How many times have you found yourself looking down at your feet in the shower because the water is simply no longer draining properly - or how many times have you found your bathroom sink filling up with water while brushing your teeth? It's happened to many of us. In fact, clogs is one of the problems we receive the most calls about. When tending to these calls, we always make sure to review our customer's drainage, pipes, and their performance. For example, many times we find that in the kitchen, the garbage disposal has been used for everything. This weakens the blades and clogs the garbage disposal, many times even causing a negative scent that could at times be smelled from the moment one walks into the kitchen. 

The good news is that these problems can be prevented. Please find below a list of 6 simple things you can do now to prevent a clog later. Not only will they save you money, but also time, and a possible headache.

Pet Fur
Our fur babies can also be guilty of causing drains to clog. Hair catching screen can also help us prevent clogged drains when giving our little ones a bath. ​

Grease
It's very common to think that grease may be disposed in the kitchen sink or garbage disposal, however, even when hot it can damage the plumbing. Grease will harden and solidify as it cools and get stuck on the drains. When grease is dumped down the drain, it sticks to the sides of your plumbing pipes, cool, and harden. As a result, you’ll be left with a slow draining sink or garbage disposal that will not work to its full potential. ​

Hard Water
Now that we know hard water can cause hair loss and dandruff, let's look into what it can do to your pipes. If you have hard water at home full of minerals, these mineral deposits can cling to the sides of your pipes, making it easier for other materials to get stuck and clog your drains. There are ways to clean the water in your house and provide you and your family with the cleanest water. Call us at 214-328-7371 and ask us about the various water filtration systems we have available to our customers. ​

​​If you have a plumbing question or a question about this communication, please contact us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com. ​​

As we planned out the month of September, we learned that this month is "Baby Safety Month". You may be asking yourself why is a plumbing company writing about this - and the answer is simple. We are parents and grandparents who want to share this knowledge with eachother, as well as the Dallas and surrounding communities, which we serve. In our 31 years in service, we've seen our customers' families grow - just like our own - and we have learned first-hand the importance of baby safety. 

1. Soft Snacks Only. Make sure their food is soft and easy to swallow. Harder foods present a chocking hazard. 
2. Medicine Isn't Candy. In an effort to make it easier for babies to take medicine, pharmaceutical companies have been making baby medicine taste like candy. This is of great help to parents, doctors, and children, when administering the medicine, but it can teach children that medicine is candy. Keep medicine out of reach from children in the event that they want more "candy" while you aren't around.
3. Don't Toss the Baby. Though it may seem fun, doctors warn against tossing the baby in the air, as it can cause blindness or brain damage. 
4. Watch for Broken Toys. To prevent a chocking episode, try to only have toys that are larger than the baby's mouth. Keep an eye out for broken toys and sharp edges that could easily scratch the baby's skin or hurt them in any way.
5. Build a Fort. That means baby gates everywhere! From child proofing the house so the baby won't get to the cleaning products, products we place under the bathroom sink, or even the stairs, it's better to be safe than sorry. Think of your home as the baby's castle until he is old enough to look out for himself.
6. Warm Milk. We remember the long nights and early mornings. The rush to the kitchen to warm up the milk. Remember to always check how warm the milk is before giving it to the baby to prevent possible burns.

Got baby safety tips? Leave them in the comments! We would love to hear from you.

​If you have a plumbing question or a question about this communication, please contact us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com. ​​

When servicing our Dallas clients, we've noticed that many are working from home, while also helping their kids with their school work. We can only imagine how stressful this could be and how little time it leaves for oneself to make delicious snacks that are quick and simple. We did some digging around and discovered a food vlog we just had to share with you. It's called, Natasha's Kitchen. We are not affiliated with her, but fell in love with her enthusiasm and tasty recipes. Without further ado, here are three of the many she has on her YouTube channel, all which had us running to the kitchen to make them! 

How to make the best homemade guacamole by Natashas Kitchen. She shares with us her perfected recipes for Classic Chunky Guacamole, Grilled Corn Guacamole, and Spicy Guacamole in this video. Healthy fats, quick and easy to make... music to our ears. Please let us know in the comments if you made it and/or if you have a recipe you'd like to share with us.

Missing the Italian bruschetta you usually enjoy at your favorite Italian restaurant? In need of a trip to an Italian bistro or quick break during the day? Make this Italian bruschetta by Natashas Kitchen. Tip: Fresh ingredients make all the difference! 

Grilled salmon with garlic lime butter is the best grilled salmon recipe you’ll try and we have Natasha to thank for this incredibly tasty and quick recipe. The crisp and flaky texture mixed with the garlic-lime butter is simply irresistible. The flavored butter is so good... Just remember to dispose of any left over butter safely (Hint: not in the drain).

Got recipes you'd like to share with us and everyone else? Please email them to us at metroflowplumbing@gmail.com. We will be picking a few of our favorites and sharing them on our website. The catch? They must be tasty and simple to make... extra points if they're also healthy.

If you have a plumbing question or a question about this communication, please contact us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com. ​​

Back-to-school promises to be a little rougher than usual this year, but don't let this discourage you. Instead, let's get ready to take on back-to-school together and learn a few tips moms and teachers shared with us to make this return to school a little easier for you and your kids. We are certain that you will identify some you already do or plan on doing, as well as others that will remind you that it's also important to take care of yourself, so you may stay happy and alert every step of the way. Get your favorite tea or glass of wine ready and let's start reading this blog, which we dedicate to all super teachers and super parents.

We hope you enjoyed these tips. Thank you teachers and parents who helped in putting this list together. For even more tips (over 100 of of them), please visit care.com. Got more tips of your own? Please share them in the comments.

If you have a plumbing question or a question about this communication, please contact us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com. ​

Per the Texas Medical Association, "Infections health issues related to mold exposure can occur in both normal and immune-compromised individuals." There are potential health issues related to mold exposure. In theory, there are five ways in which molds could produce or aggravate human illness or otherwise contribute to symptoms:

• Type I immune reactions, which can lead to allergic rhinitis (nasal discharge, sneezing, conjunctivitis) or asthma (bronchospasm, wheezing, mucous secretion and plugging).
• Irritation to mucous membranes through mold production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a manner analogous to non-mold irritants, e.g., tobacco smoke, gas/kerosene stove emissions, ozone.
• Type III immune reaction, examples including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which includes "farmer's lung" (lung tissue inflammation occurring from exposure of an inhaled antigen), and allergic aspergillosis (a rare lung tissue inflammation involving both airways and tissues in the lungs). 
• Toxic reaction from mold products (mycotoxins).
• Toxic reaction from microbial byproducts (endotoxins). 

For more information about health related issues caused by mold, please visit the Texas Medical Association, here. ​
​

That's right... We said it: Fruit Flies. Though this is not a happy topic, these little flies are a hot topic in Dallas right now and we've received a lot of calls in regards to how to get rid of them, especially when they're coming from your drains.
​

This is an extremely unhygienic process, leaving behind bacteria and organisms that were once inside the fly. Fruit flies can also carry and transmit disease-causing germs. When fruit infested with fruit fly larvae is consumed accidentally, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. Ready for the next fact? Females fruit flies lay approximately 400 eggs, about five at a time, into rotting fruit or other suitable materials. The eggs, which are about 0.5 millimeters long, hatch after 12-15 hours. The larvae grow for about 4 days, during which time they consume the yeast and microorganisms that decompose the fruit as well as the sugar of the fruit itself. Enough about who our fruit fly friends are... Let's get rid of them.

Good Housekeeping has several options including creating a trap inside a glass of apple cider vinegar using plastic wrap and a rubber band. Another option is rolling a paper cone into a jar of ripe fruit. The narrow end of the cone makes it difficult for the flies to escape. Vinegar and dish soap is another idea, as using a bowl of the mixture uncovered can lead to flies drowning to death. Check out this video from EZPZ DIY: 

While some insecticides and household chemicals can be used, there are also many natural ways to take care of things. First things first, you’ll want to clean out the drain in question. There are a few ways to do this:

• Pour a 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and allow it to work its magic overnight. Follow up with boiling water the next morning. Repeat if necessary.
• Pour a half gallon of water and 1 cup of vinegar or bleach down the drain to sanitize.
• Pour boiling water down the drain to loosen rotting matter. Use a metal pipe brush to clean the pipe lining. Follow with more boiling water.

