Top 4 Summer Plumbing Problems

Top 4 Summer Plumbing Problems

Summer is still going strong, which also means potential home issues that pop up in the summer can also still be in full swing! Typically, summer related plumbing problems may not cross your mind when you think of potential summer home maintenance issues. If you’re facing plumbing issues with your home this summer, you’re not alone.

Here are the top 4 summer related plumbing problems:

  1. Garbage disposal issues. Although garbage disposals can make rinsing off dirty dishes easier, you still have to be careful about what you put down your disposal. Any type of produce generally isn’t good to put down your garbage disposal and can cause some major clogs. If you’re having lots of backyard cookouts with things like corn, watermelon, and other types of fruits, make sure to dispose of those in the trashcan before putting your dishes in the sink. Its also important not to dispose of cooking oils from the grill down your disposal. Always make sure to run cold water down your disposal for a few seconds after you’ve used it to make sure any waste is properly cleared.
  2. Sewer problems. Spring and summer rain and thunderstorms can lead to major problems for your sewer lines. If excess rain gets into your sewer pipes, you can be facing a sewer line back up. Signs of sewer line problems include toilet water backing up into your bathtub, slow drains, and foul odor. If you notice any of these issues, its important to call a plumber right away. Sewer line problems can cause extensive damage to your home if left unaddressed.
  3. Toilet problems. Because your children are out of school during the summer and are home more often, you may be more prone to having toilet problems. These problems can include persistent clogs, leaks, constant running, or a tank that won’t refill. Some toilet problems you may be able to solve yourself, but if not, its always a good idea to call for professional help before you find yourself without a toilet.
  4. Sprinkler problems. Before the start of the season its a good idea to check your lawn sprinklers to make sure all the heads are in working order. When you’re mowing the lawn also be sure to watch out for the heads so you don’t damage them!

For help with your summer plumbing problems give Masterflo Plumbing a call today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

 

Finding A Plumber

Finding A Plumber

Finding a plumber can be overwhelming. There are so many plumbers to choose from on Google and so many different directories out there claiming to provide you with the best plumber possible. There are also advertisements on tv and the radio boasting their skills. Chances are, if you need a plumber, you’re already under enough stress! Here are some key factors to look at that can help you easily choose the best plumber for you. 

right-plumber

1. Ask for referrals. Referrals from trusted family and friends are a great way to choose a plumber. Its likely that your family and friends already have experience with the company they are recommending, so you can get a good idea of what to expect.

2. Read reviews. The internet has made it easy for you to check out hundreds of reviews of plumbers local to you. Check out Yelp, Google, and Facebook!

3. Check out their website. A good website can give you an idea of the company’s history, their services, and what to expect from them. Check out how long they’ve been in business, and what kind of certifications they have. You can also find out whether its a small family owned business or a large chain business and choose what’s best for you.

4. Ask questions. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few companies, call them up and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out the answers to things that are important to you to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your home’s plumbing needs.

5. Ask for referrals. Its also okay to ask them for referrals! Any good, reputable plumbing company should be comfortable giving you referrals to some of their satisfied customers.

6. Expect a home evaluation. Once you’ve called a plumbing company to come out to your home, expect them to spend a significant amount of time looking at your current plumbing system to evaluate your specific needs. No two plumbing systems are the same, and your needs won’t be exactly like anyone else’s. The company you choose should spend a significant amount of time personalizing a solution just for you.

7. Get itemized quotes. Its also okay to get several quotes for the work you need done. Make sure to have the quotes itemized and written out so you can easily compare them. The cheapest solution may not always be the best one. Look for price, efficiency, and any parts warranties included.

 

Choosing the right plumbing company can be tricky, and its a really important decision. Your plumbing system is a key component to your security,  comfort, and health at home. Having plumbing work done incorrectly can be disastrous, and your plumbing needs should be met correctly the first time. At Masterflo Plumbing, we look forward to customizing a plumbing solution just for you! You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (678) 822-7095!

