Plumbing - ABC Home and Commercial Services of Texas

The Relationship Between Plumbing and Pests

April 10th, 2013

ABC Home and Commercial

Most homeowners are unaware of the association between plumbing and pests, but the fact is that the two are intertwined. Problems with a home’s plumbing can attract certain types of pests. Not to mention, the presence of pests in the plumbing of a home can cause some serious plumbing issues. Lowe’s notes that pests ranging from rodents to snakes can find their way into the plumbing of a building and wreak havoc.

How Do Plumbing Problems Attract Pests?

When a home has leaky plumbing, pests may move in because they detect a water source and are attracted to the area where the leak originates. Homeowners should be aware that standing water attracts pests including mosquitoes, so having a simple leak can lead to a serious pest problem in your home.

Pests that eat wood are particularly interested in moist wood because it is easier for them to chew, and they rely on moisture in the wood as a source of water. Termites could become a problem when a plumbing issue causes wood structures within a building to become damp. Termites contribute to the existing leak problem when wood is saturated from a leaky pipe.

Carpenter ants may also be attracted to leaks that saturate wood. These pests are known for burrowing through wood and forming a nest inside wood structures.

Once holes are made because pests have found weakened spots, rodents may follow and enter the home through these gaps. Homeowners should be sure to have crawlspaces checked for pests when plumbing problems are detected.

How Do Pests Cause Plumbing Problems?

Rodents in a home have been known to exasperate plumbing problems or even cause issues by gnawing on plumbing seals. Plumbing related to toilets can also be damaged when rodents find and chew through it while roaming in the crawlspaces of a building.

Rats may even block pipes when they enter a building’s plumbing through the sewer system.

Plumbing issues should be promptly addressed to discourage pests from entering a home. If you’re looking for superior service related to pest control in San Antonio, ABC Home & Commercial Services offers the expertise and experience that you need. Not only does ABC offer pest control services, but we also specialize in plumbing within San Antonio. For pest control issues that originate in the plumbing of a building, ABC is the ideal resource.

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What To Do When Drain Clogs Keep Coming Back

March 11th, 2013

ABC Home and Commercial

Most people are familiar with clogged drains. Over time, soap, food and other residue builds up in pipes. Homeowners notice this when their bathtubs or sinks drain slowly. Some may find themselves unclogging drains frequently, which is the sign of a bigger problem or bad habits. While some home solutions may work for minor drainage issues, there are some deeper clogs that demand the attention of a professional plumber. Many experts recommend avoiding the frequent use of harsh chemicals. They also recommend taking steps to prevent future clogs. For example, a drain cover can be used to keep hair or debris from entering a pipe.

Why Clogs Can Be Disastrous

When most people notice water draining slowly, they ignore it until the problem is unbearable. At this point, the clog has become worse and will be more difficult to fix. Drain pipes back up with water, which can cause pressure that results in a leak. When water leaks from pipes, homeowners may not notice it until it has caused damage below the sink or below a bathroom fixture. Mold, mildew, rotting wood and several other problems can result from an ignored leak. If the leak is ignored for a long period of time, a pipe could burst and cause major water damage. Both mold and water damage can be very expensive problems to fix.

Remedying Clogged Drains

Homeowners who do not know what types of pipes they have should avoid using harsh chemical mixtures or unclogging tools. Chemicals and tools can damage some types of pipes. Hot water, baking soda and vinegar may work for minor clogs caused by soap scum or cooking oil. However, difficult or frequent clogs need professional attention. Many professionals perform a video pipe inspection, which is an examination of the inside of the pipes using a camera device. This helps pinpoint problems to decide on an effective solution.

The most important step to take is to contact a reliable San Antonio plumbing specialist. ABC Home & Commercial Services offers a variety of plumbing services and uses modern technology to solve problems effectively. Since time is an important factor in treating a clog, call us for quick and reliable service.

Tackling Plumbing Fixtures During Bathroom Remodeling

March 5th, 2013

ABC Home and Commercial

banner5 Tackling Plumbing Fixtures During Bathroom Remodeling pic

Many Austin homeowners will remodel their bathrooms this year. While there is a wealth of information on the Internet about DIY projects, it is important to remember that not all resources offer good information. Homeowners should limit themselves to cosmetic projects and avoid major plumbing tasks. When it comes to actual plumbing procedures, it is important to contact a professional plumber. There are several good reasons for this.

