Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!

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

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

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

 

Homebuyer’s Checklist

Homebuyer’s Checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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(678) 822-7095

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Leak Detection Services

Leak Detection Services

Plumbing leaks should be easy to detect- you see water dripping from a pipe and you know you’ve got a leak, so you call a plumber. Right? Sometimes it is that easy, but what about when you have a tiny pinhole leak? Or what about if you’ve got a leak in a pipe that’s not exposed?

Most of your plumbing system is hidden. Nearly all of the pipes that supply fresh water to your home or remove waste water are hidden behind drywall, studs, floorboards, concrete, or dirt. Fortunately, this means you don’t have to look at your plumbing system. However, it also means that you may have a hard time detecting some leaks. Even small leaks can turn into big problems, so its important that you make sure you know about any and all leaks and have them taken care of.

The first sign of a leak is an increase in your water bill if you haven’t knowingly increased your water consumption. There may also be some outward signs such as discolored spots on your walls, warped floor boards, or an increase in the humidity in your home. If you notice any of these signs, call a plumber immediately as it may be time for some professional leak detection. Leaks that are occurring in hidden pipes have to be detected and repaired by a professional before they cause major damage to your home or property.

While some of the outward signs of a leak may give you a general idea about where the leak is, actually reaching the pipes can be problematic unless you’re a professional plumber. Sometimes, in order to reach a leak, you may have to cut through drywall, break through concrete, or dig through large amounts of earth. This can cost tons of money and could also create more damage than the leaky pipe. In order to avoid large amounts of excavation, its best to have a professional come pinpoint the exact location of the leak. If the leak is small enough, even if its hidden, a professional plumber may be able to fix it without doing any excavation.

Plumbers can perform leak detection in a variety of way. Most of these ways employ the use of technology such as acoustic listening devices, ground microphones (these can detect the sound of water leaving the pipes) and pressure detectors (these find areas of rising pressure coming from leaks).

Perhaps the most effective way to find a hidden leak is by using video pipe inspection equipment. Video pipe inspection equipment uses miniature cameras mounted on the ends of fiber-optic cables that can be run down a water or sewer line. The image from the camera is then fed back to a monitor so your plumber can find the exact location of the leak. Being able to view the leak will also allow your plumber to determine its exact size and magnitude.

Trying to detect and fix a hidden leak on your own can be tricky and can result in further damage. If you’ve got a hidden leak, your best choice is to call the professionals right away! At Masterflo Plumbing we have the technology, skills, and experience necessary to find your leak and find a solution for you.

Contact us today at (678) 822-7095, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, for all your plumbing needs!

 

 

 

 

Do You Need An Emergency Plumber?

Do You Need An Emergency Plumber?

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 trusty worthy and responsive plumber on hand, just in case! 

Knowing when to call an emergency plumber is crucial! 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.

Because its not always completely obvious when you need to call an emergency plumber, 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!  Call your dependable, local emergency plumber today at (678) 822-7095!

 

Do You Need A Plumber in Canton, GA?

Do You Need A Plumber in Canton, GA?

Because your modern day plumbing system is designed to be “out of sight, out of mind”, its sometimes hard to know if you need a plumber. There are, of course, some obvious reasons why you would need to call a plumber in Canton, GA. We all know that major leaks require a plumber, as well as having a broken hot water heater. There are some other, less obvious reasons, why you would also need a plumber in Canton, GA. Are you happy, overall, with your plumbing system? Do you have a problem with hot water supply or low pressure? All these things are vital to the functioning of your home and your personal comfort. Everyone remembers to keep their house pressure washed or their grass cut because those are things that are seen everyday, but your plumbing system can sometimes become an after thought. Keeping your plumbing clean and in tip top shape is crucial. A working plumbing system is key in your personal comfort, health, cooking, cleaning, etc.

