Plumbing Tips By Certified & Insured Plumbing Experts - Dallas Plumbing I Metro-Flow Plumbing

Bathroom Cleaning Calendar

8/15/2019

Cleaning the house - particularly the bathroom - can seem like a drag, but it doesn't have to be. We've been hearing for years that the bathroom is by far the room that one dreads the most to clean. Bending over to clean the tub and the floors can leave us with back pain that can last for hours, if not days, even weeks.

The good news is that we can tackle the workload cleaning a bathroom by simply splitting the tasks into various days. There are items we recommend cleaning every day, but there are others that can be done on a weekly basis, and others even on a monthly basis. This way, you get some time back and your bathroom still gets the attention it needs to be clean and ready for you and your family.

Below is a Bathroom Cleaning Calendar that we hope will come in handy.

1. Daily

Wipe sink
Spray shower
Aerate room
Hang towels
Address mildew/toilet bowl/drain problems

hanging towels

2. Weekly

Clean tub & sink
Clean mirrors & windows
Sweep & mop
Toilet fizzies (mid-week)
Clean toilet bowl

cleaning toilet

3. Monthly

Clean walls
Check drains
Check for mold & mildew
Organize cabinets
Check supplies
Clean shower curtains

cleaning toilet

Should you ever run into any plumbing problems, feel free to reach out to us at 214-328-7371. One of our certified plumbers will be available to help you 24/7.

6 Causes of Low Water Pressure

8/5/2019

Taking a low water pressure shower can make many irritable. Here you are, starting your day and spending more time than scoped out for in the shower. It takes you longer to rinse the shampoo off your hair, even the soap off your body.

We understand these frustrations and are always looking for ways to make your life easier. Because of this, we've gathered a list of six things that can cause low water pressure:

Plumbing Leaks: Leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures and fittings are a significant source of water waste for many households. Research has shown that the typical home can lose 2,000 to 20,000 gallons (7.6 m3 to 76 m3) of water per year due to leaks. Some leaks are obvious, such as dripping faucets and leaking water heaters. Unfortunately, many leaks go undetected for years because the source of the leak is not visible.
Corrosion Buildup: The leading cause of leaks is corrosion from minimal buildup. These rusty pipes can become a big problem and should be addressed in its early stages to help prevent a bigger problem from developing.
Debris and Mineral Buildup: Even with a constantly running water pump, debris and mineral can accumulate in your pipes. The best way to prevent this from happening is by implementing regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them operating smoothly.
Clog: Something that's clogged is blocked or stopped up. When your sink is clogged, the soapy water can't flow down the drain. If your gutters are clogged with leaves, rain water will simply flow and drip over the edges.
Water Valve Issues: A valve is a mechanical device that blocks a pipe either partially or completely to change the amount of fluid that passes through it. When you turn on a faucet (tap) to brush your teeth, you're opening a valve that allows pressurized water to escape from a pipe.
Supply Line Issue: Flexible water supply tubes or pipes connect plumbing fixtures and appliances to your home's rigid supply piping. They typically connect to a fixture shutoff valve that allows you to turn off the water supply at the fixture location.

Don't let a leaking pipe turn into an expensive repair.
Contact us at 214-328-7371. Our certified plumbers are available to help you 24/7.

Where To Dispose Of Medication

7/16/2019

Safe, legal, and long-term disposal options for prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals remain largely unavailable for local governments due to funding and logistical limitations. The lack of registered collectors, such as retail pharmacies; the absence of extended producer responsibility for the cost of disposal options; and, confusion regarding the regulatory framework for the handling and disposing of unwanted medications are a few of the challenges. Improper drug disposal results in negative impacts to humans, streams, drinking water, wildlife, and agriculture.

Therefore, developing a solution for this significant problem is a priority for the North Central Texas region to address. Although many communities have taken advantage of twice-yearly take-back events, these Drug Enforcement Agency sponsored events are neither a regularly available nor permanent solution for prescription drug disposal.

Drugs and medications dumped down toilets or drains leads to water contamination and pollution. When taken to the landfill, prescriptions and drugs do not break down easily, and also can harm wildlife and again lead to the contamination of our water supply. These negative impacts will continue to get worse without a proper diposal method, as the number of medications and drugs improperly thrown away will accumulate over time.

Discover where to dispose of your medicine at medicinetakeback.com.

