to help you out with your garbage disposal problems, don’t forget to call a trusted, experienced plumber. At Masterflo Plumbing we can assess your garbage disposal needs. If your garbage disposal can be repaired, we have the experience necessary to make those repairs. If you need a new one, we can install it for you. No matter how careful you are with your garbage disposal, it may still break down at some point, and we’ll be there to help you out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For all your garbage disposal needs contact us at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Solar Water Heater Maintenance

Water Heater Wednesday: Solar Water Heater Maintenance

Last week on Water Heater Wednesday, we talked about some of the benefits of solar water heaters. Today we are going to discuss solar water heater maintenance. Just like any other appliance in your home, solar water heaters require regular inspections and maintenance to keep them operating correctly and efficiently. Although solar water heaters generally have a long life span, they may occasionally require some minor repairs or new parts.

To help you out with your solar water heater maintenance, here’s a checklist of things for you to inspect on your solar water heater.

  • Collector shading- You should visually inspect for any shading of the collectors several times throughout the day (morning, noon, and afternoon) at least once a year. If the collectors become shaded, their performance can be impacted. As trees grow or new construction occurs around you, shading can occur that wasn’t previously there.
  • Collector soiling- Dust or dirt can cause the collectors to perform very poorly. Collectors should be cleaned periodically, especially if you live in a dry or dusty climate.
  • Collector glazing and seals- Check for cracks in your collectors and collector glazing and make sure all seals are in top notch condition. If glazing is old and yellowed it may need to be replaced.
  • Plumbing, ductwork, and wiring connections- Check for any fluid leaks and make sure all ducts are sealed and wiring is tight.
  • Insulation- Make sure to periodically check for damage and degradation of the insulation that covers the pipes, ducts, and wiring.
  • Roof penetration- Make sure the flashing and sealant around the roof penetration point is in good condition.
  • Nuts and bolts- Make sure the unit is being properly supported and that all nuts and bolts are sturdy and tight.
  • Pressure relief valve- Make sure your valve works properly and doesn’t stick in the open or closed position.
  • Dampers- Similar to the pressure relief valve, make sure your dampers open and close appropriately and don’t stick.
  • Pumps and blowers- Make sure all pumps and blowers are functional. You can do this by listening to see if they come on when the sun is shining on the collectors. If you don’t hear anything come on, you may have a problem.
  • Heat transfer fluids- The Antifreeze solutions in liquid solar heating collectors must be replaced periodically.
  • Storage systems- Check the storage tanks for any signs of degradation like cracks, leaks, rust, or corrosion.

If you’ve got a solar water heater, make sure to keep up with your solar water heater maintenance by following our check list!

Don’t forget, for all your plumbing needs call the trusted professionals at Masterflo Plumbing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (678) 822-7095!

 

Sewer Line Repairs

Sewer Line Repairs

Chances are the title of this blog post make you cringe! Being a homeowner comes with many responsibilities and can, at times, be daunting. Add in some sewer problems, and you’ve got yourself a highly stressful situation! No homeowner wants to deal with sewer problems and sewer line repairs. Even electrical problems or heating and air conditioning problems sound more appealing! If sewer line problems and sewer line repair has got you stressing out, don’t worry. Sewer line repair doesn’t need to cause a nervous breakdown if you call a professional plumber. Calling a professional plumber skilled and experienced in sewer line repair can take the hassle out of it for you. At Masterflo we have the skills and experience necessary to repair your sewer line quickly and correctly the first time!