Common Plumbing Problems: Rusty Water

Common Plumbing Problems: Rusty Water

In today’s world with all of our advancements in science and modern technology, we generally expect to turn on our taps at home and see clean water. However, sometimes you may turn on your taps and see rusty water running! Sometimes, rusty water may occur if your local water authority is doing work on the pipes or has some kind of leak or burst pipe. However, depending on the age of your home’s plumbing system, the rust could be coming from right inside your own plumbing system. Before panicking and calling a plumber, here are some things you can look for.

rusty-water

  1. Is it definitely rust? You don’t have to be a scientist or a plumber to figure out if its definitely rust in your water. Rusty water should have a metallic odor and be reddish brown in color.
  2. Where is the rust coming from? Its important to try and determine where the rust is coming from. Sometimes, you may get a notice from your local water authority that there is rust in the water and they’re working on a solution. However, if none of your neighbors seem to have the same problem, it could be coming from inside your home. Here’s an easy way to check- Fill a glass with cold water. Check the water in the glass for a metallic odor or a rusty coloring. Let the cold water run for a few seconds and check with another glass. Then, run the hot water and check it in another glass. If the rusty water appears in the hot water or if it goes away after a few seconds, the rust may be coming from your home. If the rust appears continuously, you should call your local water authority. If the rust only appeared in the cold water, the rust could potentially be coming from the pipes in your home. If it appeared in the hot water, it could be coming from your hot water heater.
  3. What next? Whether its your pipes or your hot water heater, it must be replaced! You simply can’t repair a rusty pipe or a rusty hot water heater. Rust and corrosion will simply get worse and worse if the problem pipes or hot water heater aren’t replaced. If you replace your hot water heater, replacing the anode rod every few years on your new hot water heater can potentially prevent the issue in the future and greatly extend the life of your new water heater.

For help finding the source of rust in your home’s water or for help replacing rusty pipes or a rusty hot water heater, call the professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

 

 

Woodstock, GA Plumber

Woodstock, GA Plumber

Owning a home is a good feeling and is something that many of us work towards. Once you own a home, though, you’re responsible for keeping everything in it working. We’ve all become pretty accustomed to the comforts of modern day plumbing. If your ceiling fan breaks, chances are you can live quite a while without it. If something goes haywire with your plumbing, though, you generally have to fix it pretty quickly. If you need a Woodstock, GA plumber to come help get your plumbing system back on its feet, look no further. At Masterflo Plumbing, we can fix any problems that plague your home’s plumbing. 

Here are a few ways a professional plumber can assist you:

  • Kitchen- properly install your refrigerator so all water lines to the fridge and ice maker are working, dishwasher installation, new sink faucet installation, repair leaky faucets, repair clogged drains, repair slow drains,  and garbage disposal repair and installation

  • Bathroom- install water saving toilets, install new faucets for your tub, shower, or sink, repair leaky toilets, repair dripping faucets, repair clogged sinks, and repair clogged bathtub drains

  • Outside- repair slab leaks, repair broken pipes under your lawn, install new sewer lines and systems, repair existing sewer lines, repair frozen pipes, water heater repair, water heater installation, hydro jetting, gas line repair and replacement, and leak detection

If you find yourself in need of a Woodstock, GA plumber, call the local professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing. Our large team of professional plumbers has the experience and skills necessary to take care of all your plumbing problems! Letting plumbing problems worsen will only cause more damage and cost you more money to repair, so give us a call today at (678) 822-7095!

Limescale 101

Limescale 101

Chances are you may have heard of limescale and you’ve probably seen it, but you may not know much about it! If all of your plumbing fixtures seem like they need cleaning and you often find them covered in a chalky film, you may be dealing with limescale! Limescale is mineral rich deposits that buildup in your plumbing pipes and on your fixtures. Not only does limescale look ugly and dirty, but it can also cause some serious damage to your home’s plumbing system.

 

What causes limescale? Limescale is a naturally occurring by product of clean water with a higher than average concentration of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, etc. This is more commonly referred to as hard water. While hard water is safe to drink and wash with, it may leave a bad taste in your mouth or make rinsing off in the shower more difficult. The leftovers from hard water also buildup on your faucets in the kitchen and bathroom, your shower head, and pipe joints. If left to fester, this buildup can leave you dealing with recurring clogs.

