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When, Where, and How to Use BioDrain for Home Maintenance

The most common Dallas plumbing issue new homeowners struggle with are slow, stubborn, clogged drains. You can prevent this costly issue by knowing when, where, and how to use BioDrain for home maintenance. 

Whether it’s the sink, shower drain, or garbage disposal, one of these will eventually fill with hair, dirt, and debris. The best option for clearing a drain is calling a licensed professional at Cody and Sons Plumbing, Heating, and Air to perform drain cleaning in Dallas or the surrounding areas for you, but there is a way you can prevent clogged drains from happening in the first place. 

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What is The Beast BioDrain? 

The Beast BioDrain is an all natural biodegradable formula that is safe to use, not only for the pipes in your plumbing system, but the environment as well. This biological concentrate contains microorganisms that digest soap, oils, fats, and other organic waste. Not only will it clear the clog, but The Beast BioDrain also deodorizes, eliminating the smell caused by buildup.

When should you use BioDrain for home maintenance?

The Beast BioDrain is a preventive measure you can take for your home maintenance. Add this product to your weekly house cleaning routine in order to dissolve organic buildup before it becomes a clog. 

Use BioDrain at a time of day when you expect the drains in your house to be used the lowest. For example, use this right before bedtime at the end of your cleaning day or as the last task on your list as you prepare for a weekend getaway. 

This will give the microbes a chance to digest soap, oils, and fats before being washed away by hot water or anti-bacterial handwash. 

Where can you use BioDrain?

Because BioDrain is safe on all types of pipes, you can use it on any drain in the house. This includes the sinks in your bathroom, your tub or shower, a stubborn slow toilet, and your garbage disposal as well. 

Just as important as knowing where to use a drain cleaner is knowing where not to use it. It is not recommended to use drain cleaner in a dishwashing machine. Drain cleaners can be harmful to the parts of a dishwashing machine, such as the pump or the rubber seals. 

How to use BioDrain for home maintenance?

First, gently shake the bottle as microbes may settle. 

Drain maintenance: Flush drain with warm water for 1 minute. Apply ⅛ cup (1 oz) or one measuring spoon per month to each drain. 

Toilet maintenance: apply ⅛ cup (1 oz) or one measuring spoon per month to each toilet and flush. 

Garbage Disposal: Add ⅛ cup (1 oz) or one measuring spoon of The Beast BioDrain to the disposal at the end of day. Turn on, then off quickly. Reapply weekly or as needed. 

An easy way to take care of your new home is with The Beast BioDrain to help take care of minor clogs and prevent new ones from occurring. A small step to add to your home maintenance routine that can make a big difference and ultimately prevent unnecessary drain cleaning in the Dallas area. 

“It works. No longer do I have to ream out problem drains every six months. Shake the container, fill the 1/8th cup measure that comes with the product and dump it in the drain. Then add 1/2 cup water. Let it set for 6 hours and flush. For difficult drains use a plunger to clear out accumulated gunk. For maintenance, I recommend repeating the process every 30 days. Every drain you use this on will seem like it’s plumbed with 4-inch PVC all the way to the sewer plant.”

plumbmaster.com

Plano & Dallas Plumbers Keeping Your Drains Clean & Clear

If you notice slow drains after use, you may have a bigger problem on your hands. Call Cody and Sons Plumbing, Heating, and Air to schedule a call. We have a variety of drain cleaning methods at our disposal. Our Dallas plumbers will make sure that we use a method that will be effective on your clog and safe for your pipes, no matter how old or fragile they might be. 

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How to Prepare for an Energy Blackout in Texas

As we know, this past Monday ERCOT issued a conservation alert to Texans. Citizens have been on edge about power shortages ever since The Great Texas Freeze of 2021 when over 6,000 people died within the week. With extreme levels of frost and heat, there’s no better time than now to learn the best ways to help prevent an energy blackout. However, your whole family should be aware of how to prepare for an energy blackout in Texas. 