5 Easy Summer Plumbing Tips

7/8/2019

Summer is here. Everyone agrees. The heat in Dallas never disappoints... Keeping us warm even at night. Summer’s rising temperatures often coincide with an increase of water usage, both indoors and outdoors, which can have you taking care of your drains and pipes more than usual. It’s estimated that a family’s water usage can increase by 25%-50% during the warmest months of the year, because of this, we wanted to share five easy summer plumbing tips that could help your plumbing and water bill.

Turn Down Your Water Heater

If you’re vacationing away from your home for several days, turn down your water heater to save energy. It’s also important to know that the average life of a water heater is anywhere from 8-11 years old. If you don’t know the age of your system, check the last four digits of the serial number on the tank. This will show you the month and year it was manufactured. Learn more about our water heater services.

Inspect Your Washing Machine

With the kids at home and our various summer activities, it can feel like laundry never ends. These multiple loads of laundry can have your washing machine working overtime. Make sure to give your washing machine a break and visually inspect the hoses and machine. The rubber washing machine hose should be replaced approximately every 3 years.

Consider Replacing Your Appliances & Save

Consider replacing some of your older appliances such as your showerheads, faucets, and toilets with EPA WaterSense products. Click here to see how much you can save annually on your water bill.

Best Times To Water Your Lawn

Watering your lawn at the right time can make a difference in your water bill. It’s suggested that the best time to water your lawn and landscapes is in the early morning and evening, after the sun goes down. If you water your lawn in the middle of the day, that water can be lost due to evaporation from the heat throughout the day.

Check Your Sewer Lines

Do you have trees planted near your house? Any kind of tree growth, particularly during the summer months, can cause roots to make their way to your sewer line in search of water. If you suspect any damage or want to prevent a possible problem, give us a call to check your lines.

Every season brings a different challenge to your home's plumbing system. Whatever your plumbing problem may be, Metro-Flow Plumbing is ready to assist you 24/7. Our certified technicians will assess the problem, explain what will be needed to get done to fix it - as well as the costs - and will begin working once receiving your approval to proceed. Furthermore, all of our plumbers undergo a rigorous background check, are respectful, professional, and punctual. We look forward to hearing from you.

4 Common Plumbing Problems #SummerIsHere

7/2/2019

Summer plumbing problems can happen at any time; from a garbage disposal malfunctioning, to a leaky faucet or a clogged toilet. These and other plumbing problems are never welcomed, but being ready for them will help you enjoy your summer to the fullest.

Why do these four problems usually occur during the summer? Summer plumbing problems usually arise, because of the extra wear and tear your home receives during these hot Dallas summer months. Summer means family and friends, and you tend to have more guests over than usual to watch a game, enjoy the pool, a birthday, or a bbq - because there is no better time to enjoy brisket and a cold refreshing brew than summer time. It's the time in the year when the kids are home from school and the house is in use throughout the day, guests visit from out of town, and outdoor summer activities are top of mind.

Here are four of the most common plumbing problems that can happen during the summer months.

Clogged Garbage Disposal

Summer is the best time for cookouts, pineapple, strawberries, mineral water, and much more. Know exactly what can and cannot go down the drain, as this can easily hurt or clog your garbage disposal. Cookouts grease from grilling will quickly clog your disposal and prevent it from running properly - as well as pineapple rinds, banana peals, bones, etc.

Overused Washing Machines

Your washing machine tends to work overtime during the summer. Multiple loads due to having the full family at home and extracurricular activities can put a strain on your washing machine. Heavy loads can lead to blockages and overflows. Try to stick to small loads to avoid problems. It is also recommended for you to check the hoses from your machine for leakages or kinks and consider moving your washing machine out from the wall a little to reduce the risk of overheating.

Sprinkler Problems

Parties, lawn mowers, cars and increase traffic on lawns during the summer can contribute to broken sprinkler issues. Be aware of your sprinklers and double check they are in good shape before using them to avoid significant damage.

Clogged Shower Drains

Summer is full of days at the pool, lake, playing sports, and hitting the gym. Things like sand, dirt and pebbles can get caught up in bathing suits and empty out in the shower, blocking the drain. Our furry friends can also put a strain in our drains and it's important to keep their hair (and ours) away from the drain. Another tip to avoid clogged drains is to keep an eye on the drain cover and to remove hair that gets stuck in there.

Don't let these problems interfere with your summer plans. Get ahead of them by conducting an inspection and/or join our Diamond Club - and should you find yourself facing these problems in the future, give us a call at 214-328-7371. We have respectful, professional, and certified technicians ready to assist you 24/7.