After sanitizing the drain, you may want to create a homemade trap to catch the remaining flies.

• Place a small piece of ripe fruit in a cup covered with plastic wrap. Next, make small puncture marks in the wrap with a fork. This method is perfect for catching fruit flies.
• Mix a cup and a half of apple cider vinegar and 5 drops of dish soap and place near the drain (heat in the microwave for 15 seconds to attract more flies).

​

Fruit flies can’t stand the smell of basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender and clove. If you’ve had a fruit fly problem in the past, try placing these fragrant herbs in muslin sacks or tea bags and hanging them around the house. You could also buy them in essential oil form and use them in a diffuser. 
​

Since fruit flies are attracted to food and odors, it makes sense you’d want to keep the things that come in contact with their favorite snacks as fresh as possible. Never mind the fact that fruit flies can breed on these common household items. Yuck!
​

If these methods do not work to kill drain flies, you may have an issue with your p-trap. Every kitchen or bathroom drain has a self-sealing water trap, which stores about two cups of water in a U-shaped bend that sits below the piping and the fixture. When there is no water in the pipe due to cracks or non-use, odors and flies can escape. If the flies come back, there may be something wrong with your p-trap or a drain line.  

Need help? Give us a call at (214) 214-4718 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com and let us know how you heard from us. One of our certified plumbers will be ready to assist you.

We would love to hear from you and the remedies you use to get rid of these pesky flies. Please comment below.
​

Sources: Coast Mountain News, EZPZ DiY, Family Handyman, Insider.

If you have a plumbing question or a question about this communication, please contact us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com. ​​​​

Spring lawn care in essential for keeping your yard thriving and resilient through summer. If you want to a beautiful lawn and garden, follow these steps to keep your lawn and landscaping lush and green for the summer.
​

Coronavirus (Covid-19) posed a unique challenge to essential businesses that are required to go into your home to assess a problem, properly estimate it, and fix it. Because of this, we at Metro-Flow Plumbing decided to launch and implement a new way to do business: Video Chat. Let us tell you a little more about it and how you may benefit from it.

Your health, your family's health, and our team's health - as well as their families' health - is of the outmost importance to us. Though it had not been done before, we thought we would give video chat a try. 

We launched our video chat program in April 2020 to help us better connect with our customers in need of plumbing help. Our most senior plumbers were assigned to engage with customers via FaceTime (iPhone users) and video (Android users). This allowed Metro-Flow Plumbing to establish a one-on-one relationship with customers before dispatching one of our certified plumbers to their home. Taking this approach helped us help customers and gave us an idea of the simplicity or complexity of the plumbing problem; saving everyone involved time and money.

We are thrilled to announce that we will continue to offer video consultations to our Dallas and surrounding cities residents for the months of May and June 2020. A program that we could potentially extend. 
​

We know that during times of uncertainty, a plumbing emergency is not an expense that you were planning for.

To help our community during these times, we would like to relive some burden by waiving our Dispatch Fee. That's a savings of $65 valid on work performed Monday - Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm CT from 03/24/2020 to 05/31/2020. This discount will be applied to your invoice to help lower the cost.

Contact us at 214-328-7371 and mention Promo Code: METROFLOWCARES to have this offer applied to your invoice and help lower the cost.

If you have a plumbing question or a question about this communication, please contact us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com. ​

"Adaptability" is one we learned quite quickly. You see, Rick Romero, Founder and Master Plumber at Metro-Flow Plumbing worked in plumbing for many years before taking the plunge to open his own plumbing company. If you've ever opened a business, you know it takes weeks, months, sometimes years of planning - and then comes the day when you jump in the pool, regardless of the temperature of the water, and you swim. You swim to stay afloat. You swim to make it to the edge of the pool. You swim to continue learning. You swim to inspire others to swim with you. You swim for your family. You swim for your dream. You swim for yourself.

