Plumbing Fun Facts

Plumbing Fun Facts

Although modern day plumbing and advances in sanitation technology are fairly new, plumbers and the plumbing industry have been around forever. Many of us don’t spend too much time thinking about plumbing or plumbers, and don’t realize that the plumbing industry actually has a long, rich history. To get the new year kicked off, we’re going to go through a few, fun plumbing facts!

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  • The Egyptians were skilled in plumbing drainage construction as far back as 2500 B.C.
  • In 1700 B.C. the Minoan Palace of Knossos on the isle of Crete featured four separate drainage systems that drained into giant sewers made of stone.
  • Aqueducts to supply water to the Roman Baths were first built in 312 B.C.
  • In 800 B.C. the first Roman sewers were constructed.
  • In 1738 JF Brondel introduced the first valve type flush toilet.
  • The Tremont Hotel in Boston became the first hotel to have indoor plumbing in 1829.
  • The National Public Health Act was passed in England in 1848. It became the world’s first model for a plumbing code.
  • In 1870, Thomas Twyford designed the one piece toilet.
  • Toilet paper was first used in China. The Chinese were also the first to mass produce it
  • 10 million trees are used worldwide each year to keep up with toilet paper demand
  • Splinter free toilet paper wasn’t introduced until 1935
  • Americans use approximately 8.6 sheets of toilet paper per bathroom trip
  • 75% of the world’s population does not use toilet paper due to cost or insufficient plumbing
  • During Desert Storm, the military used toilet paper to camouflage their tanks
  • The average person will spend about 3 years of their life on the toilet
  • The Pentagon uses almost 700 rolls of toilet paper every day
  • Americans used 50% more toilet paper than other Western countries
  • Toilet paper wasn’t introduced in the United States until 1857
  • The United States is the largest exporter of toilet paper in the world!

We hope everyone’s new year is off to a great start. Remember, if you need residential plumbing services in the metro Atlanta area, contact us today about any of our services at (678) 822-7095!

Winter Home Prep

Winter Home Prep

Winter Home Prep- Its the end of December, but for those of us in Georgia, the harshest winter weather is still ahead of us! January and February are traditionally the coldest months of the year and can bring freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow. Getting your home prepared for winter is important for the safety and comfort of you and your family!

winter home prep

Follow our winter home prep checklist to make sure you, your family, and your friends stay safe and warm this winter!

  • A new door mat- During the course of the year, your doormat can get worn down and is no longer functional. A new door mat will encourage guests to wipe their feet and will help to reduce slips and falls.
  • Stock up on outdoor supplies- Make sure you have a snow shovel, and an ample supply of salt or sand BEFORE winter weather hits. If you wait till harsh weather hits your area, stores are likely to sell out of the supplies you need.
  • Focus on your home’s humidity- Dry air that occurs in your home during the winter can be damaging to your health and the health of your children. Consider purchasing a humidifier if you don’t already have one. If you do, make sure its clean and ready to be used.
  • Get your fireplace professionally cleaned- If you have a fireplace that you plan to use to heat your home during the winter, make sure you have a professional chimney sweep clean it for you first! This small step can drastically reduce your risk of having your home catch on fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Clean your gutters- Having your gutters cleaned before winter weather hits will keep that winter precipitation flowing and can prevent clogged gutters. Clogged gutters can eventually lead to siding damage, gutter corrosion, and foundation damage.
  • Plug up all the leaks in your home- If you’ve got a leaky roof, a drafty window seal, or worn out weather stripping on a door, now is the time to fix all those leaks! Fixing all those holes can help keep you warm and will cut down on your winter utility bills.

Following these tips can help keep you safe and warm this winter! For any winter plumbing emergencies, make sure to contact Masterflo Plumbing today 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).

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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!

Water Heater Installation Special

Water Heater Installation Special

Don’t forget- for the month of December, Masterflo Plumbing is offering you a great deal on water heater installation in Atlanta, GA!

This month ONLY we will install a 40 gallon electric water heater for you for only $699!

Don’t get stuck without hot water this winter!

Plumbing Services Canton GA | Water Heater Repair Canton GA

At Masterflo Plumbing we’re bringing you deals that can’t be beat by trusted, professional plumbers you can count on! December will be over before you know it, so don’t hesitate to contact us today for your water heater installation in Atlanta, GA at (678) 822-7095!

How to Caulk a Toilet in 9 Easy Steps

How to Caulk a Toilet in 9 Easy Steps

Now that the weather has cooled off and outdoor projects aren’t top on the to do list, its time to tackle some projects inside the home! Whether you’ve got a brand new toilet to install, or you need to touch up an old one, caulking a toilet is easy! Today we’re going to teach you how to caulk a toilet in 9 easy steps!

toilet-repair-services-canton-gaToilets should always be caulked to the floor in order to prevent any movement of the toilet. When a toilet moves, the wax seal could get broken and water can collect under the toilet and rot the floor. Oftentimes, homeowners will set a toilet and then caulk around the outside edge. This method generally isn’t strong enough to hold and it also leaves a large, visible line of caulk. Read on to find out the best way to caulk a toilet!

