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Where Do Roaches Hide?

. Posted by in • Austin
a roach crawling up a wall

 

Key Takeaways

Roaches are experts at hiding in dark, damp and cluttered areas throughout your home, from kitchens and bathrooms to attics and garages. Regular inspections and targeted prevention are essential for keeping these pests under control.

Even one roach scurrying across your floor is an unsettling sight. These pests are sneaky, and they reproduce at an alarming rate. Even a single roach sighting is a clear sign it’s time to act.

To better understand where roaches hide and what signs to look for, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Brown explains that cockroaches prefer tight, enclosed spaces because of a behavior known as positive thigmotaxis. “Roaches like to be in contact with surfaces at all times, so they prefer to be tucked into cracks and crevices when resting,” … 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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Christmas Lights Not Working? Common Causes and How to Fix Them

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
Christmas tree with string lights

Key Takeaways

When your Christmas lights aren’t working, common causes include power source issues, loose or burned-out bulbs, blown fuses, damaged wiring or weather-related damage. Start with simple troubleshooting, but for more complex repairs, it’s better to call in an electrician.

Nothing welcomes in the holiday season more than hanging Christmas lights. After all that hard work, you step back to relish in your accomplishment and bask in the sparkly glow. Only problem: the lights aren’t turning on.

When your Christmas lights aren’t working, the solution could be as simple as a loose bulb or as complex as an overloaded electrical circuit.

This guide explains all the possibilities so you can get back to celebrating the holidays. You’ll learn the most common causes of Christmas lights not working, how to troubleshoot and when to call a professional.

Why Are My Christmas Lights Not Working?

Christmas lights not working? … 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 of steady use. … 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 furnace noises are … Read Full Post »

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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 »

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My Garbage Disposal Is Jammed: Troubleshooting & Prevention Guide

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

A jammed garbage disposal is often something you can fix yourself, but knowing when to stop and call a plumber is just as important. This guide walks through how to safely troubleshoot the problem, what causes it and how to prevent it from happening again.

You flip the switch and hear that low humming sound, but nothing spins. Maybe the sink starts backing up. Maybe the disposal shuts off completely. Either way, a garbage disposal jammed in the middle of dinner cleanup is annoying, and it can feel urgent when water is sitting in the sink.

In Texas homes, garbage disposals can take a beating. Hard water buildup, older plumbing systems and busy kitchens can all play a role. Around the holidays, when more food scraps, grease and leftovers make their way toward the sink, disposal problems can pop up fast.

The good news is that some jams can be fixed with … Read Full Post »

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Are Mice Nocturnal?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

Key Takeaways

Mice are nocturnal and most active between dusk and dawn, but scarce food, nest disturbances or overcrowding can push them out during the day, too. Watch for droppings, gnaw marks and nighttime scratching, and call a professional if signs of infestation keep showing up.

Hearing scratching in the walls at night, but nothing during the day? You could be hearing mice. Mice are nocturnal animals and typically only leave their nests after dark. However, in some circumstances, they can come out during the day.

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Are mice nocturnal?” you may have many other questions about mouse activity in your home, including:

  • Why mice prefer nighttime
  • Whether mice ever come out during the day
  • Signs of mouse activity
  • How to prevent infestations
  • When to call a professional

Take a closer look at mice and their activity … Read Full Post »

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What Are the Benefits of Water Softeners?

. Posted by in , • 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 »

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

. Posted by in , • Austin
a glass of water

 

Key Takeaways

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

  1. How many people are in your household 
  2. How much water you use daily 
  3. 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 softener sizing works, … Read Full Post »

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