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!

fall-home-maintenance

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!

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!

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).

easyplumbingfixes

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!

What Is Hydro Jetting?

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Have you heard of hydro jetting? Wondering exactly what it is? Keep reading to find out!

hydro-jetting

Hydro jetting is a highly effective method used by professional plumbers to clean out clogged sewer lines. A blast of water at an extremely high pressure- usually about 4000 psi- is sent into the lines. This blast generally removes any and all clogs, blockages, and buildups.

Oftentimes your plumber will do a video inspection of your lines to determine what has caused your clog and exactly where the problem is located. Even if tree roots are the cause of your problem, hydro jetting will usually cut right through them. Sometimes, if the tree roots are extra heavy and thick, your plumber may need to run a snake through the line first. Video inspection prior to hydro jetting is also a good idea to check for broken pipes or weak areas. Hydro jetting weak pipes can wreak havoc on your plumbing system.

Hydro jetting can be used in residential or commercial settings. For residential purposes, hydro jetting can clear out sand, silt, lime scale, and even hair clogs. Yearly hydro jetting can help maintain your plumbing system in a way that routine snaking can not. Hydro jetting not only breaks up clogs, it also completely clears the pipes of any residual buildup. Its also very environmentally friendly as no harsh chemicals are used!

Hydro jetting is a great way to maintain your plumbing system and get rid of pesky clogs or slow pipes. It should only be done by a trained professional in order to avoid causing any damage to your plumbing system. A trained plumber will know exactly how to use the hydro jetting system in order to maximize benefits and prevent damage.

If you find yourself with frequent clogs or a generally slow plumbing system, hydro jetting may be right for you. This service can greatly improve older plumbing systems and is great for sand, silt, and limescale buildup. Contact the local professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today to discuss hydro jetting. You can call us 7 days a week at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

Exterior Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Exterior Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is in full effect here in metro Atlanta, and we’ve had plenty of nice days to get outside. Although its tempting to blow off home maintenance for more leisurely activities, don’t forget that keeping up with your home maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. 

exterior-spring-home-maintenance

To keep things simple for you, we’ve come up with a simple exterior spring home maintenance checklist:

  • Check on your lawn tools (lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, etc.) to make sure they’re in working condition. Many lawn tools can be repaired instead of replaced if they’re not working properly.
  • Look at your roof for loose, missing, or damaged vents or shingles and have them repaired and replaced as necessary so you don’t find yourself with a leak.
  • Check all your siding and trim for loose or damaged spots and have these places repaired as necessary.
  • Check for damaged windows or screens.
  • Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and don’t have any damaged or broken places. Spring time can bring lots of rain and if the rain isn’t diverted properly, it can cause damage to your home.
  • Look around your homes foundation and/or basement for any obvious cracked or damaged spots. Any cracks (even small ones) can seriously compromise the integrity and safety of your home.
  • Inspect any exposed wood for signs of damage, rot, or bug infestation. Compromised wood can present structural and safety issues for your home.
  • Make sure all tree branches are trimmed back and away from your home. This will prevent them from falling on your home in case of a storm.
  • Check your yard for any particularly wet or lush patches that seem to stand out. This could be a sign of a pipe leak under your yard.

For help with any plumbing maintenance or repairs call the local professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing! (678) 822-7095

 

5 Things To Do At Daylight Saving Time

5 Things To Do At Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time is this weekend! Earlier this week, we ran through a quick history of DST. Today, we’re going to go over 5 things to do when you set your clocks forward each spring. Remember, keeping up with your home’s maintenance will ensure that your home is working efficiently and can prevent major maintenance issues.

daylight saving time

  1. Replace the batteries in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Don’t forget, these are life saving devices that are installed in your home, but they will only work if they are properly maintained!
  2. Schedule a professional furnace inspection. This will ensure that your furnace is working as efficiently as possible, and that there are no major safety issues with it.
  3. Have your chimney professionally cleaned. This is especially important if you use your fireplace regularly. When soot and other debris builds up inside your chimney, you could be facing a major fire hazard.
  4. Replace the filters in your heater and air conditioner. This should be done several times a year in order to ensure maximum efficiency from these units, but at the very least change them out when you set your clocks forward.
  5. Drain your hot water heater. This can prevent sediment buildup and can help prevent other hot water heater issues. For other plumbing maintenance services you should call your local professional plumber.

Keeping up with your annual home maintenance can cut down on your utility bills, as well as save you money in costly repairs. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed this Saturday, March 11, 2016! For any plumbing maintenance issues, contact us at (678) 822-7095!

Professional Drain Cleaning In Woodstock, GA

Professional Drain Cleaning In Woodstock, 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!

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).

drain cleaning in woodstock ga

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!

Yearly Home Maintenance Checklist

Yearly Home Maintenance Checklist

Winter is looming just around the corner, and its time to make sure you and your home are ready for the harsh weather! Keeping up with your home maintenance 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.

We know you’ve got a lot going on, and its not always easy to remember what needs to be done each year! To help you out, we’ve come up with a handy home maintenance checklist for you!

plumber-canton-ga

Here are some key things to check off on your 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.

If you need help with any of your home maintenance plumbing tasks, call Masterflo today at (678) 822-7095. We’re family and locally owned and operated and we have your best interest at heart! Call the plumber you can trust!

10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

With the weather outside looking more and more like fall and less and less like summer, we thought we’d reiterate some of our top fall home maintenance tips!

shovel-1357351

 

  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 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.
  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 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!

Remember- if you need an emergency plumber in Canton, GA this fall or winter contact us at (678) 822-7095!