Here are a few reasons why you may need to call a plumber-

  1. Leaks. This one is probably fairly obvious. All leaks should be taken care of immediately! If a leak is allowed to continue on, it will more than likely get worse and can lead to further damage, costing you more money! There are pipes running all underneath your house as well as your yard, so oftentimes small leaks can go undetected. Sometimes leaks can only be found by a professional plumber. To prevent damage from leaks, its a good idea to have an annual plumbing inspection.
  2. Low water pressure. While most of us think that low water pressure is simply a minor annoyance, the truth is that it can be a sign of a much larger plumbing problem. If you’re on well water, it could be a well pump issue. If you have a municipal water supply pipe, you may need to call a plumber in Canton, GA to test your pressure. Low water pressure can also be a sign of a leak.
  3. Reoccurring or tough clog. Clogs that can’t be taken care of by using a plunger or clogs that continue to come back quickly definitely require a visit from a plumber! Professional plumbers have tools and are knowledgeable about other drain cleaning techniques that can take care of your problem and keep your drain pipes safe.
  4. Energy efficient appliance installation. Low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads can save you tons of money each month! If you’re not 100% positive you know how to install these appliances, its a good idea to call a plumber so you don’t accidentally cause any damage.
  5. Water heater maintenance. If you find that you’re suddenly having a hot water supply issue or that your water heater is making a strange sound, call a plumber immediately! Oftentimes these issues are minor and can be repaired. However, if you notice these issues and don’t call a plumber, the situation can fester and turn into a huge issue, resulting in a costly repair or the need for a whole new unit.
  6. Strange sounds. Its not just your imagination, those strange gurgling noises from your sink drains, screeching sounds from your faucet, or rattling pipes can be an indicator of blockages or trapped air.

If you have any of these plumbing issues and are in need of a plumber in Canton, GA, contact us today at (678) 822-7095 so we can find a solution for your plumbing problem!

Bathroom Clogs

Bathroom Clogs

Most of us are all too familiar with clogged drains- especially in the bathroom! If your house is anything like mine, bathroom clogs occur all too frequently. Chances are, most of us deal with a bathroom clog at least once or twice a year! Most of the time, these clogs can be fixed by using a plunger. Other times, however, tough clogs may require a visit from a professional plumber. 

Chemical drain cleaners seem like an easy fix for bathroom clogs, but its important that you don’t use them! These cleaners are acidic and can be very harmful to your drainpipes. They also create toxic fumes, which can be harmful to you and your family.

What causes these tough bathroom clogs?

  • Hair- This is the main cause of tough bathroom clogs! Hair can easily get trapped in your pipes by the sludge that lines them or in the p-trap (the curved pipe section below the sink) and begin to accumulate. As the accumulation continues, the hair will eventually form a thick plug. Sometimes, even professional plumbers can have difficulty dealing with a large hair clog. Having a drain cover for your sink and your shower drain can greatly reduce your chances of getting a hair clog in your bathroom!
  • Soap scum- Soap scum is a very common problem, but in a bathroom its next to impossible to prevent. Soap scum goes down the pipes and builds up along the inside of the drain pipes. As well as causing clogs, soap scum also creates acidic chemicals that can damage your drain pipes.
  • Stuff- People who have kids know all too well that little objects can definitely cause a clog in your bathroom drain pipes. However, even people without kids may have experienced this problem. Small caps, like shampoo bottle caps, can get knocked off ledges in the shower and go down the drain. While small objects can cause big clogs, a professional plumber will find a way to extract the object.

The best remedy for a tough clog is to call on a professional plumber, who has experience dealing with these issues. Professional plumbers have the skills, experience, and tools necessary to tackle your tough clogs without causing any further damage.

At Masterflo Plumbing, we have experience with all kinds of bathroom clogs and are available to come tackle your bathroom clog immediately! Contact us today at [callout add_button=”no” button_text=”Learn More” button_url=”#”]

(678) 822-7095

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Plumbing Tips: Garbage Disposal Repair

Plumbing Tips: Garbage Disposal Repair

We all love our garbage disposals, but none of us truly realize how much until it breaks, right? Without a doubt, the garbage disposal is one of the greatest inventions because it can make your life in the kitchen a thousand times easier. While its not one of the most common plumbing issues people have, your garbage disposal can break just like a toilet or shower head can. Here are some great, simple tips for keeping your garbage disposal healthy and avoiding the need for garbage disposal repair!