 

While we can take care of any problems you may have with your sewer line, only you can spot problems! Keep an eye out for the following signs that you may need sewer line repair:

 

  • Slow drains- If your sinks, tubs, and showers are draining slowly, you may not immediately be alerted to the fact that there’s a problem. In fact, a slow drain may be nothing more than a small clog that you can fix yourself. However, if you begin experiencing slow drains around your entire home that don’t respond to quick fixes, it may be time to call a professional plumber! You may simply have a tough clog that needs professional attention, but slow drains all around your home can also be a sign that you need sewer line repair. Slow drains may indicate that your sewer line has developed a break or a clog. If not repaired quickly, this can lead to major damage. If you have slow drains, don’t try to live with it or you could end up costing yourself lots of money in repairs!
  • Changing water levels in toilets- If that water levels in your toilets changes, you may simply chalk it up to a strange, random occurrence or you may not even notice! How much time do we really spend looking into our toilet bowls? Similar to slow drains, varying water levels in your toilet may result from a simple clog or a small object that has been flushed and gotten stuck in your pipes. However, varying water levels in your toilets may also be a sign of a much larger problem with your sewer line. If you notice changing water levels in your toilets, you may need sewer line repair!
  • Bad smells- If you’ve got foul odors coming out of your sink drains, don’t ignore it! This is one of the main signs that you have sewer drainage and are in immediate need of sewer line repair! Bad smells, particularly in the bathroom, often go ignored. However, bad smells coming out of your drain should definitely be taken seriously!
  • Water stains and foundation damage- Sewer line damage can cause major damage to the foundation or basement of your home, which can mean you may have to spend major bucks! Its always a good idea to regularly inspect your basement or foundation for signs of damage. If there is a problem, catching it early is key to minimizing damage and costs. Things to look for include excess moisture or water stains, an increase in bugs or rats. If you notice any of these signs, call a plumber immediately!

 

 

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Garbage Disposal Problems

Garbage Disposal Problems

The garbage disposal is the hero of the kitchen. Think back to the last time you had to dig bits of old food out of a kitchen sink that wasn’t equipped with a garbage disposal- this memory surely makes you appreciate your garbage disposal! We often don’t think of our garbage disposals until they have problems, but your garbage disposal is a hard working plumbing convenience that you definitely don’t want to be without. Garbage disposal problems need to be dealt with quickly and professionally or a small problem could turn into a much larger one. Calling a trusted, professional plumber is your best bet for getting your garbage disposal fixed correctly and promptly.

Here are three garbage disposal problems that are, unfortunately, quite common:

  1. No power. Most of us never stop to think about it, but garbage disposals run on electricity similar to many other kitchen appliances. If the electrical supply to your garbage disposal gets interrupted, it won’t work. Your garbage disposal can also become overloaded by a power surge. If this happens, your garbage disposal will automatically shut off to avoid burning out. Most garbage disposals have a red reset button on the bottom. If you press your reset button and your garbage disposal begins working again, you don’t need a professional plumber. If it doesn’t, call a plumber right away!
  2. A jam. Most of us take full advantage of our garbage disposals by sending anything and everything down them without a second thought. There are some things, however, that should never be put down a garbage disposals. This list includes chicken bones, peach pits, vegetable peelings from carrots and potatoes, and kitchen utensils or other foreign objects. If any of these things make their way down your garbage disposal, you can find yourself with a serious clog that will result in a jam. Although its tempting, you should never try to dislodge a jam yourself because you can seriously injure your fingers. A professional plumber is trained to adjust the masher plate and safely dislodge the jam.
  3. Leaks. Just like any other piping in your home, your garbage disposal can spring a leak! Sometimes these leaks come from breached hoses, loose fittings, or faulty seals. Its imperative to call a plumber right away if you notice a leak coming from your garbage disposal. A small leak can quickly turn into a larger one and can cause major damage to your home resulting in costly repairs.

If you have any of these common garbage disposal problems, call the experienced professionals at Masterflo Plumbing immediately at (678) 822-7095! Continuing to use your garbage disposal if you have noticed a problem can result in the whole unit needing to be replaced, so don’t hesitate to call us! Remember, we’re always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! We’ve got the skills and experience necessary to restore your garbage disposal to working condition!

