What Is Backflow Testing and Why Is It Important?

The arrival of football season often inspires many to create a backyard retreat custom made for game day celebration. Sure, our imaginations can run wild when it comes to adding an outdoor kitchen or gas lines for that dream fire pit or grill. However, before kicking off the big play, the experts at Plumb Works are here to remind you of some key elements.

If your home is 30, 40, or even 50 years old, there’s a good chance your gas piping system hasn’t been updated since it was installed. Unfortunately, aging gas pipes can put your home and family at serious risk. Gas lines naturally degrade over time, and older materials are much more likely to develop leaks, corrosion, or even sudden failures. In metro Atlanta, soil conditions and humid weather can speed up deterioration, making it even more important to have your system inspected if your home is decades old. At Plumb Works, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers of outdated gas lines in Atlanta-area homes. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to have yours evaluated. Why Old Gas Pipes Are a Serious Hazard Gas lines may last for decades, but they don’t last forever. Many Atlanta homes built between 1975-1995 used black iron or galvanized steel gas piping. These older materials are prone to: Corrosion and rust: Atlanta’s humid summers and occasional flooding can accelerate corrosion, especially in crawl spaces or underground lines. Loose connections: Changes in temperature between the hot southern summers and colder winters can weaken threaded connections, leading to leaks. Outdated materials: Galvanized steel pipes used in the past can flake apart internally, causing dangerous blockages. Lack of protective coating: Modern gas lines are coated with fusion-bonded epoxie (FBEs) to resist corrosion, but older pipes generally don’t have that protection. Even small leaks are dangerous because there is no safe level of exposure to natural gas. Natural gas is highly flammable, and any exposure can also lead to serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even suffocation at high levels. Warning Signs Your Gas Piping Needs Repair or Replacement Because most gas piping runs behind walls or underground, spotting problems isn’t always easy. Here are a few red flags to watch for: A rotten egg smell (the odorant added to natural gas) Hissing or whistling sounds near gas appliances or lines Dead patches of grass above buried gas lines Visible rust or corrosion on any exposed pipes A sudden or unexplained increase in your gas bill If you notice any of these, call a licensed plumber right away. Gas leaks are an emergency and should NEVER be handled as a DIY repair. What Atlanta Homeowners Should Do If Your Gas Piping Is 30-50 Years Old If your home’s gas lines are decades old, schedule a professional inspection even if you haven’t noticed issues. Licensed plumbers in Atlanta, like Plumb Works, can evaluate your system, locate leaks, and determine if repairs or a full replacement are necessary. Modern gas piping materials like CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) or polyethylene piping last longer, resist corrosion, and are more flexible for installations around Georgia’s clay-heavy soil. Upgrading your system will not only make your home safer but also more efficient. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late Delaying repairs or replacement of old gas pipes can have devastating consequences, including fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide exposure. Addressing the problem now can keep your family safe while protecting your property (and your wallet) from major damage. It’s also crucial to bring your home up to Georgia’s current safety codes. Call Atlanta’s Trusted Gas Line Repair Experts If your Atlanta home was built from 1975-1995 and you’ve never had the gas piping inspected, now is the time. Plumb Works, Inc. specializes in Atlanta gas line repair and gas line replacement . We understand the unique challenges of Georgia’s climate and soil conditions and follow all City of Atlanta and Georgia state codes for gas line safety. Don’t wait until a small leak turns into a dangerous emergency. Call us today or schedule an appointment online using our self-scheduler. Our licensed plumbers will perform a thorough inspection and give you peace of mind knowing your home’s gas piping is safe.

Plumbing can be intimidating. But not every plumbing fix requires a call to the pros. In fact, there are a handful of simple plumbing tasks that just about anyone can tackle with a little patience and the right guidance. Whether you’re a new homeowner, a renter, or just tired of paying for every minor leak or clog, this one’s for you.

Here’s a closer look at the most common summer sewer concerns and how to stay ahead of them before they become major (and messy) problems.

Thinking about a career in plumbing? Here’s a breakdown of the journey from apprentice to master plumber, and why Plumb Works is a great place to get started.

