Fall Activities Cherokee County, GA

Fall Activities Cherokee County, GA

Fall is here and the temperatures are beginning to cool off! We’ve been talking a lot about home improvement and fall home maintenance tasks, so today we thought we’d talk about something a little more fun. October is a favorite month for many people, partly because of all the fun fall activities going on! October is a great month to gather up your family and get outside, so we’ve rounded up some fall activities in and around Cherokee County!

Fall Activities- 

1. The Chick-fil-A Dwarf House in Woodstock is hosting a Pumpkin Party Night on October 10th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Find out more here.
2. The city of Ball Ground will be having their Spooktacular 2016 festival on October 28th from 4:00pm-9:00pm. You can read more about ithere.
3. Downtown Canton is having their Farmer’s Market closing day along with a Halloween Party and trick or treating on October 29th from 9:00am-1:00pm. There’s more information here.
4. Gibbs Gardens is having a fall festival the weekends of October 8-9 and October 15-16. Read more about all the fun activities on theGibbs Gardens events calendar.
5. Although its a little bit further of a drive, Burt’s Farm is open all month long! You can go on hayrides, pick pumpkins, feed fish, and shop at the country store. You can check their hours on their website.
6. The city of Woodstock will be hosting KidsFest on October 31st from 3:00pm-7:00pm. Read more about it on Woodstock’s website. 
7. Mercier Orchards is having u-pick apples the entire month of October! They regularly post the u-pick schedule on their Facebook page.
We hope you all have a great, fun, and safe fall! Don’t forget, at Masterflo Plumbing we’re here for all your plumbing needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Just give us a call at (678) 822-7095! 
family-owned-plumbing-company

Fall Home Maintenance

Fall Home Maintenance 

This past Thursday, September 22, was the first official day of fall! Although the temperatures don’t feel very fall like, fall is definitely on the way. When most of us think of fall, we think of pumpkins, hot chocolate, plaid, colorful leaves, and Halloween! Did you know that you should also be thinking about home maintenance in the fall? Fall comes with its very own set of fall home maintenance tasks that shouldn’t be ignored! Fall gives way to winter and if you aren’t on top of your home maintenance, the harsh winter weather can be damaging to your home and property. Today we’re going to talk about some easy fall home maintenance tasks that you should make sure to get done this year!

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Fall Home Maintenance-

  1. Clean your gutters and your downspouts, and make sure your downspouts have plenty of room to drain.
  2. Check all your outside doors for weather stripping. This can make all the difference with the inside temperature of your home and can save lots of money on your utility bills.
  3. Check the grading around your house and walkways. This can keep your basement or your foundation dry in case of lots of rain or melting snow.
  4. Pull weeds and hidden debris in and around your yard and flower beds.
  5. Shut off the water taps and make sure all your outdoor taps are drained.
  6. Trim your trees to make sure none of them are hanging over your home. If your tree branches ice over during the winter and become heavy, they could fall on your home.
  7. Mulch any young or vulnerable plants and trees. This can help them survive the harsh winter temperatures.
  8. Pack up all your outdoor furniture and decor. Winter temperatures and precipitation can be harsh on outdoor furniture.
  9. Check all your outdoor lighting to make sure it works. Winter means colder temperatures and less daylight hours!
  10. Make sure any outdoor trash cans or recycling receptacles are easily accessible. No one wants to trudge through ice, slush, or snow to take out the trash!

Following these 10 easy fall home maintenance tips can get you and your home set up for success throughout the upcoming fall and winter seasons. If your home’s plumbing needs maintenance or any repairs, or if you need an emergency plumber this fall, contact the professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing. We’re available for any of your plumbing needs 24/7 at (678) 822-7095!

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. Plumbing emergencies can be catastrophic to your home, property, and wallet as a home owner. While plumbing emergencies are generally rare, they can happen at any time and are usually unpredictable. Because plumbing emergencies can potentially have such devastating consequences, its important to learn all about preventing plumbing emergencies.

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.

If you’re a new home owner, this post is especially important for you! Learn about preventing plumbing emergencies and try to familiarize yourself with the plumbing in your home. For example, know where your hot water heater is and know where all the water shut off valves are.


  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!

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!

Drain Cleaning In Woodstock, GA

Drain Cleaning In Woodstock, GA

Drain cleaning isn’t always the most pleasant subject to talk about or think about. Many of you probably immediately think “yuck”, “gross”, or “ew”. However, 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).

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

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

If your drains are clogged or if you’d like to stay ahead of the curve and prevent them, contact us today for your professional drain cleaning in Woodstock, GA. At Masterflo Plumbing, we have years of experience doing drain cleaning and guarantee we’ll get your pipes in working order and keep them that way. Remember, you can call us any time, day or night, seven days a week- (678) 822-7095!

Emergency Plumber Woodstock, GA

Emergency Plumber Woodstock, 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 Woodstock, 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 Woodstock, GA  make sure to call your dependable, local emergency plumber today at (678) 822-7095!

emergency plumber in atlanta ga

5 Summer Home Maintenance Tips

5 Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and here in north Georgia we’re  seeing recording breaking high temperatures! Summer is a great time to get outside and get active with your family, but its also a great time to do a little home maintenance. No one likes adding to their to do list, but as a homeowner you can save yourself lots of money by doing a little preventive maintenance. Keeping up with regular home maintenance can also help keep your house safe for you and your family!

At Masterflo Plumbing we like to help you keep your life simple. 

Today we’re bringing you 5 summer home maintenance tips–

  1. Test your smoke detectors. You should test your smoke detectors at least twice a year! During the summer there are lots of cook outs! Grills and smokers can increase your risk of having a fire in or around your home. Make sure your smoke detectors are working so that you can keep your family safe.
  2. Touch up the exterior paint on your home. This includes siding, doors, trim, and shutters. Now that its warm outside, its the perfect time to touch up the pain on the outside of your home. Touching up your home’s exterior paint each summer can keep you from dropping thousands of dollars on having the entire exterior of your home professionally repainted. Plus, once the touch ups are done, your home will look great for all those backyard cook outs!
  3. Clean your air conditioner filter. This is an important tip that is often overlooked by most of us! During the summer when your air conditioner is working the hardest, you should try and clean the filter every couple of weeks. This will help your unit to run much more efficiently, saving you money on your power bill. You can clean the filter by using warm, soapy water or a vacuum cleaner. Some newer air conditioner units may have a self cleaning option.
  4. Check your furnace filter. Changing your furnace filter is another great way to save money on your energy bill by keeping the appliance working as efficiently as possible. If the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced, turn off the power and locate the filter. You may need to unscrew and remove a couple of panels. If the filter has a cardboard frame, you’ll need to purchase a replacement. If the frame is not cardboard, you can clean it with warm, soapy water.
  5. Check your hoses. This includes all the hoses to your dehumidifier, washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, toilets, refrigerator, and any outdoor garden hoses. These hoses should all be visually inspected for any signs of cracks, leaks, or wear and tear. Generally, these hoses will need to be replaced every 3-5 years to prevent any major leaks. 

Follow these 4 summer home maintenance tips for a safe, sunny summer! For any help with plumbing maintenance or emergency plumbing problems contact us at (678) 822-7095. We service all of metro Atlanta and north Georgia 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

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.

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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!