While your first reaction may be to simply wipe limescale away, this may prove tricky. The mineral content in limescale makes it difficult to simply wipe away with a wet rag. You may have to dissolve it using an acidic solution. Fortunately, white vinegar is a great match for dissolving limescale. Soaking any affected shower heads and faucets in a bucket of vinegar for an hour should do the trick. After soaking your fixtures, simply scrub away any remaining limescale with a scrub brush. 

If you find yourself dealing with limescale on a regular basis, you may need to consider a water softening system. Water softening systems add in a sodium based solution into the water supply entering your home. This sodium based solution can counteract the effects of limescale buildup. 

If you need help with tough, recurring clogs from limescale buildup, call the professionals you can trust today. At Masterflo Plumbing we’re available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Call us now at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plumbing Repairs After A Flood

Plumbing Repairs After A Flood

With all the hurricanes that have been in the news lately, flooding has been on everyone’s mind. Even though Cherokee County isn’t on the coast, we did face a major flood in September of 2009! Recovering from a flood can be a long and arduous process. Rebuilding and repairing your home after something as catastrophic as a flood can be stressful and can take quite a bit of time. If your home has been through a flood, there can be tons of hidden plumbing damage. Today, we’ll talk about a few of the most common plumbing repairs you may need after a flood.

 

 

  1. Clogged drains. Floodwater contains all kinds of dirt, silt, and other residue. Once the water recedes and evaporates, all the particles from the water are left behind. Any drains in your home that were covered by floodwater then become susceptible to a clog from all the residue left behind. Generally, you can use a DIY method to clear these clogs. However, for tougher clogs, you may need to call a professional plumber. 
  2. Damaged water fixtures. Your water fixtures can be damaged in a number of ways during a flood- wind, structural failure, floating debris, etc. Any fixtures that are obviously damaged will need to be replaced. Others that don’t need to be replaced may still need to be cleaned. Mold growth after a flood can be a huge problem, and you definitely don’t want mold growing in your faucets and shower heads! A diluted bleach solution should take care of any mold growth in your fixtures.
  3. Broken pipes. Broken pipes can be found inside your home and underground. Floating debris or flying objects during a flood can be hazardous to the pipes inside your home. Sometimes, its impossible to notice broken pipes until all the flood waters have receded and clean up has begun. A good way to spot broken pipes inside your home is any new puddles of water that seem to form after the flood waters are gone. Broken pipes underground can be even trickier to spot. Because wet ground creates a huge amount of pressure on the pipes that are underground, a flood can pose a serious risk to your underground pipes. If you notice a sinkhole on your property after the flood or a random wet patch once the ground has dried out, you may have a broken pipe under the ground. Calling a professional plumber for broken pipes is a must.
  4. Foundation damage. Foundation damage is a common occurrence after a flood. Sometimes the flood itself causes damage to your foundation. Other times, broken pipes as a result of the flood can cause damage to your foundation. And further still, a damaged foundation can cause even more of your pipes to break! If you suspect you may have foundation damage as a result of a flood, its important to get it fixed immediately. 

 

For plumbing home inspections or help with any of the aforementioned problems, call the professionals you can trust at Masterflo Plumbing! We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at (678) 822-7095!

Choosing The Right Plumbing Company

Choosing The Right Plumbing Company

Choosing a plumbing company can be overwhelming! You may see advertisements on tv, hear advertisements on the radio, and see advertisements online. A Google search can yield page after page of results, and you may get different results whether you’re in Canton, Woodstock, or Marietta! Choosing the right plumbing company can be tricky, and its a really important decision. Your plumbing system is a key component to your security,  comfort, and health at home. Having plumbing work done incorrectly can be disastrous, and your plumbing needs should be met correctly the first time. 