Some Plumbing Projects May Require Permits

In nearly every city, there are special codes for plumbing projects. For example, Austin has special requirements for water heater placement and toilet water consumption. Violations of local plumbing codes may make it very difficult for homeowners to resell their properties in the future. Most homeowners will be required to hire a professional to fix the problem, which will cost even more money. In some cases, violations may result in fines if they cause damage to city property or a neighbor’s property.

Complex Plumbing Projects are More Difficult Than They Look

When it comes to plumbing, not every person’s house is the same. A person posting a DIY project online may have plumbing experience and may own a home where the pipes are easier to access. However, an inexperienced homeowner reading the guide may have more difficulty reaching pipes. Unforeseen problems may leave frustrated homeowners who were attempting to save money paying more than they would have by initially hiring a professional.

Major Projects Must Pass Inspection to be Considered Legal

In addition to obtaining a permit for a major plumbing project, a homeowner must have an inspector approve the completed project while the pipes are still exposed. Passing this inspection can be more difficult than most people anticipate. If problems are found, homeowners can expect to pay more to fix them.

Homeowners may be able to fix leaky faucets or use a drain cleaner for minor clogs. However, any major project that involves working with pipes should always be left to a professional. When this time comes, contact us at ABC Home & Commercial Services for reliable and fast service. Our Austin plumbing specialists have been in the business for years and they know what it takes to complete a project correctly.

Enhancing Your Home with a Natural Gas Fireplace

February 22nd, 2013

ABC Home and Commercial

There is something about curling up next to a fireplace that induces instant relaxation. However, why should you limit your leisure time to the cold winter months? With a gas fireplace, you can enjoy the cozy ambiance of a real fireplace during any season. A gas fireplace can be installed during a home remodel and does not require your home to have any special equipment. Because a gas fireplace is self-contained, it can be installed in virtually any room of the house.

Gas fireplaces are fire-safe boxes that contain a gas burner and imitation logs. They can be turned on and off by flipping a switch. Gas fireplaces don’t burn wood, so they don’t result in a mound of ashes. Although the logs don’t need to be replaced, a gas tank must be connected to the fireplace for it to operate. Gas fireplaces are more eco-friendly than their wood-burning counterparts because gas burns cleanly. Direct-vent gas fireplaces draw in air from the outside to help the flames burn and the emissions are returned outside. Although they emit a small amount of carbon monoxide, gas fireplaces are still safer for the environment than wood fireplaces.

There are different types of gas fireplaces available to suit individual needs. Factory-built fireplaces are normally fitted at the time a house is built or renovated. Freestanding units are exposed on all sides and can be positioned in any room. Inserts fit into the opening of a wood-burning fireplace and transform it into a safer, more eco-friendly option. Homeowners can choose to connect the fireplace to their ductwork, dispersing the heat throughout the house. Many fireplaces can be turned up or down to control the level of heat given off. For more information about selecting a gas fireplace, visit doityourself.com.

No matter what kind of fireplace you use, find a licensed professional to install it. When you install an insert, the chimney has to be relined and the correct type of vent must be used. A builder/remodeler can recommend the most appropriate type of fireplace for your home, and a San Antonio plumbing specialist can assist with the installation if you decide on a natural gas fireplace. Also consult a San Antonio HVAC expert to make sure that your other heating and air conditioning equipment is functioning properly so that you use all of the heat sources in your home most effectively.

Contact us at ABC Home & Commercial Services for more information on gas fireplaces and let us make installation easy and stress-free.

Is it Worth Switching to a Tankless Water Heater?

February 11th, 2013

ABC Home and Commercial

Average Cost of Heating Water

Expenses for air conditioning and heating in San Antonio can be costly and the energy used to heat water can be expensive as well. About 20% of an average family’s energy consumption goes to heating water for household activities like dishwashing, clothes washing, showering, and bathing. Traditional water heaters that store water can cost around $450 to operate every year and about 20% of that cost goes to waste year after year. Those conventional water heaters waste energy because they keep heating water in storage tanks even when nobody is using the water.

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

You may qualify for a tax credit if you install an efficient water heater in your home.
When you turn on a tap, a tankless unit will supply hot water within five seconds.
You never run out of hot water with a tankless heater.
A tankless heater requires much less space and can even hang on a wall because of its small size and light weight.
Tankless heaters normally last more than twice as long as traditional water heaters.
Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient because they heat only the water you need.

Your San Antonio plumbing service representatives can help you determine whether the energy efficiency that a tankless hot water heater provides will make it financially worthwhile for you to switch.

When it is Best to Continue Using a Traditional Water Heater

Although a tankless unit can supply hot water continuously, it may not be suitable for a large family with several people using hot water at the same time. A traditional water heater with a storage tank may be better at supplying hot water for a dishwasher, washing machine and shower when they are all running at once.

A tankless water heater’s energy efficiency saves money through the years, but the initial cost of purchase and installation is higher, which may be a problem for some families.

For more information about both traditional and tankless water heaters, contact the professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services and let us help you choose what’s best for your home.

Do I Have Hard Water?

December 27th, 2012

ABC Home and Commercial

Have you ever turned on your shower and watched as the water barely trickled out of the shower head? Maybe you’ve noticed those hot relaxing showers don’t seem to last as long before you are bombarded by cold water. More often than not, this is due to hard water. High amounts of dissolved minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, are what classify hard water. If not treated, your hard water can cause calcium and magnesium buildup in pipes, your dishwasher interior, heating elements, sink tap and hot water cylinders.

So how do you know if you have hard water? Looking for build up in your faucets, shower heads and dishwasher can get you on the right track. You can also keep an eye on the dishes coming out of your dishwasher as hard water causes spotting. Soap has a hard time lathering well and hard water can cause your laundry to look dingy. Contacting your water provider and asking them about the hardness of your water is an effective way of determining whether or not your water needs treatment. There are also multiple types of testing kits you can use to determine the hardness of your water.

What should you do to treat your hard water problem? After properly determining that you have hard water and you’ve cleaned the build-up or replaced the parts damaged by the buildup, your next step is to install or have someone install a water conditioner or softener. For a comprehensive break-down of softeners and conditioners, visit hardwater.org.

Dealing with hard water buildup and the damage that often occurs can introduce unforeseen complications. Austin plumbing specialists and plumbing service providers have the experience to tackle those complications without causing further damage to your plumbing or your home. ABC Home and Commercial Services is backed by years of experience and provides professional installation and repair of your home’s plumbing.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance: Do’s and Don’ts

December 17th, 2012

ABC Home and Commercial

Garbage disposals can simplify life by reducing overall household waste. However, if they are not properly maintained, garbage disposals can easily malfunction, leading to drain blockages as well as a host of other plumbing nightmares.

Results of improperly maintained garbage disposals include clogged pipes, damaged wires and loose blades. Installing and repairing a garbage disposal is not the best choice for a DIY project as many things can, and often do, go wrong. The experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services, your San Antonio plumbing specialists, can solve all of your drain dilemmas.

By following these simple steps, you can prolong the life of your garbage disposal and save hundreds of dollars on replacement costs.

Do’s of Disposal Maintenance:

Keep your disposal clean by flushing it out with a small amount of dish soap and cold running water after you wash dishes.
Every week, fill the disposal with ice cubes and run cold water for about 30 seconds to loosen debris.
Once a month, pour two tablespoons of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar down the disposal to disinfect and degrease it.
Run the disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.
Always run cold water down the disposal.
Cut large food items into small pieces, and place them in the disposal one at a time to prevent clogging.
Place citrus peels in the disposal to keep your disposal smelling fresh.

Don’ts of Disposal Maintenance:

Don’t put anything down the disposal that is not biodegradable food—this includes paper, glass, plastic, or metal.
Don’t pour grease, fat, or oil down the drain. Instead, use a can to contain it, and throw it in the trash once it has cooled.
Don’t use hot water when grinding food. Hot water causes grease to liquefy and clog the drain.
Don’t grind fibrous foods, such as cornhusks, celery stalks, lettuce or onion peels.
For safety, never stick your hand down into the disposal. If something falls in, try using an extra long pair of needle-nosed pliers to retrieve it.

Follow these suggestions to keep your garbage disposal running efficiently and to avoid unnecessary visits from your San Antonio plumber.

Is Your Home Ready for Winter?

December 7th, 2012

ABC Home and Commercial

Winter is almost upon us, but many homes remain unprepared for the change in weather. Between October and December, the average low in San Antonio will drop about 20 degrees, and we will likely experience a few subfreezing days between December and February. Follow these steps to ensure that your home remains energy efficient and ready for whatever winter will bring.

HVAC Maintenance

For any home, heating and cooling uses far more electricity than lighting, consumer electronics, and other appliances. HVAC systems are far more energy efficient than window air conditioners or space heaters, but they also require annual maintenance to keep running at peak efficiency.

Before each winter, have your HVAC system checked. San Antonio HVAC specialists from ABC will inspect your ductwork for gas leaks, combustion efficiency, carbon monoxide, flue leaks, and ensure that the particle and UV filters are working correctly. Electric furnaces will be checked for efficiency and electrical safety. Regular HVAC maintenance will lower your monthly energy bills, make your home more comfortable, and extend the useful life of your HVAC system.

Gutter Cleaning

Fall is a beautiful time of year as the leaves change colors, but those leaves will eventually drop and end up on your roof and lawn. After a good rain, those leaves on your roof will begin clogging up your gutters. Without adequate drainage, rainwater can cause all sorts of problems including foundational cracks and roof damage. Check your gutters at least twice a year to ensure that they’re clean.

Pest Control

As the temperature begins to drop, insects and other critters move inside. To escape the frigid air, they search for any cracks around windows or doors. Most pests begin wintering during the fall, so it will already be too late to prevent an infestation by the time winter rolls around. ABC provides San Antonio pest control methods that prevent cold weather intruders from “wintering” in your home.

Holiday Lighting

The holidays are a time to reconnect with friends and family, but many people spend days or even weeks decorating their homes. What if somebody could help with exterior decorations and save you time? ABC can install your choice of outdoor holiday lighting for trees, gutters, windows, and roofs, but we’ll also come back after the holidays and remove the lighting for you.

Service Contract vs. As-Needed Irrigation Service

December 5th, 2012

ABC Home and Commercial

Austin lawn care services often include irrigation, which can be offered either through a service contract or on an as-needed basis. If you’re looking for lawn services in Austin, you may be unsure about the differences in these service offerings. Below is a guide to help you differentiate between service contracts and as-needed irrigation services.

Service Contracts

A service contract means that the customer signs a contract that forms an agreement to pay for services for a certain length of time. The contract may bill for a set number of services or a specified time period.

Benefits:

1. There is no need for the customer to continuously seek service or research companies and prices.

2. According to the LCRA, this September’s water level in the Highland Lakes was around 13% of September’s historic average, which reflects this year’s and last year’s lack of rainfall. Irrigation can compensate for this lack of rainfall while saving you time in your watering routine.

3. Homeowners will benefit from regular maintenance with a service agreement (as opposed to sporadic service without one). Regular maintenance will prolong the life of the irrigation equipment.

4. Those with service agreements will receive preferential treatment on spontaneous service calls.

Drawbacks:

1. Frequent wet weather means that a customer may be paying more than the services performed.

As-Needed Services

As-needed service means that an individual will seek services from a company on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits:

1. Customers can avoid spending money on unnecessary services when weather is wet.

Drawbacks:

1. Customers will need to actively seek assistance every time irrigation services are required. There is no set schedule of service that will be provided to customers that seek as-needed services.

2. As-needed service can be more expensive in times of prolonged dry weather.

A specialist with ABC Home & Commercial Services can help you decide between as-needed work and a contract agreement. We provide a number of options for irrigation services and landscaping in Austin, and we are leaders in both home and commercial pest control.

Empty Nesters: Now is the Time to Think About Remodeling!

November 29th, 2012

ABC Home and Commercial

The kids are off to college and the house is starting to feel empty. With the kids gone and a house that belongs to the adults again, now is the time to start on an Austin remodeling project that will make the vision you have for your home become reality.

Transforming an Empty Bedroom

If your kids aren’t planning on spending any long periods of time at home after leaving for college, you’re probably wondering what to do with their empty bedrooms. Many couples have visions of dens, libraries or a personal home gym. The best option may be to combine one of these ideas with a guest bedroom that welcomes family and friends to visit overnight.

Be sure to integrate the design so that you can use the room for personal purposes and maintain its functionality as a private space for guests. For a guest bedroom design, ABC Home & Commercial Services can help with any changes you’d like to make to your closets, paint color, flooring, windows, doors and lighting fixtures. Our specialists can give your room(s) a much-needed facelift.

Gaining an Extra Bathroom

If you had a bathroom just for the kids prior to their move, it’s likely that you weren’t overly concerned about the design elements of the bathroom. Now, you could possibly be left with a bathroom that’s functional but dated. Take the time to invest in a home improvement project that can make your extra bathroom a relaxing oasis. Have you thought about adding a Jacuzzi tub in your home? How about something as simple as a double vanity? Now may be a great time for an Austin remodeling specialists to get started on the bathroom of your dreams.

Creating an Open Floor Plan

Having a full house doesn’t lend itself to a construction project that requires knocking down walls and opening up the floor plan of common living areas. Now that the kids are out of the house, you have the opportunity to pursue construction projects that transform your common living area into one large, flowing space.

If you’re ready to hire a professional who can offer contracting services for home improvement in the Austin area, consider ABC Home & Commercial Services for your Austin remodeling needs.