Prevention

Set your thermostat 4 degrees higher

When you’re away from home for more than four hours, set your thermostat 4 degrees higher to prevent wasteful energy use and costs. 

Use blackout curtains and blinds

Blackout curtains and blinds will prevent sun rays from warming your home by up to 50 percent. This will lower the demand on your AC unit. Keep them closed as often as possible.

Set ceiling fans counterclockwise

Ceiling fans have a summer and winter mode. Do a once-over in your home to set all ceiling fans counterclockwise. This will conserve energy by pushing cool air down instead of drawing warm air upwards. This is one of the best ways to save energy and energy costs in the summer.

Weatherproof your home

Small leaks in your home can lead to a massive waste or energy and cost. Use a candle near a window and door frame to test for leaks. If the flame flickers, air is moving through the cracks. These can be plugged with weatherstripping or silicone caulk. 

Line dry clothes instead

Conserve energy with line drying your clothes. Install a drying rack in your laundry room, back porch, and kitchen to air dry clothing. You can use this for towels, outwear, and kitsch accessories along with everyday items. 

Cook and wash earlier in the day

Try to meal prep and wash dishes in the morning. Avoid using as much energy as possible during peak time (usually 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. here in Texas). Use the soak and rinse method when washing dishes instead of continually running hot water. Heat liquids in the microwave to reduce energy. Try cold dinners instead of hot dinners to help cool off after a long day. Check out these 30 Cold Dinner Ideas for Scorching Hot Nights

Preparation and Handling

The following are a few ways you can prepare for a blackout, as well as how to handle one. Make sure your entire family knows these safety tips this summer. Everyone should know how to prepare for an energy blackout in Texas. 

Know the signs of heat stroke and dehydration

Common signs of heat stroke are:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Loss of appetite and nausea 
  • Fast breathing
  • Cramps in arms, legs, and stomach

Common signs of dehydration are:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Dry mouth, lips, or eyes
  • Dark yellow and strong-smelling urine

If you notice signs of heat stroke or dehydration in yourself or someone else, try these five methods of cooling:

  • Hydrate with cool water, not cold water. Avoid sugary drinks for rehydration.
  • Immerse body in cool water
  • Mist body with cool water and lie under ceiling fan or near box fan
  • Cool down neck, back, groin, and/or arm pits with ice packs
  • For severe symptoms, call 911

Stock Pantry

Non-perishable dry foods are important during power outages. You’ll want to have items on-hand that last a while and require no cooking. Here is a list of some things to include in your power outage grocery list:

  • Peanut butter (a good source of protein that can be used in a variety of ways)
  • Tuna pouches (ready to eat source of protein)
  • Fruit cups (ready to eat source of nutrients)
  • Beef Jerky (ready to eat source of protein)
  • Trail Mix (variety of essential energy sources)
  • Cereal bars (variety of nutrients)

Store plenty of water

Water will be the more vital resource. Be sure to have plenty of filtered or bottled water on hand for everyone in your household. 

Take cold baths

Conserve your water by taking cold baths instead of hot showers. Not only will this help prevent an energy blackout in Texas, it will also help keep your body temperature low. 

Try not to open the refrigerator 

You will want to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible for as long as possible. Most cold foods will only last about 12 to 48 hours in the refrigerator during a power outage. A full refrigerator will stay cold longer than a half-full refrigerator. If the power outage may last longer than a day, buy coolers and bags of ice to transfer your cold items into. 

Use no-flame lighting

Using candles for a light source will bring unnecessary heat into your home. Use light sources powered by batteries, such as LED lights and flashlights. 

Create an at-home evaporative cooler

You can create a DIY evaporative cooler at home by hanging a wet cloth or towel vertically. Use a battery-operated fan behind it to blow air towards the room. The fan will cool the water and blow a breeze across the room. There are several methods to create an evaporative cooler at home. This is one of the best ways to prepare for an energy blackout in Texas, especially with small children and pets. 