Get Your Yard Ready For Summer

6/3/2019

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.

1. Rake It Up

The first step to preparing your yard for spring and summer is to do some raking and cleaning around the home. Use your yard waste container to collect all the leaves, twigs and other debris that has accumulated over winter. Try to do this every month.

2. Apply Fertilizer and Pre-Emerged Weed Killer

Fertilizer helps supplement the lawn with nutrients it lost during winter. Most experts agree that fertilizer should be applied at least twice a year. After your spring fertilization, six to eight weeks later, it’s a good idea to reapply both products. Speak with a professional about setting up the perfect fertilization schedule.

3. Consider Adding Mulch

Mulch is a great way to retain moisture and nutrients during the summer heat. Mulch can help keep your plants sated and growing, but in some cases it may be a bad idea. Speak with a professional lawn care expert about the proper use of mulch.

4. Mow Your Lawn

Don’t let grass grow too high. Try to keep grass height between 2.5 to 3 inches. During peak summer, however, allow the grass to grow about a half inch longer. This helps the grass provide shade and retain moisture.

5. Trim Back Landscaping From Structure

Mulch, grass, and plants that are too close to the foundation can cause major moisture and pest problems. Try to maintain a minimum 2-foot clearance around the entire perimeter of your home. Trim back any trees, bushes or plants that are touching or coming close to the siding. In addition to trimming plants from your siding and foundation, it’s also important to look for any dead or excess growth in other areas of the yard. Pruning promotes healthy plants by eliminating dead or infected parts. It also helps you shape the growth of the tree or bush.

6. Inspect Nearby Trees

Falling trees and branches can cause massive amounts of damage, injury and death. If dead and rotting trees are ignored, they can fall and cause damage and potential injury. To be safe, contact a tree expert every 2-3 years for a professional inspection and safety pruning. This is best done during late winter/early spring before the leaves come out and mask the damage.

7. Consider Aerating Your Lawn

Aerate your lawn if it shows signs of compaction, such as moss. Moss can also indicate soil acidity (lawns like a neutral pH). If you become aware of soil compaction during your spring lawn checkup, contact a professional for the best plan of action.

8. Perform A Soil Test

In addition to problems like compaction and thatch, your soil may also be suffering from a pH imbalance. The best way to know whether your soil has the right pH balance is by hiring a professional to take a soil sample or by sending a soil sample to a local soil testing laboratory.

Learn more about how to get your yard ready for summer, here.

What To Do Before, During, and After a Flood

5/19/2019

Dallas weather can keep us on our toes . We can go from enjoying a sunny summer day at the pool or lake, to torrential thunderstorms. Then these happen, avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away. Below are the steps on how to navigate a flood.

BEFORE a flood...

Know Your Risk: Do you live in a floodplain? Are flood prone roadways on a typical travel routes?
Make and Practice a Plan: Where will you evacuate? What will you take with you? How long do you need to evacuate? Do you have multiple evacuation routes?
Make an Emergency Kit: 3-days worth of extra water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, blankets, rubber boots and gloves, extra clothing.
Have at Least 3 Ways to Receive Warning Information: NOAA Weather Radio, mobile apps, websites, TV, commercial radio, reliable social media outlets.

DURING a flood...

Stay Informed: Monitor the latest warning and forecast information.
Obey Evacuation Orders: Enact your plan.
Turn Around, Don't Drown: Never cross flooded roadways or drive around barricades.

AFTER a flood...

Always Wait for the All-Clear: Do not return to areas affected by flooding until it is safe to do so.
Stay Where You Are: Be careful when walking outside as power lines may have fallen.
Avoid Flood Waters: Flood water may be contaminated.
Heed Road Closure Signs and Barricades

Careers In Plumbing At An All Time High

4/15/2019

We were recently invited and attended James Bowie Elementary School's career fair. At first, we didn't know what to expect or could even imagine the questions we would be asked by these young bright minds. To say we were excited to share our plumbing knowledge and showcase some fun experiments with the kids, is an understatement.

James Bowie Elementary School has successfully strived to improve student academic achievement. In 2008-2009, the Texas Education Agency rated Bowie Elementary a recognized school. In 2009-2010 it was an exemplary school. In 2015-2016 James Bowie Elementary earned 5 distinctions from the Texas Education Agency. They promote parent involvement by hosting monthly parent meetings and encouraging parents to participate on the Site-Based Decision Making Committee, in the PTA, and as volunteers. Parents of young children can also be involved in the HIPPY program.