plumbing-company
Here are some things you can do to make sure that you’re choosing the right plumbing company. 
1. Ask for referrals. Referrals from trusted family and friends are a great way to choose a plumber. Its likely that your family and friends already have experience with the company they are recommending, so you can get a good idea of what to expect.
2. Read reviews. The internet has made it easy for you to check out hundreds of reviews of plumbers local to you. Check out Yelp, Google, and Facebook!
3. Check out their website. A good website can give you an idea of the company’s history, their services, and what to expect from them. Check out how long they’ve been in business, and what kind of certifications they have. You can also find out whether its a small family owned business or a large chain business and choose what’s best for you.
4. Ask questions. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few companies, call them up and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out the answers to things that are important to you to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your home’s plumbing needs.
5. Ask for referrals. Its also okay to ask them for referrals! Any good, reputable plumbing company should be comfortable giving you referrals to some of their satisfied customers.
6. Expect a home evaluation. Once you’ve called a plumbing company to come out to your home, expect them to spend a significant amount of time looking at your current plumbing system to evaluate your specific needs. No two plumbing systems are the same, and your needs won’t be exactly like anyone else’s. The company you choose should spend a significant amount of time personalizing a solution just for you.
7. Get itemized quotes. Its also okay to get several quotes for the work you need done. Make sure to have the quotes itemized and written out so you can easily compare them. The cheapest solution may not always be the best one. Look for price, efficiency, and any parts warranties included.
At Masterflo Plumbing, we look forward to customizing a plumbing solution just for you! You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (678) 822-7095!

Preventive Drain Care Maintenance

Drain Maintenance

Clogged drains are a nuisance every homeowner deals with at some point. Oftentimes, clogged drains are nothing more than a nuisance that can be cleared quickly. Sometimes, there can be more serious implications. There are lots of options for clearing minor clogs, and there is even drain maintenance you can perform to keep clogs at bay. Keeping minor, annoying clogs at bay can prevent more serious clogs and problems from occurring. Some clog clearing options include chemical cleaners, organic cleaners, plumbing snakes, and plungers. However, its cheaper (and easier!) to do some basic maintenance and keep the clogs away altogether.

If minor clogs continue to present themselves or are allowed to persist, you can be facing some nasty consequences. The first consequence you may notice from a poorly cared for drain is a bad smell. Foul odors are more common to kitchen drains, where food particles have been allowed to rot, but foul odors can occur in bathroom sink and floors drains as well. 
If you don’t care for your drains at the first sign of a foul odor, you will more than likely begin to develop minor clogs. Clog formation first causes your drains to work slowly, and eventually they will become so clogged that they won’t work at all. 
If you still don’t take care of your drains after minor clogs begin to present themselves, you could be facing permanent damage. Drains aren’t built to last forever, but some basic preventive drain care maintenance can greatly extend the life of your drains. 
The most basic step in drain maintenance is to be mindful of what is going down your drains. In bathrooms, the main culprit is hair. You can easily stop unwanted hair from going down your bathroom drains by placing a wire mesh filter over the drain and cleaning it out every few days. In the kitchen, its important to watch what food particles are going down your drain. Many food products can go into a garbage disposal. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, its important that only water goes into your sink drain. Floor drains, such as in the basement or laundry room, should always have drain covers on them as its hard to monitor debris falling into your floor drains. 
Drain maintenance also includes cleaning the inside of your drain twice a year. This prevents the accumulation of biofilm, hair, and other clog inducing things. Cleaning your drains is easy! Simply pour two cups of white vinegar down the drain, wait ten minutes, then flush out the drain with hot water. 
For more help with drain maintenance or if you’ve got a tough clog that won’t go away, call the professionals at Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095 today!
 

Pool Safety Tips and Places To Swim

Pool Safety Tips and Places To Swim!

 Spending time at the pool is a great way to keep your kids active during the summer and can help prevent your kids from uttering those two words every parent dreads hearing- “I’m bored!”. Hanging out at the pool is always a family favorite and is a great pastime for all members of your family no matter how old they are.
 
Although spending time at the pool is the perfect family friendly summer activity, it does come with certain risks. Nearly 400 children drown each year in the United States, and 58% of those drownings occur in pools. This is a scary statistic, but it shouldn’t keep you from soaking up some sun and enjoying your family poolside this summer!
 