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Solar Water Heaters

Water Heater Wednesday: Solar Water Heaters

We’ve talked about tankless water heaters, so today we’re going to do a quick post on solar water heaters. The hot water heater in your home works harder than almost all of your other appliances. Traditional hot water heaters keep a large amount of water heated at all times. That process takes a lot of energy, that is oftentimes unnecessary and can cost you extra money. Taking a look at your hot water heater and switching to a solar water heater can save you lots of money in the long run.

What is a solar water heater? A solar water heater is a water heater that uses solar energy (from the sun) to heat water. There are many different types of solar water heaters, but the most common type uses solar panels to collect solar energy and converts it to electricity to power your water heater.

What are the benefits of a solar water heater? Traditional water heaters use an exceptionally large amount of energy, costing you tons of money. This is because a traditional water heater keeps so much water heated at all times, and also because of the large daily demand for hot water in a traditional home. Installing a solar water heater allows you to continue using just as much hot water as you normally do without the high cost of heating it. Solar energy is free and is an infinitely renewable resource! If you are looking for a way to go green and save some money on your utility bills every month, you should consider switching to a solar water heater.

Next week on Water Heater Wednesday, we’ll continue talking about solar water heaters and talk about how to maintain them!

In the mean time, if you need a plumber, day or night, call Masterflo! We’re here for all your plumbing needs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

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Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!

We hope everyone is having a happy and safe Labor Day today! We know you all work hard to provide for your loved ones. At Masterflo Plumbing we work hard to meet all of our clients’ needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! We help create a sanitary, comfortable environment for you by taking care of all your residential plumbing needs. When most of us think of Labor Day, we think of football, BBQ, and spending some time outdoors grilling, swimming, or boating. In honor of the holiday today, we’d like to take a second and share with you why we celebrate Labor Day.

The origins of Labor Day are somewhat disputed as are the origins of many US holidays. Some say that Labor Day began at the suggestion of Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor. Another, more supported theory, is that Matthew Maguire initiated Labor Day. Maguire was the secretary of the Central Labor Union of New York and suggested a demonstration and picnic to celebrate the average, hard working American. President Grover Cleveland was eventually able to designate the holiday as a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day has since become a way to recognize and celebrate the contribution to America by its hard working citizens.

Have a great Labor Day and we’ll see you all on Wednesday for another edition of Water Heater Wednesday!

 

Homebuyer’s Checklist

Homebuyer’s Checklist

Buying a home can be (and usually is!) very stressful. There are so many steps in the process, so many things to check up on, look at, finish, etc. It seems like there’s always one more thing to do, find out about, or look into before you actually sign those papers and get your keys! Inevitably, the second you get your keys and move in you discover something that you forgot to check or you see something you didn’t see before.

The plumbing system is a vital component of any home that often goes unnoticed or overlooked. This is because the plumbing system is mostly hidden from view so that we don’t have to look at our plumbing system on a daily basis. Although the plumbing system is hidden from view, it is an incredibly important thing to take a look at before buying a home. An average family of four uses nearly 400 gallons of water each day and more than 25% of that comes from flushing the toilet!

Here is a helpful homebuyer’s checklist specific to plumbing:

  • Flush the toilet in each bathroom to make sure they’re in working order (no pre-existing clogs or leaks).
  • Check the size of the pipes. To get proper water pressure the pipes from the water source to your home should be at least 3/4″ and the pipes to your faucets should be at least 1/2″.
  • Check the water pressure in all the showers.
  • Look at the hot water heater to check for signs of damage or corrosion. Ask about its age and when it was last serviced.
  • Ask about the pipes and avoid homes with lead piping.
  • Check out the basement or crawl space for any signs of leaks or water damage.

Hopefully this homebuyer’s checklist can help you if you’re in the market for a new home. If you’re trying to sell a home or have recently purchased a new home and need a plumber you can trust call Masterflo today. Our plumbers are available to you for all your plumbing needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

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