Pin this page in case you may need it. Temperatures in Texas are expected to stay in the 100s for the foreseeable future. Prepare for the worst now to make the best of the situation later!

5 Easy Remodeling Ideas To Do this Summer

sink installation and bathroom renovation in dallas

The summer is the best time to get your creativity flowing and tackle those home improvement ideas you’ve been sitting on for the past few months. Last week, we talked about some remodeling mistakes to avoid that will save you time and money. Now let’s get into 5 easy remodeling ideas to do this summer. 

Decorative Curtains:

Starting off with an easy and cost-effective idea, new curtains are a great way to add color, personal style, or an aesthetic to your home. However, after seeing them every day for a while, they sort of begin to blend into the rest of your home, losing their decorative touch. 

Revamping your windows this season with new heat-blocking window treatments will not only bring an updated feel to your home but also help keep your house cool all summer. 

New Faucets: 

Another element you might not have thought of that could potentially change the entire feel of your house are new faucets. These are commonly overlooked and may have been with the home since before you moved in. Switching these out for something that better suits your style will not only elevate your kitchen and bathrooms but will also make your home feel a little bit more like yours

Don’t forget about the shower! Give your bathroom a makeover by swapping cheap shower heads with something a bit more luxurious. This also brings us back to idea #1: it’s probably time to find a new decorative shower curtain. Maybe something bright and floral for the summer?

Updated Appliances:

Appliances might be another thing in your house that have been there since before you moved in. Now is a great time to update your kitchen with more modern appliances. Whether you want to splurge on a new matching kitchen set or opt to DIY the look with some contact paper and some patience, this easy remodeling idea is sure to make a difference to the look and feel of your entire house. 

Wet Bar:

Do you have an unused spot in your house that you’re not sure what to do with? If you plan on entertaining a lot for the summer or the holidays, now is the perfect time to install a small DIY wet bar! 

This is a creative way to take a space that previously had no functionality and turn it into a spot you’ll be using pretty often, especially during parties and family-get togethers. It can be completely customized to reflect your personal style.

As we recommended in our 9 remodeling mistakes to avoid post, it is best to pick the sink first and work around that! 

Check out this post on how to create a wet bar.

Garden Accent Wall:

Another innovative way to bring new life to your home is by bringing the outdoors indoors with a garden accent wall.

Plenty of homes have little awkward nooks or crannies that the homeowner might not be sure what to do with. Whether you have this blank wall space in your bathroom, the kitchen, bedroom, or entryway, a small garden accent wall is the perfect easy remodel you can do this summer. 

Near the kitchen, you can start an herb garden that is easy to access while cooking. You could use this idea in the bathroom or entryway, maybe try some succulents that are low maintenance and colorful. If this idea sounds great for the bedroom, opt for more leafy greenery that acts as a natural air purifier and will improve the air quality of the room while you sleep. 

Disclaimer: if you have indoor animals, make sure the plants you intend to have are not harmful or dangerous to your pets! 

Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling in Dallas

If it’s time for kitchen or bathroom remodeling in Dallas, TX, then it’s time to call us at Cody & Sons Plumbing Heating & Air. We can help you with any remodeling project that involves your Dallas plumbing system. We can move pipes, install and test fixtures, and more. Before you know it, we’ll have your house one step closer to being the house of your dreams.

Check out our remodeling services and give us a call. We can help you create the house of your dreams, avoid these 9 common remodeling mistakes this summer, and maintain your home for many summers to come.

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5 HVAC Tips for the Summer

Buying a new home in the DFW Metroplex is expensive. The last thing you want to do after finally closing, moving in, and unpacking is having to worry about the cost and maintenance of your HVAC system. Here are 5 Dallas & Plano HVAC tips for the summer to prepare your home in order to save you time and money.

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Check your HVAC filter

When the filter has not been changed in awhile and is dirty the house will not cool like it is supposed to. This is the most common problem we see with a no-cool call.The easiest way you can prevent costly Dallas air conditioning repairs on your HVAC system is by checking your filter and changing/cleaning it as needed. Build-up from dust and dirt on the filter can cause your unit to work harder than it needs to, which could potentially lead to breakdowns and repairs. 