When Mr. Romero decided it was time to open the doors of Metro-Flow Plumbing, he and Denise Romero (Mrs. Romero) had their daughter Celeste, and their son RJ (now a plumber) was on the way. When Mrs. Romero tells you their story, she transports you into the room the conversation happened in. The place and time when Mr. Romero told her it was time. He was ready to launch his plumbing company. 

Launching a business at any point can be a rollercoaster - even more when you have a child and a baby on the way. Mrs. Romero knew from the day she met Mr. Romero that this day would one day come. The day Mr. Romero spoke to Mrs. Romero about opening the family business, she looked into his eyes, and she knew he was ready. She knew it was time to adapt to their new normal. It was time to give it everything, at home, at the office, and for the family business. It is because of their spirit of adaptability, tenacity, and relentlessness that they founded and launched Metro-Flow Plumbing in 1989. Now, 30 years later, they couldn't be happier for opening their doors, providing for their family, employing people who have become lifetime friends, and for serving Dallas and its surrounding cities. 

"Control" can keep you up at night if you let it. It's ok to take some time to worry when we are faced with a situation that is out of our control. However, it's important that we pivot and start to focus on what we can do to help the situation, on what we can control. 

When Coronavirus (Covid-19) struck, we felt it. However, we needed to adapt and adapt quickly. As an essential business, we are keeping our doors open, open to serve those who need a plumbing problem solved. We know that a clogged pipe or overflowing toilet are two of the most unpredictable plumbing problems that exist - and two of the ones you need fixed quickly. However, we also know that while we are staying home trying to avoid contact with the outside world, one may hesitate to call a plumber for help. Because we understand this hesitation, we are enforcing strict regulations at Metro-Flow Plumbing, to keep you, your family, our staff, and our family safe. You may read all about our Covid-19 regulations, here. 

However, the one that has probably made us the most proud (besides going above and beyond to be CDC compliant) is the launch of our Complimentary Virtual Consultations. At Metro-Flow Plumbing, we are at the forefront of technology and have a great team that help us move our business forward. However, with Covid-19, we needed to go a step further to help put our customers at ease. To remind them that we are here for them and ready to help them 24/7. To help you​, 24/7.

You may be asking yourself, "What is a plumber's complimentary virtual consultation?". Let us explain. Before Covid-19, we only offered in-person consultations. We would get a call, listen to the problem, and dispatch one of our certified plumbers to go to our customer's home and assess the issue at hand. We would then work on an estimate for our customer's approval and once approved, we would perform the work. However, in the times we are living, we want to take the extra step to keep our team safe - and help you feel comfortable with the problem at hand. Our most experienced plumbers, Mr. Romero (Rick) and Daryl Miller will now join you at home virtually, via FaceTime - or if you have an Android, they will walk you through how and what to record a video of and send it to them directly. The goal is to help assess the issue remotely and begin to build a trusting relationship with you. 

We are also going a step further, as we understand the financial uncertainties many are facing, and we are waiving our dispatching fee with Promo Code: METROFLOWCARES (Monday - Saturday 8am-4pm CT). If you have any questions about these offerings, please give us a call at 214-328-7371. We are here for you.
​

Last, but certainly not least, "togetherness". There is now 'i" in "team" and we learned this lesson early on as well. We know that we can not reach our goals by working by ourselves. Though we may sometimes be convinced that we can do it alone, and this may apply to some things, we can achieve so much more when we work together. 

Today, we need eachother more than ever before. Though we may be home, we need to be together in spirit. Working towards a common goal, the goal to flatten the curve and end Covid-19 once and for all. 

We will continue to do our part by keeping our doors open as an essential business, serving Dallas and its surrounding cities, taking your family's health and our team's to heart, and going above and beyond CDC regulations.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. We appreciate it more than ever before.

Metro-Flow Plumbing Team
​

We would like to start this communication by thanking you for your trust and business. We've been watching the news and informing ourselves just like you have been doing. As plumbers, we understand that we are in the front lines and we are trained, equipped, and educated to be there for you and your family for any plumbing emergency that may transpire. 

In this message, we would like to share with you a couple of plumbing tips to help you prevent a plumbing emergency during this quarantine period. As you may know, plumbing problems increase during the holiday season in November and December, because cooking increases and we have the family over for multiple days - sometimes weeks. We are anticipating plumbing problems to increase during the time that we are living as well, since the scenarios are similar.