If you're thinking about stepping up your home’s plumbing game, here are a few 'want, not need' additions that can bring a touch of luxury to your space.

A little spring cleaning now can prevent major headaches later, especially as the warmer months bring increased water usage and the potential for hidden winter damage to show up. Here’s how to give your plumbing a seasonal refresh and keep things flowing smoothly.

When running a business, plumbing might not be top of mind—until something goes wrong. A burst pipe, a backed-up drain, or a faulty water heater can disrupt operations, inconvenience customers, and lead to expensive repairs. Regular commercial plumbing maintenance helps prevent these issues, saving businesses time, money, and stress. But not all businesses have the same plumbing needs. Let’s take a look at why maintenance is crucial and what specific industries should focus on.  Why Regular Maintenance Matters Neglecting plumbing maintenance can lead to serious problems, including: ✔ Unexpected Downtime – A plumbing emergency can halt operations, costing businesses revenue and productivity. ✔ Expensive Repairs – Small issues, like a slow drain, can escalate into costly repairs if left unchecked. ✔ Health & Safety Concerns – Leaks and water damage can lead to mold growth, contamination, and even structural damage. ✔ Regulatory Compliance – Many industries must meet health and safety standards for plumbing systems, especially with backflow testing . Backflow testing must be performed annually in the State of Georgia for all businesses that connect directly or indirectly to the public water supply. By scheduling routine maintenance, businesses can catch minor issues before they become major problems, ensuring smooth operations year-round. Industry-Specific Plumbing Needs Restaurants & Food Service For restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens, plumbing problems can be disastrous. A clogged grease trap or backed-up drain can lead to kitchen shutdowns and health code violations. Regular maintenance should include: Grease trap cleaning or new grease trap installation . Drain and sewer line inspections. Water heater checks for dishwashers and sinks. Healthcare & Medical Facilities Hospitals, dental offices, and clinics rely on clean water and functional plumbing for sanitation and patient care. Preventative maintenance in these spaces should focus on: Backflow prevention to ensure water quality. Regular pipe inspections to prevent leaks and contamination. Water heater maintenance for sterilization equipment. Office Buildings & Corporate Spaces Large office buildings see heavy restroom use, making plumbing upkeep essential. Common maintenance needs include: Checking for leaks in restrooms and breakroom sinks. Maintaining water pressure for multiple floors. Inspecting sewer lines to prevent backups. Retail & Shopping Centers Customer restrooms, employee break areas, and utility sinks are all essential in retail spaces. Routine checks should include: Leak detection in public restrooms (especially for Mom & Pop shops in metro Atlanta with 1-2 bathrooms on site.) Water heater maintenance for stores with in-house cafés. Ensuring floor drains are clear to prevent flooding. Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities Factories and warehouses use plumbing for both sanitation and production processes. Preventative maintenance should focus on: Inspecting high-use pipes for corrosion. Checking for leaks in chemical or waste disposal systems. Ensuring emergency eyewash stations and safety showers function properly. Places of Worship Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship often have large gatherings that rely on the plumbing functioning correctly. With your patrons in attendance for long periods, on-site kitchens, and regular community events, regular maintenance is essential and should include: Checking restrooms for leaks, clogs, and proper water pressure. Inspecting and maintaining water heaters for kitchens and fellowship halls. Ensuring baptismal fonts and other specialty plumbing features are in good working order. Keeping sewer and drainage systems clear to accommodate large services and events. Schedule Commercial Plumbing Maintenance With Plumb Works A proactive approach to commercial plumbing maintenance saves businesses from expensive surprises. Scheduling routine inspections, cleaning drains, and keeping plumbing systems in top shape ensures smooth operations and regulatory compliance. If you own or manage a commercial property, don’t wait for a plumbing emergency. Invest in regular maintenance to protect your business, employees, and customers. Contact Plumb Works today to schedule a service or set up a custom maintenance plan that fits your industry’s needs.

Keeping track of all the plumbing maintenance your home needs all year can be tricky. That's why we've created this helpful guide crafted by our experts! Consider signing up for a maintenance agreement for ultimate peace of mind.