  1. Make sure you know what’s safe to put down it and what’s not. There are definitely some obvious things that you shouldn’t be putting down your garbage disposal- namely, plastic and metal. Solid objects like forks, spoons, and serving utensils definitely shouldn’t go down your garbage disposal. Although these things are obvious, there are some other objects that shouldn’t go down your garbage disposal that aren’t so obvious. Fibrous vegetables like celery and onion skins can get tangled up in the disposal. Fats, oils, and grease can also clog up the garbage disposal because as they cool off they solidify. Bones and fruit pits are also not supposed to go down your garbage disposal.
  2. Flush is out with boiling water. Pouring a pot full of boiling water down your garbage disposal every once in a while will flush it out. The boiling water will help break up and loosen and waste that has collected in the disposal chamber or the drain pipe. We recommend doing this once a month to help clean out old waste and prevent future build up.
  3. Don’t push your luck, get it repaired! This one may seem obvious, but we’re ALL guilty of it. How many times has one of your appliances started acting up and you just ignore it and hope it goes away on its own?? If your garbage disposal is making a funny sound or vibrating more than normal, call a plumber for garbage disposal repair! Contrary to popular belief, garbage disposals CAN be repaired- they don’t always have to be completely replaced! Having a garbage disposal repaired quickly can prevent having to have it totally replaced, saving you lots of money!

If you need help with your garbage disposal or need garbage disposal repair help, call Masterflo Plumbing today at [callout add_button=”no” button_text=”Learn More” button_url=”#”]

(678) 822-7095

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Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Last week we talked about what a tankless water heater is and how it works. Today we’re going to discuss some benefits of tankless water heaters and how they can save you money.

Because of the way a tankless water heater works, it can be installed in a tight space, unlike a traditional water heater. This saves you a lot of space and is less of an eye sore. Also, since tankless water heaters deliver hot water on demand as opposed to storing hot water, they can save you a ton of energy. Another benefit is that they generally last twice as long as traditional water heaters as long as they are properly maintained.

 

Tankless Water Heater Comparison
(graphic from Compact Appliance)

Another great benefit of a tankless water heater is the amount of money you can save! Your up front cost for the purchase and installation can range anywhere from $2,000-$4,000. The price will depend on the size you need and which model you choose. Though initially this may sound like a lot of money, looking long term a tankless water heater will make up this cost and save you extra. Within two years, a tankless water heater will begin to pay for itself because of how energy efficient it is. The average home uses around 41 gallons or less of hot water each day. Based on this number, tankless water heaters can save you up to 34% more energy each day. A properly maintained tankless water heater can last more than 20 years….that’s a lot of savings!

Next week on Water Heater Wednesday we’ll talk about selecting the right tankless water heater for your home!

If you need help selecting or installing a new tankless water heater or maintenance help with your current tankless water heater, call us today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

History Class: Plumbing Repair and Maintenance

History Class: Plumbing Repair and Maintenance

Although modern day plumbing and advances in sanitation technology are fairly new, plumbers and the plumbing industry have been around forever. Today we’re going to run through a quick plumbing history lesson with some fun facts. You can check out some of our other fun fact posts about toilet paper, plumbers, or plumbing terminology.

  • 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.

For all of your plumbing repair and maintenance needs in the Woodstock, GA area, make sure to call Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095!

Toilet Repair Tips- Caulking

Toilet Repair Tips- Caulking

Let’s face it- toilets can get nasty. There’s really no way around it. The caulking that seals your toilet to the floor can get nasty as well, so today we’re going to talk about a way to remedy that.

  1. First you’ve got to remove the old caulk. A flat head screwdriver is a great way to do it.
  2. Once all the old caulk is gone, clean the area really well.
  3. Let the area dry out really, really well. If its not completely dry before you re-caulk, you’ll just be inviting mold to grow back quickly.
  4. Using an adhesive bath caulk, re-caulk the toilet to the floor in sections. Smooth out each section with your finger as you go.
  5. Once you’re completely done, clean up any areas that need it with a wet sponge. Make sure to rinse your sponge so you don’t spread wet caulk around.
  6. Try to let the area dry for at least two hours and try not to get it wet for 36 hours.

In 6 easy steps you’ve got yourself a brand new looking toilet!