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Why Does My Washing Machine Smell? Causes, Fixes and How to Prevent It

. Posted by in • Austin

A washer is supposed to keep your clothes clean, so it’s frustrating when it smells bad. The good news is that a smelly washer is not a reflection of the cleanliness of your home. A musty, sour or mildew-like smell is common and can happen to any washer.

The real culprit behind your washer’s smell is moisture buildup, detergent and bacteria. Newer washers are especially susceptible to smelling because they have tighter seals that trap moisture and residue.

This guide explains why washing machines smell, what causes the odor, how to prevent it and when to use DIY fixes versus calling in a professional.

To get expert insight, we spoke with Richard Goertz, EPA-certified Service Manager of the Appliance Repair Department at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

What Does a Smelly Washing Machine Usually Smell Like?

Similar to when your dryer smells, if your washing machine smells, … Read Full Post »

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Water Heater Making a Popping Noise: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Is a noisy water heater causing you trouble? The first thing to know is that noises coming from your water heater are normal, but they can point to maintenance needs. 

As a homeowner, you might notice that the noises get worse when your water heater’s burner is on. This is also normal, but it’s important to understand what’s going on.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater popping noises, how to diagnose what you’re heating, DIY fixes and when it’s time to call in a professional. 

It also includes expert insights from Michael Marugo, ABC Home & Commercial Services’ Plumbing Division Operations Manager and a licensed plumber with over 30 years of experience in the plumbing service industry.

Is a Popping Noise Dangerous?

If your water heater is making a popping noise, it can indicate a sediment buildup or an overheating risk. Over time, these issues can reduce your water heater’s efficiency … Read Full Post »

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Toilet Making Noise? Causes, Fixes and When to Call a Plumber

. Posted by in • Waco

Key Takeaways

A toilet making unusual noises, like hissing, whistling, gurgling or constantly running, is often a sign that a part inside the tank is wearing out or that there’s a deeper issue in the drain or vent system. Identifying when the noise happens and which fixture it’s coming from can help you determine whether it’s a simple DIY fix or time to call a licensed plumber.

Most people don’t think much about toilet sounds until one suddenly seems off. A quick refill sound after flushing is normal. A brief hiss can be too. But when a toilet starts making a noise you haven’t noticed before, like a whistle, a gurgle or water running longer than it should, it usually catches your attention.

Sometimes the cause is simple, such as a part inside the tank beginning to wear down. Other times, the noise connects to … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Generators Last?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station

Many Texas homeowners choose to rely on generators for backup power. Since we experience high summer heat and occasional winter freezes, having a standby generator can keep your home powered during outages.

How long do generators last, and what can you do to extend their lifespan? To help answer these questions, we spoke with Anthony Burks, Master Electrician at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the lifespan of your generator, how to make it last as long as possible, signs that it’s near the end of its life and more.

Average Lifespan of Home Generators

The average lifespan of a professionally-installed, well-maintained standby generator is between 20 and 30 years. However, the lifespan of generators is not solely measured in years; it’s also measured in hours of use.

A well-maintained standby generator can typically offer about 10,000 to … Read Full Post »

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GFCI Outlet is Not Working: Symptoms, Causes and Fixes for a Broken GFCI Outlet

. Posted by in • San Antonio

When electricians talk about GFCI outlets, they’re talking about ground-fault circuit interrupters. This is a common safety feature in many homes. What is a GFCI outlet?

Anthony Burks, Master Electrician at ABC Home & Commercial Services, explains: “GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It’s a specialty device designed to turn power off due to a fault in the circuit for safety.”

The difference between a standard outlet and a GFCI outlet is that GFCI outlets continuously monitor the current through the circuit. They can detect when current is leaking where it shouldn’t.

As Burks explains: “GFCIs are designed to cut power off if it detects a ground fault. It monitors surges in the current going to and returning from equipment. If the difference meets the rating of the specific GFCI device, then it shuts off power. A ground fault occurs when there is an unintentional path between a power source and a grounded … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Water Bill So High?

. Posted by in • Austin

Key Takeaways

  • Water bill spikes are usually caused by hidden leaks or changes in household water use.
  • Running toilets and slab leaks are two of the most common culprits.
  • When in doubt, calling a licensed plumber can help prevent damage and avoid higher utility bills.

When homeowners see a sudden spike in their water bill, it can often lead to finger-pointing and frustration. Maybe your water pressure isn’t as strong as it used to be, or your toilet won’t flush all the way.

Most of the time, a higher water bill comes down to two things:

  • A hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing
  • A recent change in how much water your household uses

If you have kids home from college, guests staying over or a new garden that you’re watering more, you may also … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Toilet Running?

. Posted by in • Austin

Key Takeaways

Running toilets are common and can waste hundreds of gallons each day. Use this guide to spot the signs, understand the most likely causes and know when to bring in a plumber.

A toilet that constantly runs can cause all kinds of issues for your household. The sound is annoying, but it can also cost you money. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, which can add up fast.

Unfortunately, running toilets are very common. Any issue that allows water to leak from the toilet’s internal system can cause that nonstop flow. 

Below, we go into the most common causes and how homeowners can identify them, along with when it’s time to call in a plumber.

Quick Checklist

Use this short to-do list to help you figure out what might be going … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Hot Water Heater Leaking?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Did your water heater mysteriously start leaking? This is frustrating for any homeowner, but the good news is that most leaks start small and can be easily fixed if you act quickly. The solution may be as simple as tightening a few loose connections or valves.

However, a water heater leak can sometimes indicate a larger problem. If rust or corrosion is at play, it may be time to replace your water heater altogether.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater leaks, what they mean and what homeowners should do about them.

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

The first step in fixing a leaking water heater is to determine the cause of the leak. This is easier said than done, since water heaters can leak for a variety of reasons. They can range from easy-to-fix problems to more serious issues.

Most water heater leaks begin slowly and worsen over time. If … Read Full Post »

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How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

Tankless water heaters deliver energy-efficient, on-demand hot water and can save space and money, but they’re not the right fit for every home. This guide breaks down how they work and what to consider before upgrading.

Are you considering making the switch to a tankless water heater? Before you dive in, there are a few things that you should know about how tankless water heaters work.

First, you should understand the difference between a tankless water heater and a tank water heater. The main, most obvious difference is how water is stored. A traditional water heater stores water in a large, insulated tank. It keeps the water continuously hot so that it’s always ready when you need it. 

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not store water. Instead, they heat water … Read Full Post »

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Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

. Posted by in , • Austin

Have you noticed that your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with spots on them, or your glasses look cloudy? You may have hard water in your home.

Some more common signs of hard water include stiff laundry, even though it’s freshly washed, dry skin and hair, soap scum in your shower and your appliances breaking down sooner than they should.

If you’re dealing with any of these problems, it’s worth looking into installing a water softener in your home. A professional plumber can install and maintain it for you, so you can just enjoy the benefits.

Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

Is installing a water softener the right choice for your home? If you’ve noticed an increase in scum spots in your showers or spots on your dishes, you may have hard water. This is caused by a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in your water supply.

Hard water … Read Full Post »

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