  • Set the toilet in place, making sure its square against the wall
  • Use masking tape to make an outline of the toilet on the floor
  • Remove the toilet and lay it on its side
  • Measure the depth and width of the gluing edge of the bowl
  • Use your caulk gun to apply caulk directly to the floor using the depth you measured in the previous step
  • Install the wax ring
  • Lower your toilet onto the floor
  • Stand on the toilet to make sure its properly adhered to the wax ring
  • Use a paper towel to clean up any extra caulk

If you love to tackle DIY home repair projects (or even if you don’t!) these 9 steps will make caulking a toilet easy! For any plumbing projects you don’t want to tackle yourself, call Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

 

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!

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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!

Plumber Canton, GA: Toilet Repair

Plumber Canton, GA: Toilet Repair

Is your toilet leaking or overflowing? Read on…..

No one likes to find that they’ve got a toilet problem. In fact, most of us shudder when we think about having to fix or repair a toilet. Fortunately, the only toilet problem most of us will face is the occasional clog, which can be fixed by simply using a plunger. However, some of us may face some bad luck and end up with a worse problem. If you get a crack in your toilet bowl or seal, you can end up with extensive water damage. If you have a cracked toilet or if your toilet is overflowing, keep reading to find out what to do next.

  1. Turn off your water!!! The first thing to do in any plumbing emergency is to turn off your water at the main water source. This can help prevent any additional water from leaking out into your home. In a toilet emergency, you may be able to shut off the water valve behind your toilet to stop the flow of water instead of having to shut off the supply to the whole house.
  2. Remove any objects that can be damaged by water. Make sure you’ve removed all furniture, decorations, clothes, etc. from the area surrounding your leaking toilet. These items can easily be damaged by water, and its a good idea to make it easier for your plumber to get to the problem.
  3. Clean up. If you can’t fix the problem on your own, the key to preventing major water damage is to clean up as you go. Mopping up and soaking up the water with towels will go a long ways in preventing extensive water damage to your floors and your home.
  4. And finally- call a plumber if you haven’t already! plumber-canton-ga

If you have a leaky or overflowing toilet, call Masterflo Plumbing immediately at (678) 822-7095! We provide toilet repair services throughout the Canton, GA area! We provide emergency repair services, so you can call us 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

 

Save Money On Your Water Bill

Save Money On Your Water Bill

Who doesn’t like to save money?? I’m sure there isn’t anyone out there who doesn’t. What if its money you can save consistently, each month? Even better, right? A great way to save some money every month is by looking at your utility bills and finding ways to cut back on them. Today we’re going to talk about ways to save money every month on your water bill.

There are several easy ways for you to save money on your water bill each month, without compromising any safety, sanitation, or personal comfort for you or your family.

Low Flow Toilet

Toilets now days are made to be super low flow, meaning they use less water per flush. If you’re doing some updating, renovating, or buying or building a new house consider installing low flow toilets. There are also ways to retro fit your existing toilet to make it use less water per flush. Also, don’t use the toilet as a trash receptacle and flush it each time you throw a piece of trash in it. Flushing the toilet uses approximately 5-7 gallons of water per flush, so less flushes = a great way for you to save money on your water bill.

 

Maintenance/Check for Leaks

We recommend having your plumbing checked yearly by a professional plumber. A professional is more likely to catch tiny plumbing leaks before they turn into large leaks. Catching leaks and repairing them before they get worse is a way to make sure you are consistently saving money on your water bill. Make sure to check your toilets, showers, and sink faucets for any sinks of leaks. Another great way to catch a leak is to check your water meter. Read your meter, then go two hours without using any water in your home. If after two hours your meter reading is different than it was before, then you’ve got a leak somewhere.

 

Consolidate your laundry loads and dishwasher loads

Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load! Doing small, half loads that aren’t full can use tons of extra water. Also, skipping any pre-rinse cycles or additional rinse cycles can save you around 6 gallons of water per wash cycle. If you do have to run a partial load in your washing machine, make sure you change the settings to reflect the size of the load.

 

Shorter showers

Sometimes nothing beats a good, long, hot shower. However, limiting your shower to around 5 minutes is a good way to save money on your water bill every month. If you just love taking long showers and limiting your shower time isn’t an option for you, consider installing a water efficient shower head. Also remember that taking a shower instead of a bath is saving you approximately 50 gallons of water each day.

 

Be mindful of running water

Its a bad habit that many of us are guilty of- letting the water run. Try to be more mindful of wasting water by just letting the tap run. You may surprise yourself by how much water you are able to save just by turning off the faucet when its not absolutely necessary for it to be on. One great example is doing dishes- instead of letting the hot water run continuously while you’re doing dishes, try plugging up your sink and just filling it with hot, soapy water instead of letting the hot water run the whole time. Another great way to save money on your water bill is by turning off the water while you brush your teeth. Turning off the water while you brush your teeth can save you up to 25 gallons per month!

 

Recycle your water

There are all kinds of creative ways you can recycle your water. For example, collecting rain water to water your house plants can save you money on your water bill each month.

 

Follow these helpful hints to save money on your water bill every month! Don’t forget- if you need a trusted, professional plumber, Masterflo Plumbing is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Call (678) 822-7095!

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!

 

 

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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