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Why Does My Washer or Dryer Smell, Leak, or Stop Working?

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Washer or Dryer Leak - ABC Home and Commercial Services

A washer or dryer acting up almost always falls into one of three buckets: it smells bad, it’s leaking water somewhere it shouldn’t, or it’s stopped running altogether. Each of those symptoms has its own set of usual causes, and they’re rarely related to each other even when they show up around the same time. The quickest path to a fix is figuring out which of the three you’re actually dealing with, then working through the specific causes for that symptom rather than guessing at the machine as a whole.

Why Sorting by Symptom Matters

Laundry appliances have a lot of independent systems working together: a water supply and drain, a heating element or gas burner, a motor and belt, a control board, and (on front-load washers especially) a rubber door gasket that traps moisture. A smell almost always traces back to moisture and residue, a leak almost always traces back to … Read Full Post »

Why Is My Refrigerator, Stove, or Dishwasher Not Working Properly?

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Kitchen appliance is not working - ABC Home and Commercial Services

When a kitchen appliance is not working the way it should, it rarely means the same thing twice. A refrigerator that runs but won’t get cold, a dishwasher that finishes a cycle but leaves dishes dirty, and a gas stove igniter that clicks without ever lighting are three different mechanical problems with three different likely causes. The fastest way to figure out what’s actually wrong is to match the symptom you’re seeing to the part behind it, then decide whether it’s something worth checking yourself or a job for a technician.

Start With the Symptom, Not the Appliance

It’s tempting to think of a “broken fridge” or a “broken dishwasher” as one problem, but each appliance has several systems that can fail independently, and each failure looks a little different. A fridge that’s warm but silent points somewhere different than a fridge that’s running loudly but still warm. A dishwasher that won’t … Read Full Post »

What Type of Paint or Wall Finish Is Best for My Home?

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Full Range of Paint Options - ABC Home and Commercial Services

The best paint finish depends on the room, not a single favorite sheen that works everywhere in a house. Bathrooms and kitchens need something that stands up to moisture and scrubbing, while a bedroom or living room can get away with a softer, lower-sheen look that hides wall imperfections better. Here’s how sheen, durability, and light exposure should actually drive the decision room by room.

Why Finish Matters More Than Color for Some Rooms

It’s easy to spend most of a paint decision on color and treat the finish as an afterthought, but sheen level affects how a room actually performs over time in ways color never will. A higher-sheen finish reflects more light and wipes clean more easily, which matters in a room that sees moisture, cooking splatter, or handprints near light switches. A lower-sheen finish absorbs more light and hides small wall imperfections, drywall seams, or texture better, which matters … Read Full Post »

How Do I Clean and Maintain the Everyday Parts of My Home Before They Become Bigger Problems?

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Close up hand cleaning home - Everyday Home Maintenance Before Small Problems Grow - ABC Home and Commercial Services

The parts of a home that cause the biggest repair bills are usually the ones nobody’s looking at on a regular basis: gutters, weatherstripping, dryer vents, and the exterior surfaces that quietly take on wear all year. An everyday home maintenance checklist that covers these areas a few times a year catches small issues while they’re still small. Here’s what’s worth putting on that list and how often to actually look.

The Small Stuff That Turns Into Big Repairs

Most homeowners have a mental list of the obvious maintenance items: mowing, HVAC filters, maybe gutters if a storm just came through. What tends to fall off that list are the tasks that don’t have an obvious trigger: checking caulk around windows before it cracks, testing GFCI outlets that never get used, or noticing that a bathroom fan has been running quieter than it should for months.

None of these are urgent on any … Read Full Post »

Vole Versus Mouse: Key Differences Texas Homeowners Need to Know

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

Voles and mice may look similar, but they behave very differently. Voles stick to your yard and damage grass, roots and landscaping, while mice head indoors to nest, contaminate food and spread disease. Knowing which pest you’re dealing with helps you choose the right treatment.

You notice winding trails in your lawn or hear scratching near the garage, but is it a mouse or a vole? Not knowing whether you’re dealing with a vole, pictured above, or a mouse can lead to the wrong treatment plan and ongoing property damage.

Texas’ climate means rodent activity can be a year-round concern. The foliage and landscaping on your property can attract a variety of rodents as well. Here’s what you should know about the differences between voles and mice to better protect your home.

To get expert insight, we spoke with Manuel Ortiz, Certified Applicator and … Read Full Post »

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How Much Compost Do I Need?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

Too much or too little compost can hurt your lawn or garden, so getting the amount right matters. The right amount depends on whether you’re working with a lawn, garden bed or clay soil.

Curious about nourishing your garden with compost, but not sure where to start? If you’re wondering how much compost you need, it depends on three things:

  1. The size of your space
  2. How deep you want to apply the compost
  3. Whether you’re working with a lawn, garden bed or heavy clay soil

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about applying the right amount of compost. This guide includes a simple calculation formula, a compost calculator, a compost depth chart, a lawn versus garden breakdown and how to adjust for Texas’s clay soil.

It also includes expert insights from J Zambo, Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services. He is … Read Full Post »

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No Hot Water in House: What Can I Do?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

In Texas homes, a sudden loss of hot water can stem from anything from a tripped breaker to hard water buildup to an aging unit. Here’s how to identify the problem, what you can check yourself and when to call in a plumber.

Few household problems are as frustrating as turning on the shower and not having hot water. Whether it happens first thing in the morning or after a long day, losing hot water can quickly disrupt your routine.

In Texas homes, the cause can range from a simple power interruption to hard water mineral buildup, storm-related outages or an aging water heater. Some problems are relatively easy to identify, while others require professional repair.

If you have no hot water and notice a gas smell, water leaking around the heater or signs of electrical damage, contact a plumber. Otherwise, there are several basic checks you can perform before scheduling service. … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My Furnace Smell Like Burning?

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

A burning smell from your furnace isn’t always cause for alarm, but knowing the difference between a harmless startup smell and a serious warning sign is helpful. This guide breaks down the most common causes and when to call in a professional.

If your furnace smells like burning and you aren’t sure why, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel concerned.

The good news is that in most cases, the burning smell is harmless for Texas homeowners. When you turn your heat on for the first time after months of inactivity, a burning smell is normal. The smell is due to the dust that’s collected on the internal components of your furnace, and it should go away after a few hours.

If that’s not the case, you may have more cause for concern. If it smells like burning plastic, melting wires or electrical components, … Read Full Post »

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My Hot Water Heater Is Not Working

. Posted by in • 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 »

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Why Is My Furnace Making Noise?

. Posted by in • Austin
a furnace

Key Takeaways

Some furnace noise is normal, like soft hums, brief startup clicks and gentle ductwork popping, but banging, grinding or persistent squealing usually mean it’s time to call a pro. When in doubt, don’t wait: catching issues early keeps small problems from turning into costly repairs.

You turn on your heat during a Texas cold front and suddenly hear banging, squealing or rattling coming from the furnace. After months of barely thinking about your heating system, a strange noise can be unsettling, especially when temperatures start dropping.

The good news is that not every noisy furnace points to a major repair. Some sounds are normal when a furnace starts up, while others can signal a maintenance issue or a part that needs attention.

In Texas, furnaces often sit unused for months while AC systems do most of the work. In this guide, we’ll explain which … Read Full Post »

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