ABC Blog

Bryan-College Station

Featured Posts

Low Water in Toilet Bowl: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

Low water in your toilet bowl is usually caused by a partial clog, blocked vent, cracked bowl or worn fill valve. Texas’s hard water and shifting soil can make these issues more common. Most cases can be diagnosed with a little DIY troubleshooting, but if multiple drains back up or you smell sewage, it’s time to call a plumber.

Have you recently flushed your toilet and noticed that the bowl doesn’t completely refill with water? Another thing you might notice is that the water level in your toilet bowl drops significantly overnight.

These are common issues for Texas homeowners, but the good news is that there are solutions. Texas’s hard water, aging sewer lines, heat and foundation movement can all impact the water level in your toilet bowl. 

While low water is usually a minor issue, it can become serious, as sometimes it’s a … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

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 »

Comments Closed

Why Is My Toilet Making Noise When Not in Use?

. Posted by in • 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 »

Comments Closed

Can You Paint Siding on a House?

. Posted by in • 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 »

Comments Closed

Brown Algae in Pool: How to Identify, Remove and Prevent It in Texas

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

Brown algae in a Texas pool is often misidentified, so correctly identifying the problem is the first step to treating it. Maintaining proper chlorine levels, brushing pool walls weekly and keeping your filter clean are the best ways to prevent brown algae.

Is the brown algae in your pool getting in the way of summer fun? 

The truth about brown algae is that it’s often misidentified. It’s an easy mistake: you see a brown, dusty coating around your pool and naturally assume it’s algae overgrowth. However, there are several other things it could be, including dirt or debris, metal staining and pollen buildup.

This guide will help you correctly identify brown algae from other issues so that you can remove it correctly. Then, keep reading to learn how to prevent brown algae in Texas pools.

You’ll also learn from Steve Ambrose, Home Improvement Division Manager … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

How Does a Generac Generator Work During a Power Outage?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

A Generac standby generator is a whole-home backup power solution. For many Texas homeowners, investing in a properly sized and professionally installed Generac generator will help keep their home running smoothly during an outage.

In Texas, power outages are often caused by severe storms and summer heat putting strain on the power grid. One of the best ways to prepare for a power outage is investing in a backup power source, like a Generac home generator.

A Generac generator is a standby generator, which is different from a portable generator. It’s designed to automatically restore power during an outage and is more reliable and convenient than portable generators.

This comprehensive guide covers how Generac standby generators work, their fuel types and the advantages of owning one in Texas. It also includes expert insights from Anthony Burks, Master Electrician and certified Generac generator maintenance technician … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

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 »

Comments Closed

Yard Fungus: Identification, Treatment and Prevention

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

Yard fungus is common in Texas and often signals underlying lawn stress rather than a surface-level issue. Identifying the disease early and addressing moisture, soil and maintenance problems is key to restoring and protecting your lawn.

Is yard fungus taking over your property? As a Texas homeowner, it’s important to understand how to identify, treat and prevent the most common types of lawn fungus. 

Yard fungus is common in Texas for a couple of reasons. First, fungus thrives in heat, humidity, drought cycles and compacted soil. These are all elements that are abundant throughout the Lone Star State. 

While yard fungus may seem like a small issue at first, it can point to larger underlying turf problems. Fungus is a common symptom of turf stress. These include poor drainage, overwatering, improper mowing, nutrient imbalance, compacted soil and other issues that impact the health and … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Lawn Pest Identification & Control Guide

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

Texas lawns commonly face pests like chinch bugs, grubs, armyworms, fire ants and sod webworms. Look for irregular patches, chewed blades, soil mounds or lifted turf. Early detection and proper lawn care help, but often, professional help is needed.

Have pests taken over your Texas lawn? Thanks to the Lone Star State’s humid and warm climate, Texas lawns can be hotspots for lawn pests like grubs, chinch bugs, armyworms, fire ants and other insects that can cause significant damage. 

As a homeowner, it’s important to learn how to identify pest damage so you can control it as early as possible. This guide, developed by ABC’s certified lawn care professionals, covers how to identify, prevent and control the most common lawn pests across Texas landscapes. 

“Grubs feed on the roots of grass,” says J Zambo. “So when you go to pull on the dead areas, … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Pros and Cons of Artificial Turf

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

Artificial turf offers a consistently green, low-maintenance lawn, but it comes with considerations like heat, upfront cost and proper installation. This guide walks you through the pros, cons and what to expect before making the switch.

Every homeowner wants a lush backyard where they can sit back and relax or watch their kids play. However, there are a lot of issues that can arise from a traditional lawn. For one, maintenance and caring for your lawn takes consistent time and energy. Even when caring for your lawn properly, you can still find yourself dealing with disease or insects. Also, water conservation has become increasingly important, and what was once a beautiful green patch of lawn may now be scratchy and brown. 

For all these reasons, you may have considered artificial turf. Artificial turf is great because it looks beautiful year-round, saves water and … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed