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What Is a GFCI Outlet?

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

If an outlet in your bathroom, kitchen or garage suddenly stops working, a tripped GFCI is often the reason. Here’s what you need to know about how these outlets work, where they’re required and when to call an electrician.

You plug in your hair dryer and it suddenly stops running. A kitchen outlet goes dead in the middle of making coffee. After a rainstorm, your patio outlet will not work at all. It can feel random, but there is often a reason behind it. In many cases, a GFCI outlet has shut off power. 

So, what is a GFCI outlet? A GFCI outlet, or ground fault circuit interrupter, is a special type of outlet designed to protect you from electrical shock and help prevent damage to your appliances. It monitors the flow of electricity and shuts off power if it senses that current … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Key Takeaways

Garbage disposal smells are usually caused by food buildup, grease or bacteria and can often be controlled with regular cleaning and maintenance. However, persistent sewage odors, leaks or drainage issues may signal a more serious problem that requires professional attention.

Have you ever walked into your kitchen and immediately noticed a foul odor coming from your sink? The culprit is likely your garbage disposal.

For Texas homeowners, heat and humidity can make garbage disposal odor even worse, especially in the summer months. The good news is that garbage disposal smells are common and usually due to harmless buildup that’s easy to fix. 

However, sometimes a foul odor coming from your sink can indicate a deeper plumbing or sewer problem. While DIY fixes can work in some cases, some situations require professional diagnostics and service. 

This guide covers the most common causes of garbage disposal smells … Read Full Post »

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The Different Types of Insulation

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth

Key Takeaways

Texas homes need insulation that handles heat, humidity and occasional freezes, and the right type depends on your home’s age, budget and goals. Blown-in cellulose is a strong all-around choice for Texas attics, but spray foam, fiberglass and mineral wool each have their place.

Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, along with protecting it from outdoor elements, is a top priority for all homeowners. How do you determine which types of insulation are best for your Texas home?

The right insulation materials for your home depend on where you live, the climate, your budget and performance goals. Texas homeowners have unique insulation needs because of prolonged heat, high cooling costs, humidity and occasional winter freezes.

Insulation isn’t the most exciting aspect of homeownership, but choosing the right materials is important. Your insulation affects your energy bills, the indoor … Read Full Post »

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Where Do Rats Come From?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a rat

Key Takeaways

Rats are drawn to Texas homes year-round by food, water and shelter, and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps to get inside. Sealing entry points, removing attractants and scheduling regular professional inspections are the most effective ways to keep them out.

The climate and urban growth in Texas make it all too common for homeowners to find pests entering their homes, and that includes rats. But where do rats come from in the first place? 

While they might seem to appear from nowhere, they all come from somewhere. Infestations often start outdoors, drawn by trash or pet food before moving indoors, especially through attic access. Even clean homes require the right prevention to avoid rats. Here’s what every Texas homeowner should know about these pests.

To get expert insight, we spoke with Manuel Ortiz, Certified Applicator and General Manager at ABC Home & Commercial … Read Full Post »

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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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How To Winterize Your Pool

. Posted by in • Austin

Key Takeaways

Texas pools often still need some winterizing. Even mild freezes can damage pumps, pipes and filters. This guide walks you through how to protect your pool before the next cold snap hits.

If you think you don’t need to winterize your pool in Texas, you may be wrong. Most Texas pools with functioning equipment don’t need full winterization, but knowing when it does matter can save you from costly damage.

Winterizing protects your pool from freeze damage, preserves equipment and makes spring reopening much easier. But, the Texas approach looks different from what northern states require.

This guide will walk you through everything Texas homeowners need to know about winterizing their pools. This includes preparing the water, protecting your equipment, adjusting your maintenance routine and safeguarding your pool against Texas freezes.

Terry Valderas, General Manager of the Swimming Pool Division at ABC Home & Commercial Services, contributed Texas-specific … 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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What Do House Mice Eat?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

Key Takeaways

House mice will eat almost any food they can find, from pantry items and pet food to birdseed and garbage. Since they can survive on very little, just removing food usually isn’t enough to treat an infestation. Sealing up entry points, storing food properly and calling in professional pest control are the best ways to get rid of house mice.

Ever opened your pantry to find distinctive gnaw marks on boxes and bags? Mice are opportunistic omnivores who will eat plants, meat and just about anything else. Simply removing food from problem areas often doesn’t solve a rodent problem. 

Take a closer look at what and how often mice eat, which foods attract them the most, how to prevent an infestation and when professional rodent control is the right move.

What Do House Mice Actually Eat?

The quick answer to the common question, “What do … Read Full Post »

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My Thermostat Is Not Turning on the Heat

. Posted by in • Waco

Key Takeaways

When your thermostat isn’t turning on the heat, the cause is often something simple like dead batteries, a tripped breaker or an incorrect setting. That said, if basic troubleshooting doesn’t do the trick, it’s best to call a professional before a minor issue turns into a bigger repair.

Texas weather can change quickly. One day, you’re enjoying mild temperatures. The next, cooler weather moves in and your home feels colder than it should.

If your thermostat says the heat is on but your home isn’t warming up, it’s natural to feel concerned. Fortunately, a thermostat that’s not turning on the heat doesn’t always mean the thermostat itself is broken. The issue may be as simple as dead batteries, an incorrect setting or a tripped breaker.

In other cases, the problem may be connected to your furnace, heat pump or another part of your heating … Read Full Post »

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