My Hot Water Heater Is Not Working

June 19, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Plumbing • Waco

Key Takeaways

When your hot water heater stops working, the cause is often something simple like a tripped breaker, a pilot light issue or sediment buildup. But, if you notice leaking, gas smells or electrical problems, it’s time to call a pro. Regular maintenance like annual flushing and routine inspections can help prevent most problems before they happen, especially in Texas, where hard water is hard on water heaters.

When your hot water suddenly stops working, you notice it fast. The shower turns cold, and the sink doesn’t warm up. Then, simple tasks like washing dishes suddenly become frustrating. A water heater problem rarely gives much warning. When it happens, most homeowners want to know right away whether they’re dealing with a minor issue or something more serious.

In Texas, water heaters often deal with extra wear because of hard water, mineral buildup and years … Read Full Post »

Why Is My Toilet Making Noise When Not in Use?

June 15, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Plumbing • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

That hissing, running or gurgling sound coming from your toilet between flushes is usually a sign that internal tank components are worn out and need to be replaced. Catching it early is worth it. A leaking toilet can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water a month and quietly drive up your water bill.

A toilet making noise when not in use usually means water is slowly leaking from the tank into the bowl. When this happens, the toilet will start periodically refilling itself, which can sound like running water, hissing or gurgling.

The most common cause of this issue is worn-down internal components. This is a common problem that can cause significant water waste and a spike in your water bill.

The good news is that there are simple fixes to stop the leak. This guide will cover the common causes of your … Read Full Post »

What Are the Benefits of Water Softeners?

June 5, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Plumbing, Water Quality • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

Hard water is a common problem in Texas homes, and it’s caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium that build up in your pipes, appliances and fixtures over time. A water softener removes those minerals before they can cause damage, which can help your plumbing last longer, lower your energy bills and make cleaning easier.

White buildup around the faucet is easy to ignore until it keeps coming back no matter how often you wipe it away. The same goes for cloudy spots on glasses, dry skin after a shower or a water heater that seems older than it should be. A lot of those small frustrations trace back to one thing many Texas homeowners deal with every day: hard water.

In many areas of Texas, groundwater moves through limestone and mineral-rich soil before it ever reaches the home. That means calcium and … Read Full Post »

What Size Water Softener Do I Need? A Texas Homeowner’s Guide

June 4, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Plumbing, Water Quality • Austin

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right water softener size comes down to three factors:

How many people are in your household
How much water you use daily
How hard your local water is

Getting the size wrong, too big or too small, can lead to wasted salt and water, higher utility bills and a shorter system lifespan.

When it comes to choosing a water softener, size matters. Your household size, daily water use and the hardness of your local water all play a role in what size water softener you need to install.

Plus, choosing the wrong size water softener can lead to several problems, including frequent regeneration cycles, inefficient salt usage and poor water softening performance.

Texas homeowners should keep in mind that Texas water is often hard, so choosing the right water softener is important. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Keep reading to learn how water … Read Full Post »

EV Charging at Home: The Complete Texas Homeowner’s Guide

May 28, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

Charging your EV at home is more accessible than ever, but most Texas homeowners will need a Level 2 charger and a licensed electrician to handle the installation safely and up to code. Before getting started, it’s worth checking your electrical panel capacity and looking into local utility rebates that could help offset the cost.

Across the Lone Star State, more and more homeowners are opting into electric vehicles. No longer a niche trend, driving an EV is now more affordable and accessible than it’s ever been.

However, as with any new technology, Texans also have plenty of questions, especially when it comes to charging EVs at home. Homeowners often wonder if they need special wiring, if their electrical panel is sufficient and what rebates and other incentives are available.

This guide answers these questions and more, making it easier for homeowners to decide … Read Full Post »

Tankless Water Heater Not Heating? Causes & Solutions

May 18, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Plumbing • Austin

Key Takeaways

A tankless water heater that stops heating is often caused by something preventable. Staying on top of annual maintenance is the best way to avoid the most common problems, especially in Texas, where hard water accelerates scale buildup inside the unit.

Few things get your attention faster than turning on the shower and realizing the water isn’t getting hot. It’s even more frustrating when you have dishes in the sink, laundry waiting or people in the house asking if something is wrong with the hot water. If your tankless water heater stops working suddenly, most homeowners want an answer right away because there is no stored tank of hot water to fall back on.

Tankless systems work differently from traditional water heaters. Instead of holding heated water in reserve, they warm water only when you open a tap. Inside the unit, water moves … Read Full Post »

Can You Paint Siding on a House?

May 14, 2026. Posted by Steve Ambrose in Handyman • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

Most types of house siding can be painted, but the right paint and prep depend on the material. In Texas, most paint jobs last five to ten years, though the heat and sun can shorten that. If your siding is still in good shape, painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home a fresh look.

Want to give the exterior of your home a refresh? Before you pick out a paint color, it’s important to know whether or not you can paint siding on a house.

The short answer is yes, you can paint most types of siding on a house. However, there’s a little more to it. The process of painting siding, as well as how long the paint job lasts, depends on the siding material.

Some types of siding are better candidates for paint than others. … Read Full Post »

What Is a Slab Leak?

May 12, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Plumbing • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

A slab leak happens when pipes under your home’s foundation start to leak, and Texas homes are especially prone to them. If you notice higher water bills, warm spots on your floor or the sound of running water when nothing is on, it’s time to call in a plumber.

Is a slab leak causing severe structural damage to your home’s foundation?

A slab leak occurs when the concrete pipes beneath your home’s surface leak water. Unfortunately, slab leaks are common in Texas homes built on slab foundations. They can cause serious structural damage if left untreated.

This comprehensive guide covers what slab leaks are, their causes, warning signs, how they’re repaired and more. It also features expert insights from Michael Marugo, Plumbing Operations Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services, who has both his Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber licenses.

What Is a Slab Leak?

Read Full Post »

Cyanuric Acid in Your Pool: Why It Matters and How to Fix It

May 8, 2026. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Chlorine Lock, Cyanuric Acid, Pool Chemistry, Pool Maintenance, Pool Stabilizer, Salt Water Pool • Houston

Key Takeaways

Cyanuric acid (CYA) acts like sunscreen for pool chlorine — without it, UV destroys half of unprotected chlorine in just 17 minutes.
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance ANSI standard sets the ideal CYA range at 30–50 ppm for traditional chlorine pools and 60–80 ppm for salt water pools.
Cyanuric acid is not the same as muriatic acid. Muriatic acid lowers pH; CYA protects chlorine from sunlight.
Low CYA means chlorine burns off fast, leading to algae and cloudy water. High CYA causes chlorine lock, where chlorine reads fine on tests but can’t effectively sanitize.
The only reliable way to lower CYA is to drain and dilute — it does not evaporate or break down.
Most pools drift into high CYA because Trichlor chlorine tablets are 50–55% cyanuric acid by weight.

Introduction

Clear pool water doesn’t always mean safe pool water. Many Houston pool service customers test chlorine, pH, and alkalinity faithfully every week … Read Full Post »

Toilet Leaking at Base? Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber

May 7, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Plumbing • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

A toilet leaking at the base isn’t always coming from the base. Water from a higher leak can travel down the porcelain and pool at the floor, making it look like the seal underneath has failed. This is worth addressing since even a slow leak can cause hidden damage.

A small ring of water around the toilet can be easy to shrug off, especially if it disappears after you wipe it up. If you notice that same damp spot showing up again, especially after flushing, it usually means something needs attention. A toilet leaking at the base may come from a simple issue. It could also be the first sign that water is reaching places it shouldn’t.

That matters more than many people realize. Even a slow leak can work its way into flooring, soften the subfloor underneath and create the kind of … Read Full Post »