Furthermore, we want to reassure you that Metro-Flow Plumbing is taking all the necessary safety measures to keep you, your family, and our team, safe. We are following the Coronavirus prevention tips you see below, which we have been enforcing in our company since we opened our doors in 1989. In addition to these helpful tips, we are also taking the following steps to limit exposure to the virus for you, your family, our team and their families: 

1. We have confirmed that no one from our team members have traveled outside of the United States or to any of the current outbreak regions in the last several weeks. 
2. We are enforcing that a team member with any symptoms of respiratory illness or fever stay home and not return to work until cleared by a physician. 
3. To ensure we take all measures possible to keep ourselves and our customers safe, we are requiring our team members to wash their hands immediately after arriving in the office and not touch anything until their hands are throughly cleaned. In addition to this, we are hosting our daily morning meetings in our parking lot in order to practice social distancing and we are checking everyone's temperature during this time as well. 
4. We have instructed all team members to wash their hands multiple times each day and we are making that possible by placing soap and water in our service trucks. Disinfecting wipes are also available in our service trucks. 
5. Before entering your home, each technician and apprentice will wash their hands with soap and water, wear a new pair of disposable gloves, and new pair of disposable shoe covers.
6. We have instructed our Call Center to cancel service calls to homes where someone is quarantine, has any symptoms of a respiratory illness or has a fever. 

While we are certain that the world and our great nation will effectively deal with this virus, the prudent thing for all of us is to follow the advice of health officials. We are staying updated by reading the news in the following sources: 

• cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
• City of Dallas: https://dallascityhall.com/Pages/Corona-Virus.aspx​​

A promised, here are a couple of plumbing tips to keep in mind during these busy times at home: 

• To prevent a clogged toilet, only flush toilet paper down your drain. Any other item should be placed in the garbage bin.
• Do not flush wipes down the drain, not even those that claim to be "flushable". These cause clogs and can contribute to your toilet to overflow. 
• Keep fats, oils, grease away from your kitchen sink. These can harden when traveling down your pipe and cause a clog.
• If you think a clog has occurred, give us a call. A common mistake is to run hot water down the drain. This pushes the clog down farther and can worsen the problem.
• Treat your garbage disposal with love. Though it may seem strong and powerful, it can only take so much.

If you have a plumbing question or a question about this communication, please contact us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com. 

If you live in North Texas you may notice an increased taste of chlorine in your water during the month of March. Metro-Flow Plumbing can help manage this by installing a water filtration system in your home or office. You may review some of our offerings, here and here. We offer filtration systems depending on your budget and needs - and we can test your water for free. Schedule an appointment at (214) 328-7371. 

Everyone loves to save money or at least not waste it. This is why we put together this list to help you lower your water bill. We hope you find it useful and share it with your friends and family. Happy savings! 
​

1. Toilet. Commodes with the WaterSense label use 60% less water per flush than traditional toilets. You can install a low pressure toilet, similar to those popular in Europe. On older models, check to make sure the flapper closes properly, a common source of water leaks. You can also fill two water bottles with an inch or two of sand or gravel and put them in the tank of the toilet. This will raise the water in the tank and trick it into using less per flush.
2. Washing machine. Many machines allow you to choose a load size, and then the machine fills with a corresponding amount of water. Shopping for a new model? Select one that's Energy Star certified. Another way to save water is by using cold water vs. hot water. It will preserve colors better, and it will save water and energy.
3. Dishwasher. Look for the Energy Star certification, but also make sure the appliance offers a light wash option, which uses less water. Another way to save water is by actually using your dishwasher. Did you know it takes less water to run a full load vs. washing the dishes by hand? The key here is full, so load it up and let it run.
4. Fix leaks. This might seem obvious, but sometimes it is hard to tell that a faucet is leaking, especially if it doesn’t make a sound. It is good to replace washers in faucets every few years, especially if you live in an older place.
5. Insulate Water Pipes. Go to a hardware store and get some foam that is already cut in the shape of a pipe. Tape that to the pipes. This will help heat up your water faster, so you won’t lose as much while you’re waiting for it to heat. If you aren't sure how to do this, contact us. We are happy to help.

