Many homeowners are unaware that the characteristics they love most about their house pets could also be the cause of some of their significant plumbing issues. From that fluffy fur that makes your dog or cat purrfect to cuddle with to their almost child-like curiosity, these attributes can also carry some negatives. But the potential issues are not always obvious, so you will need to know how to combat them to avoid some costly plumbing problems in your future. Continue reading “Could Your Pets Be Causing Your Plumbing Issues?” »

After you have suffered a flood of dirty water in your home thanks to a drain clog, you become very attentive to the signs of trouble. You notice when a sink drain is taking too long to clear or when the drain is making an odd gurgling sound. But when you see these signs of a clog forming in your home’s drains, it is essential that you fight the urge to buy a bottle of chemical drain cleaner to fix the problem. Continue reading “The Dangers That Come In A Bottle Of Chemical Drain Cleaner” »

Home should be your refuge where you feel confident and protected. But as we age, that once safe haven can become a demanding environment filled with challenging and dangerous spaces and features. What could be worse than dreading the thought of going into your own bathroom to take a shower? But when you are afraid of falling or being scalded by hot water, that once pleasant and simple experience is now a dreaded chore. The list of once easy tasks and self-care routines is now fraught with danger, and exhausting activates. The result is often seniors ignoring daily hygiene and creating added health complications. But in many cases, these issues could be avoided with the addition of some senior-friendly plumbing features. Continue reading “Plumbing Features That Are Changing The Lives Of Seniors” »

Many people consider bottled water to be a fad. After all, did you ever see bottled water at the grocery store when you were a kid? If you are in your 40s or 50s, the answer is no. But as the years have passed, bottled water has become an enormous market. And while some of it is an effort to be more healthy and drink water more than soda, that is only a part of the reason for this booming industry. The other driving force behind bottled water is the aging plumbing systems found in many homes across the country.

Have you ever turned on the faucet in your home’s kitchen to fill a glass only to see tiny black flecks floating in the water? Does it concern you to see what almost anyone would consider contamination in your drinking water? Are you still concerned and puzzled over what that specks might be? Below are the three most common reasons you see black flecks in your water and some possible solutions. Continue reading “Is Your Water Safe To Drink?” »

Why do sewer line clogs always occur at the worst time? The answer is simple. There is never a good time for a sewer line clog. No one ever wants to face a flood of dirty water and nasty sewage in their home. You incur a hefty plumbing bill and the cost of cleanup and decontamination of any areas that saw any raw sewage. The much better option is to avoid any sewer line clogs altogether and never need to worry about cleaning up such a nasty mess. But first, you need to understand what causes these catastrophes so that you can prevent them.

What Causes A Sewer Line Clog?

Your home’s sewer line issues could result from something going into your drain and sewer lines from inside your home. Or the problem could be originating outside your home. But either way, there are ways that you can prevent the situations that cause sewer line clogs and result in a horrendous mess in your home.

1. TOILET ISSUES- The toilets in your home are only meant to handle human waste and toilet paper. Anything else that goes into the toilet is going to create clogs and costly issues in your future. Sure, it is tempting to toss that tissue or piece of dental floss into the toilet and flush it away. But how far away is your trashcan? Take the extra step and avoid tossing things in the toilet that you know will create a clog. The list of non-flushables includes paper towels, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, and anything that is not toilet paper.

1. GARBAGE DISPOSAL- The name of this appliance might make you think that it can handle anything you can cram down the drain. But that is not the case. This device was designed only to grind up the tiny bits of food rinsed off dishes and cookware. And nothing more. It is also not designed to handle grease, oil, and fatty foods. These oils cost the inside of the apparatus and create a sticky residue that traps food waste and creates a foul odor. Scrape leftover food and debris into the trashcan and wipe liquid grease and out out of cookware with a paper towel before rinsing to avoid a multitude of clogs in your sewer line.

1. INVASIVE TREE ROOTS- You might think that you have no control over where tree roots grow. But that is not entirely true. If you avoid planting trees near your sewer line, there will be no issue. But if you plant trees close to that line, they will eventually grow around the pipe and crush it. Even a tiny crack is enough for a small root to use as an access point. And once inside the sewer line, the roots thrive due to all the water and natural fertilizer from the waste. When planting trees, imagine the size of the canopy when the tree is full-grown. Then picture the roots extending equally as far underground as the branches to determine the safe zone for planting.

1. PHYSICAL DAMAGE- Any time you are digging close to your home’s sewer line, be careful. Even a reasonably gentle strike from a shovel can crack an old piece of pipe. And once the pipe cracks, raw sewage will begin to leak into your yard. Use caution when installing fence posts, signs, planting, or digging a footer for a new feature or wall.

If you suspect a problem with your home’s sewer line, call (214) 388-8838 immediately. The pros at Flow Plumbing are here 24/7 to assist with any emergency.

There are many things in our homes that we take for granted. But one of the most underappreciated systems in every home is likely to be the drain lines. Homeowners constantly wash food waste, trash, and hair down the drain and then wonder why drain clogs constantly plague them. And the issue is even further compounded when you decide to take matters into your own hands and try a bottle of chemical drain cleaner to remove the clog. But carefully disposing of one single substance can significantly reduce your chances of a costly clog and flood of dirty water in your home. Continue reading “A Simple Tip To Save You Thousands Of Dollars” »

When you are thinking about replacing your traditional water heater with a tankless model, it seems that everyone has an opinion. From consumers who love them or hate them to home builders who have installed them, none should carry the weight of a licensed plumber’s opinion and experience with the units. The team at Flow Plumbing wants to offer consumers some on-the-job experience and even information gained from enjoying tankless water heaters in our own homes. Continue reading “A Professionals Opinion On The Benefits Of Tankless Water Heaters” »

When you look at a map, it appears that we have an almost unlimited supply of water on our planet. But when you learn that only around 1% of the earth’s water is fresh, it changes your perspective. And when you know that the average U.S. household consumes about 300 gallons of water each day, it becomes crystal clear that we all need to be more conscious of how we use water and ways to reduce water waste. And as a bonus, you will also notice that your home’s water bill will decrease a bit when you are working to help the planet. Continue reading “10 Ways To Stop Wasting Water” »

For many homeowners, there is a great sense of satisfaction in sweat equity. Taking the time to make minor repairs and take on some DIY projects is rewarding and even relaxing to try your hand at something new. But other tasks require the attention of a skilled professional. And when you are dealing with things like water and sewage that hold the potential to create a massive amount of damage to your home, it is essential to know when you have reached your skill limit. And in case you are not sure where to draw the line, here are six indications that you need to call in the pros. Continue reading “Signs You Need To Call A Licensed Plumber” »

Many homeowners view their garbage disposal as an all-powerful beast that can consume anything. However, that is not the case. But they only discover this vital piece of information after they have damaged or destroyed the garbage disposal and created a nasty clog in their home’s drain lines. To avoid a nasty mess and a costly visit from your favorite local plumber, never let these seven diabolical items find their way into your garbage disposal or down your drains. Continue reading “7 Foods That Will Choke Your Disposal And Why” »