This week is the perfect time to check your filter before temperatures rise for the summer! 

Some tell-tale signs you may need to check you filter are:

  • You don’t remember the last time you checked it (if you moved in recently, you might not have checked it at all yet). In the summer, it is recommended to check your filter every 90 days for a standard suburban home. However, if you have pets, you should consider changing your filter every 60 days to prevent allergens from building up.
  • You notice a spike in energy bills. A built-up HVAC filter will lower the efficiency of your system, leading to overuse and a high energy bill. While it might seem normal for your energy bills to rise in the summer, if a month seems abnormally high, it would be a good idea to check the filter. 
  • You find more dust near air vents than anywhere else in the house. A system with a filthy filter will be pushing dust, dirt, and allergens back into your house, covering surrounding areas in debris. 

Check Air Ducts and Vents

It is just as important as checking your filter as it is to check ducts and vents as well. If you notice that one room in the house is hotter than the others, this may be a sign that your system needs duct cleaning in Dallas

If you have recently completed some remodeling or done major work inside your home, it is possible some debris has clogged your air ducts and vents. This could be a major factor in poor air flow and air quality.

Prevent HVAC breakdowns from overuse

The most common issue with HVAC systems are breakdowns from overuse. If you are a new homeowner, here are some life hacks you could implement to save your energy costs for years to come. 

  1. Install cooling window coverings: It’s pretty common to adorn your windows with some decorative curtains and blinds for privacy, but you take it a step further with black-out vinyl shades. Using effective window coverings can lower the temperature in your house by a few degrees for only the cost of installation. You could even do a combination of window shades and decorative drapes to match your home’s aesthetic. 
  2. Plant shade trees: a perhaps more unconventional way of giving your house some protection from the hot summer sun is planting some fast-growing shade trees near the windows of your home.
    1. The first low maintenance option would be Hackberry trees. Not only are they beautiful, but they can withstand strong winds, survive in areas of only 14in to 60in of annual rainfall, and tolerate air pollution. Their beautiful leaves provide lots of shade and their hackberries can also be used as a natural pain remedy!
    2. Another option for shade trees is a Sun-Valley Maple. These trees provide amazing curb appeal to any home with its attractive oval growth shape. It also blooms stunning red flowers in the spring and the leaves turn bright red in the fall as well. This is a low maintenance tree that won’t produce seeds and is super easy to grow. 
  3. Improve insulation: If you just moved into an older home, it might be wise to check the insulation of attics, basements, and around windows. This is where your home will lose most of its heat, so it’s best to make sure these areas are properly insulated. 
  4. Upgrade you system according to the size of your home: A new AC installation in Dallas could make all the difference if you’re overusing your AC system because it’s simply too small for your home! Connect with your experts in AC service in Dallas to learn more or schedule your replacement.

Set Ceiling Fan to Counterclockwise Rotation

This might be the absolute easiest tip to keep your house cool this summer, but it is also most overlooked and forgotten about. The ceiling fans installed in your home should have two modes. There will be a winter setting and a summer setting. To keep your rooms cooler during the summer months, be sure all fans in your home are spinning counterclockwise. This will push the air down and create a cool breeze. 

Schedule Routine Air Conditioning Tune Up in Dallas & Plano

The best way to save money on AC costs and prevent a failing HVAC system is by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance in Dallas or Plano. A licensed technician can examine your problem areas for you and take the guesswork out of the equation (and the stress out of your summer). 

Save on Plano & Dallas Air Conditioning with Cody & Sons

Right now you can join the MVP program with Cody and Sons for only $398 per year. That’s roughly $33 per month that could save you on inspection fees, installation costs, and more. 

Congratulations, you just bought a new home! Take care of it correctly. Better yet, let Cody and Sons take care of it. For AC repair, maintenance, or even air conditioning installation in Dallas, TX or Plano, connect with us today!

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