Learning this about the school made us even more excited as we like to partner with organizations that are constantly working to improve. It was our pleasure to join them and share our knowledge. We shared some laughs with the kids and gave them a brochure to take home to their parents.

At Metro-Flow Plumbing, education is at the core of our belief system. We believe that we are here to educate others to that they may take preventive measures to avoid costly plumbing problems. Sounds odd? We like to work honestly and create long lasting relationships. We always explain what we are going to do in detail, answer all questions, and then proceed with the work once our client has confirmed they are ok with what has been described. Sharing our learnings with the kids at James Bowie Elementary School's career fair came easy to us.

By 2030, approximately 79 million people in the workforce will have reached retirement age. Meanwhile, at the same time only 41 million new people will be entering the workforce... Have you considered a career in plumbing? Call us at 214-328-7371 or learn more about joining the Metro-Flow Plumbing team, here.or

At this career fair, students went from booth to booth and talked with professionals about their careers. They had the choice to visit the booths that interested them. Career days can help students as young as elementary school start thinking more in depth about what they want to do as adults. There are numerous benefits to having career-focused programs in schools to prepare students for their futures with the hope that perhaps their road to a career will be a bit easier.

Three out of every four people in the trades will retire by 2030.

Interested in having us attend a career fair at your school or community center? Contact us at 214-328-7371 or email us at metroflow@metroflowplumbing.com (ask for Denise Romero). We are looking forward to hearing from you.

7 Tips To Pay Less On Your Water Bill

3/25/2019

Spring is here and summer is quickly approaching. Dallas is about to heat things up for us. Are you ready? It's important to get your home ready for those hot days, as they tend to make us use water a lot more than usual. Below are some helpful tips that will help you get ready for the hot months aheads, and help lower your water bill in the process.

1) 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 here is by using cold water vs. hot water. It will preserve colors better, and it will save water and energy.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) Showerhead
For a fast fix, take shorter showers in lieu of baths. A low-flow showerhead can up the ante, reducing both your water bill and electric bill (because there's less water to heat).

5) Sprinklers
Automated sprinkler systems allow you to program a schedule based on local watering restrictions. Models with Wi-Fi connectivity can adjust that schedule based on weather forecasts. Cool, huh?

6) 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.

7) 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. Contact us at 214-328-7371.

Thanks to our friends at Digital Trends for the helpful tips.

5 Valentine's Day Ideas On A Budget

2/11/2019

Valentine's Day is around the corner... Are you ready?

If you're like many of us, you are scrambling to purchase something before the big day. Don't panic. We have a few ideas we've put together for you... and some won't cost you a thing.

Share your feelings. So many times we think that the person who we are with knows exactly how we feel, however, even if they know, it's always nice to hear it. Though you don't have to wait till Valentine's Day to do this, it's always nice to be reminded. Turn on a candle, put on some romantic music, and let your pen do the talking.
Cook him his favorite meal. Sometimes we get caught up with our every day tasks and begin to take things for granted. Maybe you cook every day and making him his favorite meal does not sound that special, however, when cooked specifically for him - on this special date, it is sure to feel different. Make it all about him (or her). Buy his favorite beer or wine, welcome him home with it, and proceed with serving the appetizer. Best part, it will be intimate and special.
Print those pictures. Remember the days when we printed our pictures? Can you think of the last time you put together a photo album? Need it ASAP? Our friends at Walgreens will be able to help you with this. Time is of the essence, so pay them a visit and let your imagination flow. Learn more about their photo services, here.
Give him love coupons. This is a favorite of ours. Ever heard of LoveCoups? Keep the spice alive and take "boring" out of the equation. From a day at the stadium watching his favorite team, to a couples massage, to a weekend getaway, and even time with the boys, these love coupons are the gift that keeps on giving - and at around $25, it's a deal!
Music Playlist. Far are the days when we made CDs with our favorite songs for our significant other. CDs... Who has those anymore? Now we have Spotify, Pandora, and many other music apps that can help us achieve this, in a much quicker and environmentally friendly way. Head over to Spotify and begin to create a playlist that expresses just how you feel.

We hope these ideas will help make of your Valentine's Day an even more special day.

Got ideas? Share them in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

Happy Valentine's Day!