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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 something farther along … 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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How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches: Advice For Homeowners

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

If you’ve found a roach in your home, you may be worried about what comes next. Roaches are a common sight in Texas, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less alarming to see in your home. Seeing one means it’s time to take action to control these pests and help curb future issues.

For more insight into cockroach behavior in Texas homes, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. According to Brown, several species are especially common across the state.

“German, American and smoky brown cockroaches are all common in Texas.”

Brown explains that homes are attractive to roaches because they offer everything these pests need to survive.

“Homes provide roaches with all the things they need … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Bed Bugs Live?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Unfortunately for Texans, bed bug activity is high throughout the state. These pests are notoriously hard to control, and you may have a lot of questions and concerns, like how long do bed bugs live? 

To get expert insight, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Adult bed bugs can live up to a year in perfect laboratory conditions, in the real world that is generally much shorter.”

Brown explains that under ideal conditions, a bed bug’s typical lifespan is around six to twelve months. Ideal conditions include a warm environment, access to a blood meal and plenty of hiding spots.

However, they can also survive for months in cooler temperatures and without feeding, which contributes to why they’re often hard to control.

Many areas of Texas stay … Read Full Post »

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What Do Baby Termites Look Like?

. Posted by in • Houston

Any homeowner who has seen small, winged, ant-like insects in or around their home has probably wondered, What do baby termites look like? It’s wise to worry about a possible termite infestation, as these insects are a severe problem if they infest your home, garage, or other structure. They can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your property.

In fact, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage across the United States every year. Clearly, a savvy homeowner should know how to identify termites. Telling these creatures apart from winged ants, for example, or any other look-alike insect species, however, can be challenging. Many of us know what these insects look like in their adult form, but what about termite larvae? Read on to learn about baby termites, the termite life cycle, the swarming season, and how to keep these dangerous pests away from your most significant … 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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Signs of Termites in Houston Homes: The Complete Detection Guide

. Posted by • Houston

Key Takeaways

  • Mud tubes on foundation walls are the clearest sign of subterranean termite activity—check shaded areas and near plumbing penetrations.
  • Common signs of termites in your house include hollow-sounding wood, stuck doors/windows, and unexplained wall damage—all can indicate hidden infestations.
  • Houston’s climate supports year-round termite activity—Eastern subterranean, Formosan, and drywood termites all threaten local homes.
  • Swarmers (winged termites) emerging indoors signal that a mature colony already exists in or near your home.
  • Annual professional inspections remain the most effective prevention—catching infestations early saves thousands in repair costs.

Here’s a number that should make every Houston homeowner pay attention: termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage across the United States every year, according to the National Pest Management Association. And Texas? The state sits right in the thick of it. The warm, humid climate creates the perfect breeding ground for these wood-destroying insects, and Houston homes face threats from multiple termite species year-round.

The … Read Full Post »

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Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in , • Austin

Texas has a high mosquito population, especially in our state’s warm, humid regions. While these pests are a long-time nuisance for humans, you may also wonder if your dog has to deal with them. Do mosquitoes bite dogs, or are our pets protected by their fur?

The short answer is that yes, mosquitoes bite dogs. Fur helps, but it’s not always enough to keep your pet from getting bitten. Here’s a closer look at why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to help prevent them from pestering your pets.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

You may be surprised to learn that mosquitoes bite dogs just as often as they bite humans and other mammals. 

For more information about why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to protect your pet, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Read Full Post »

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Signs of Rodent Infestation After a Freeze

. Posted by • Houston

Signs of Rodent Infestation After a Houston Freeze — Here’s What Houston Homeowners Should Know

Hard freezes don’t hit Houston very often. But when they do, something predictable happens about a week later: homeowners start noticing signs of rodent infestation. Scratching in the attic. Scratching in the attic at odd hours. Droppings in the garage that weren’t there before. Chew marks are showing up in places you’d never expect.

The freeze itself isn’t when people notice. They’re too busy worrying about pipes and staying warm. It’s afterward—once life goes back to normal—that the evidence shows up. If you’re dealing with this right now, you’re not alone. And if you haven’t seen anything yet, this is actually the perfect window for rodent control before another cold snap rolls through.

What Makes Freezes So Bad for Rodent Problems

Rats and mice do just fine outdoors most of the year in Houston. They burrow under … Read Full Post »

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What To Do About Mice in Walls

. Posted by in , • Houston

Scurrying, squeaking or scratching noises in the walls at night typically means one thing; rodents. The 2021 American Housing Survey, conducted by the U.S Census Bureau, reveals that almost 15 million homes in the U.S. reported rodent sightings last year.

Mice and other rodents aren’t just a danger to your walls, wiring and insulation either.

The saliva, urine and feces of mice or rats can spread a host of deadly diseases to humans and pets.

Common Signs of Mice in Walls

Mice can be noticeable house guests, leaving droppings and gnaw marks behind as they search for food and shelter.

These signs can not only indicate their presence in your home but help narrow down the specific areas they’re regularly invading. If you find shredded packaging, food remains or droppings in your pantry, it’s a sure sign that mice are helping themselves to your food.

Scattered bits of insulation, cardboard or plastic wiring are a good … Read Full Post »

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