Hope you found these tips helpful. Share them with your friends and make sure to contact us with any plumbing questions. We are here to assist you 24/7. You may reach us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com.
​

Dallas weather is unpredictable, we know that. This is why it's important to keep an eye out for changes in temperature as these can affect your house, particularly its plumbing. The following seven tips will help you prevent your pipes from freezing and save you lots of money, because the last thing you want is for one of the pipes to freeze, burst, and become a large headache, for your pocket, time, and the insurance company.

1. Let cold water drip. That's right. Though it may sound wasteful, it's imperative that you let your faucets drip, just a little, when temperatures drop below 35 degrees. This continued movement keeps their heart rate up and can prevent the water from freezing within the pipes.
2. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature. Maintaining your home thermostat stable regardless of the weather changes, will allow you to offer your thermostat sanity and continue to work to its full potential. 
3. Keep the garage door closed. Keeping your garage door closed, specially if there are water supply lines in the garage, will help you keep your home temperature leveled and prevent internal pipes from freezing.
4. Open the cabinet doors. This one raises some eyebrows, but it helps. Keeping the cabinet doors in the bathrooms and kitchen open to let warmer air circulate around the pipes helps to prevent the pipes from staying within a cool enclosed  environment, which can encourage the water within the pipes to freeze, expand, and burst.
5. Insulation is key. Make sure your house has insulation, particularly in the basement, attics, crawl spaces, and exposed water pipes. Not sure if it does? Give us a call and we will run a plumbing inspection, provide you with your options, and help you get your house ready.
6. Disconnect water hoses from outside faucets. This is one of the first things to tackle when you hear that temperatures will drop to freezing levels. Go out, disconnect the water hoses, and...
7. Wrap or cover outside faucets. Think of it as putting a sweater on your outside faucets and exposed pipes. Try to keep them warm so the water within them won't freeze, expand and burst. Remember that a pipe may burst anywhere in your house, not only on the exposed parts, that's why protecting them from cold temperates is important.

Got questions? Give us a call at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com. We are here for you 24/7 and ready to assist you any way we can.
​

You'll be tempted to throw away left overs, oil, potatoes, and other items into the garbage disposal. Don't do it. These things can clog garbage disposal and/or deteriorate your garbage disposal blades. Avoid throwing poultry bones and skin, fruit or vegetable peels, and cornhusks into the disposal. Should you find yourself in a bind, remember that Metro-Flow Plumbing is open 24/7. You may reach us at 214-328-7371.

Remember that if you need help with a plumbing issue or want to schedule a plumbing inspection, Metro-Flow Plumbing is open 24/7 and can help you. You may reach us at 214-328-7371. One of our certified and insured plumbers will assist you.

There are many tips out there on how to get your house ready for guests, especially now during the holiday season. Most of them will remind you to clean the bathroom, fluff your bedroom and living room pillows, and even make sure that your doorbell is working. However, many of these you already knew. Here are a couple that will help make your house a home for your guests. Get ready to be crowned, "Hostess with the Mostest".

We are not telling you to make cookies from scratch. In fact, we are encouraging you to go buy some chocolate chip cookies from the grocery store, open up the packaging, and place them in a cookie sheet. Stick them in the oven 30min before your guests are scheduled to arrive and get nothing but compliments from the moment they step into your house. It will immediately give them a sense of belonging and a feeling of being home. We love Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies and for $2.73, they're even cheaper that a scented candle.

Help make your guests feel like they're staying at a 5-star hotel by purchasing new bedsheets and using them for the first time on them. We recently purchased and tried some sold on Amazon. Got King size bedsheets for only $23.99 and they have them in a variety of colors and sizes. Check them out here. You'll have your guests asking you about them... At least ours did. Freshly washed towels will also be welcomed and appreciated.

One of the easiest ways to identify a clogged drain is by noticing how slow the water is draining in the sink or shower. This is a clear indicator that something is clogging the drain and should be addressed in a timely manner to prevent pricey plumbing repairs. Addressing plumbing problems earlier on is a best practice that has proven to help make of the fix a much easier one, therefore usually costing the home owner much less than if they would've waited to fix the problem much longer.

The following six reasons are the most common culprits of clogged drains:

Our fur babies can also be guilty of causing drains to clog. Hair catching screen can also help us prevent clogged drains when giving our little ones a bath. 

It's very common to think that grease may be disposed in the kitchen sink or garbage disposal, however, even when hot it can damage the plumbing. Grease will harden and solidify as it cools and get stuck on the drains. When grease is dumped down the drain, it sticks to the sides of your plumbing pipes, cool, and harden. As a result, you’ll be left with a slow draining sink or garbage disposal that will not work to its full potential. 

It can shock many to think that soap could hurt pipes, but it can. Soap can actually cause clogged drains over time. If you have hard water in your home, soap may coat the insides of your pipes, restricting the flow of water and delivering water that is not as clean as we would wish it would be. Hard water can leave your skin feeling like it has a soapy film after a nice shower, making you want to rinse it off multiple times. Hard water can also make your skin and hair dull, as well as contribute to hair loss and dandruff. 

Now that we know hard water can cause hair loss and dandruff, let's look into what it can do to your pipes. If you have hard water at home full of minerals, these mineral deposits can cling to the sides of your pipes, making it easier for other materials to get stuck and clog your drains. There are ways to clean the water in your house and provide you and your family with the cleanest water. Call us at 214-328-7371 and ask us about the various water filtration systems we have available to our customers. 

Baby wipes, even when the packaging claims they are "flushable", they are not and should be disposed in the trash - not the toilet. We shouldn’t flush anything other than toilet paper and waste down the toilet drains. Products like baby wipes do not break down as well as toilet paper does and as a result can cause some serious plumbing clogs.

It's time to discover what football and the thrown in your house have in common... particularly during the greatest day in the year, Super Bowl. Impress your friends with the following football plumbing fun facts:

These numbers show the passion we have for football in this country - much like the passion we have for clean pipes and drains, working garbage disposals, water pressure, hot water, and much more. If you find yourself in the need of a plumber during football season, or at any other time, please reach out to us at 214-328-7371. One of our certified plumbing technicians will be ready to assist you and provide you with solutions to your plumbing problem. We are available 24/7.

Buying a house is one of the largest investments that a person will make in their lifetime. Between multiple online searches, realtors, brokers, inspections, and appointments with your bank, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and skip performing these simple and quick plumbing tests during even your first visit to the house you've been eyeing online for days.

Before taking the next step, make sure to perform these quick and simple tests to see if the plumbing in the house is working properly, but remember to still have it throughly inspected as you continue to move down the process to make of that house your home. Contact us should you have any questions. We are here for you 24/7.

Flush every toilet in the house. While it is flushing make sure it drains properly and that there is no visible leakage. 

Find the home hot water system and look it over for signs of corrosion. Using the outlet on the side, run some water and ensure that the hot water comes out. If possible, ask the current owner of the house when the hot water system was last serviced. 

Run all showers to ensure that they have adequate water pressure. Low pressure can be a good indicator of a larger issue such as an unseen leak or clog. While you are there, make sure that all water drains freely and that no water is leaking from the fixtures. 

It's not a pleasant job, but it is important to get underneath the house to check for signs of leaks or water damage. Since the majority of a houses plumbing is located underneath the house, doing this will allow you to catch any plumbing issues that you might have missed in your initial inspections. One of our certified plumbers can perform this inspection for you. Give a call at 214-328-7371. We'll be happy to assist you.

Size matters! Particularly when it comes to girth. Check that your prospective new home has pipes of the correct size installed. If the pipes are too small, the water pressure will be lower and could increase the potential damage in the future. In most cases, you will want the pipes to be 3/4" from the source of water to the home, and 1/2" or larger from sinks and taps.

Would you like help with the above? If so, we are happy to assist you. We take pride in performing a detailed home inspection and promise to honestly share our findings with you, as well as recommendations on how to address any issues we may find. We always have your best interest at heart and want to be your ally during the home buying process and beyond. You may contact us via phone at 214-328-7371 or email at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com.