Emergency Plumber Marietta, GA

Emergency Plumber Marietta, GA

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

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

emergency-plumber-in-marietta-ga

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

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

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

emergency plumber in atlanta ga

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips

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

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

water heater maintenance tips

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips-

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

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

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Monday we talked about some of the risks of using natural gas as an energy source. We briefly touched on carbon monoxide poisoning. Today, we’re going to delve into carbon monoxide poisoning a little more and what you can do to make your home more safe for you and your family. 

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that can result as a by-product of using natural gas as an energy source. It is tasteless, odoroless, and colorless and is often referred to as the “silent killer”. If it is inhaled, it can lead to death or other serious health complications. 

Where is carbon monoxide found?

Carbon monoxide can be found in many places in your home including: 

  • Chimneys- Blocked chimney openings, cracked flues, or buildup of soot can lead to carbon monoxide
  • Kitchens- If your gas oven, range, or cooktop vent is broken or improperly installed carbon monoxide may be found in your kitchen
  • Basement/laundry room- If your gas dryer or washer is broken or improperly installed, carbon monoxide may be found

What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Dizziness, loss of consciousness, headaches, nausea, fainting, shortness of breath, short term memory loss, speech problems, and other flu like symptoms are all signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What should you do in case of a carbon monoxide emergency in your home?

Open all the doors and windows in your home and go outside. Turn off all your appliances and have them checked by a licensed professional before using them again. Seek medical treatment. If you believe carbon monoxide is present in your home, don’t do anything (such as light a cigarette or match) that could start a fire.

How can you protect yourself and your family?

Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home will drastically reduce your chances of experiencing complications from carbon monoxide poisoning. While 75% of homes in America contain a source of carbon monoxide, only 1 in 10 homes have a carbon monoxide detector. Approximately 72,000 carbon monoxide incidents occur in the US each year. Protect yourself and your family!

For gas line repair and maintenance, call the trained professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

carbon-monoxide-poisoning

Gas Line Repair Canton, GA

Gas Line Repair Canton, GA 

Most of us are familiar with natural gas as an energy source in our homes. Natural gas is one of the most common and affordable forms of energy for homeowners throughout Canton, GA and its surrounding areas. Because of its popularity, affordability, and availability, its important that you know the potential hazards that can come along with using natural gas as an energy source in your home. If you are facing any problems with your gas lines, it is imperative that you call a licensed professional for gas line repair immediately! 

  • Carbon Monoxide- Carbon monoxide is a by-product of using natural gas. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide can be very hazardous to the health of you and your family. If it is inhaled, it can cause major health problems. It is odorless and colorless, making it virtually impossible to notice on your own. If you have inhaled carbon monoxide, you may experience symptoms that are very similar to the flu. 
  • Gas Line Leaks- Although gas line leaks are generally very rare, they are very dangerous. If natural gas has the opportunity to build up in an enclosed space, it can cause illness to those inhaling it, as well as an explosion. Leaks can happen inside or outside your home, and are very dangerous in either place. Before doing any landscaping or other outside work that requires digging, you should call your local utility company and have them come out and mark the gas lines in your yard. Natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you notice this smell, make sure to shut off any gas valves at your home and call 911 and your local utility company. 

gas-line-repair

Gas leaks and carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous! Preventing these issues is as simple as having your gas lines inspected and maintained regularly by a licensed professional. At Masterflo Plumbing we have the skills and experience necessary to prevent gas line issues in your home. We are also able to do gas line repair in an emergency if needed! To schedule your routine gas line maintenance inspection or for emergency gas line repair, call us today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

 

Easy Plumbing Fixes

Easy Plumbing Fixes

At some point, most of us will run into plumbing problems at home. If you are renting, this generally means you will call your landlord and have them take care of it. Unfortunately, if you own your own home and are not a professional plumber, this often means calling an experienced plumber out to your home to take care of the problem. Sometimes, this can result in you spending tons of money. Today we’re going to discuss some easy plumbing fixes that you can attempt yourself before calling for professional reinforcements!

easyplumbingfixes

Unblock Traps- Undo the sink trap, remove the blockage, and reassemble the trap. Although some clogs can be fixed by using a snake, oftentimes the best way to remove the clog and prevent future clogs is to remove it entirely.

Fix Pesky Sink Clogs- Remove the spring tab from the drain plug, remove the ball valve from the trap, remove the pop up plug, then thoroughly remove all debris in the drain. Sink drain clogs are super common, and contrary to popular belief, its NOT a good idea to use chemical drain cleaners.

Leaky Pipes- Check your pipes periodically for signs of rust or lime scale. This can indicate that you may have a small leak. If left alone, small leaks can turn into big leaks which can cause lots of damage.

If you have a plumbing emergency or have tried these easy plumbing fixes and still find yourself with a plumbing problem, call your local, trusted professional plumbers at Masterflo Plumbing today- (678) 822-7095! 

Slab Leak Repair

Slab Leak Repair 

Any homeowner knows that any plumbing problem is an unneeded and unwanted hassle, but slab leaks are one of the worst possible plumbing problems! What makes slab leaks one of the worst possible plumbing problems to have is that even a small slab leak can end up causing quite a bit of damage. Unfortunately, slab leak repair can be quite costly sometimes. The amount of damage caused by a slab and the amount of money it will cost you to fix it can sometimes depend on the location of the leak.

slab leak repair

So, what exactly is a slab leak? Your home sits on a concrete foundation called a slab. This helps to keep your home stable and prevent it from shifting over time as it settles. Underneath the slab are many pipes, including your water and sewer lines. If one of these pipes develops a leak underneath the slab, the water from the leak will travel up through the slab and into your home, coming up through the floor. This is a slab leak.

slab leak repair

Slab leaks are a huge problem. Sometimes, they can be really large and can create tons of damage underneath your home. Also, they can go unnoticed for long periods of time. The longer a slab leak goes unnoticed, the worse it gets and the more damage it causes. Unfortunately, its next to impossible to recognize a slab leak before its had the opportunity to fester and create extensive damage.

As soon as you believe you have a slab leak, turn off your water! This will aid in keeping any more water from leaking out of the pipes and creating further damage. The next thing you should do is call a plumber in your area for slab leak repair immediately! A professional plumber will be able to tell you for sure if you’ve got a slab leak. If you do, a professional plumber will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the leak and will be able to begin working to fix it immediately.

For slab leak repair, call the trusted experts at Masterflo Plumbing immediately! The longer you allow a slab leak to continue underneath your home, the more damage you will have. For a Canton, GA plumber call Masterflo at (678) 822-7095 or send us a message!

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!

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!

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!