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! 
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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.
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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.
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