Today we’re bringing you some pool safety tips that can help keep you and your family safe all summer long. We’re also going to be talking about a couple of great places around Woodstock, GA where you and your whole family can swim! 
atlanta-ga-plumber 
 

5 Pool Safety Tips-

 
1. Swim lessons! Swim lessons are a great way to keep your kids safe at the pool. A child who knows how to swim is at a significantly lower risk of drowning than a child who can’t swim. You can start swim lessons with babies as young as 6 months!
 
2. Supervise, supervise, supervise! Always make sure there is at least one set of responsible eyes on your kids when they are in or near a pool! While one set of eyes is a must, two sets are even better! You can never have enough supervision when it comes to pool time.
 
3. Know CPR! This is a life saving tip that everyone should know! Check with your local county rec center, fire department, or Red Cross chapter to find a CPR class.
4. Create pool time rituals. If you create a process your child has to go through before entering the pool (swim diaper, swim suit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, life vest, etc.) it can hinder them from making impulse decisions and jumping into the pool on a whim.
 
5. Forget the goggles. This may seem counter intuitive, but teaching your kids (and yourself!) to be comfortable looking around under water can be crucial. If your child is comfortable opening his or her eyes under water, it will help them feel less disoriented if they do accidentally fall into the water.

Places To Swim-

The Cherokee County Aquatic Center is a great place to have fun with the whole family! They’ve got state of the art indoor pools where trained instructors offer lessons to kids and adults of all ages. You can even join a swim team there! They’ve also got a great outdoor pool area with a lazy river, tons of slides, and other water activities. 

Chattahoochee Gold Swim is another great swim facility located in Woodstock, GA that provides lessons for all ages. You can even host a birthday party here!

 Following our 10 pool safety tips can help ensure that you and your family have a safe, fun filled summer at the pool this year. Don’t let plumbing tasks around the house take the fun out of your summer. Relax with your friends and family at the pool and contact Masterflo Plumbing today for all your residential plumbing needs! Give us a call at (678) 822-7095!

Easy Dishwasher Maintenance

Easy Dishwasher Maintenance

Your dishwasher is one of your most over used and over looked appliances in your kitchen! Chances are you run your dishwasher anywhere from 4-7 times a week! If you’ve ever been without a dishwasher, you know how much time and hard work having a working dishwasher can save you. In addition to being convenient, dishwashers often use less energy and water than washing all your dishes by hand. However, like all hard working appliances in your home, your dishwasher needs some regular maintenance to stay in tip top shape. Over time, you may have noticed that your dishwasher doesn’t wash as well as it used to or that it may start to smell. Fortunately, its nothing a little easy dishwasher maintenance can’t fix!

 

  1. Check the seals. Your dishwasher may run long after the rubber gaskets that form a watertight seal around the door are functioning. If you notice any water leaking onto the floor around your dishwasher, don’t panic! It may be a simple case of needing to replace the seal. 
  2. Keep the screen clean. The small screen at the bottom of your dishwasher on the inside is designed to catch any large food particles or fallen silverware or other dishes. Most of us avoid this area like the plague and can think of a million things we’d rather do than clean it, but giving it a good cleaning can keep your dishwasher running efficiently and can prevent smells. 
  3. Clean the spray arm nozzles. Check your user manual from your dishwasher’s manufacturer and periodically remove these arms and clean them in warm, soapy water. You can use an old toothbrush to clean each spray nozzle to make sure you’re getting the maximum water flow to all your dirty dishes. 
  4. Check for mold and mildew. While it sounds gross, mold and mildew in the dishwasher can really be a common occurrence. Mold and mildew can be very easy to combat- just pour two cups of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar into your empty dishwasher and run it once on the heaviest setting. 
  5. Make sure its level. Just like pictures hanging on a wall, your dishwasher can become unlevel, causing it to work at a diminished capacity or leak. You can check to see if your dishwasher is level by placing a bubble level on the floor on the inside of your dishwasher, If needed, adjust the legs to make it level. 

Keeping up with some basic dishwasher maintenance can help keep your dishes sparkling clean and can greatly prolong the life of your dishwasher. For dishwasher repair, maintenance, or replacement call Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095 today.