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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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Bed Bug Feces And Other Signs Of An Infestation

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Bed bug feces are often one of the earliest and most reliable signs of a bed bug infestation. The dark brown or black ink-like dots are often tricky to spot but can be found with careful inspection. Early detection is especially helpful in Texas, where warm weather can allow bed bugs to reproduce quickly.

For more insight into what bed bug feces look like and where they’re commonly found, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Bed bug feces are digested blood. The fecal spots are black liquid and look very much like ink spots.”

He explains that these spots are typically found close to where bed bugs live and feed, including:

“Bedding, night stands, head boards, … Read Full Post »

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How To Identify Termite Damage Versus Wood Rot

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

In Texas, moisture is more than just an annoyance, it can be an open invitation for termites. The combination of humidity, high heat and seasonal storms leaves homes exposed to elements that can damage and deteriorate them. Wood faces an additional threat: termites.

This leaves many homeowners wondering if the damage they see is caused by rot or termites. Being able to identify termite damage versus wood rot is important, because each issue requires a different approach.

It’s common for homeowners to mistake the two because they share similarities, even as a mature colony eats away at a home’s structure. Termites can quickly become an expensive problem if you don’t address them effectively.

What Causes Termite Damage?

Termites cost homeowners billions of dollars in damages annually. Texas has the ideal climate for them to thrive. Plus, termites are notoriously good at finding entry points that are hard to see with the naked eye.

Two main … Read Full Post »

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How Often Should You Water a New Tree?

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Planting a new tree is a great investment for your yard, but it requires careful maintenance. Many fail because of improper watering, so it’s important for homeowners to learn how often they should water their new trees.

This comprehensive guide includes a clear watering schedule for new trees, tips for adjusting to factors like the Texas heat, rainfall and soil types. It also includes signs that your tree is getting too much or too little water.

Finally, keep reading for expert insights from J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

Why Proper Watering Is Critical for Newly Planted Trees

Unlike established trees with strong roots, newly planted trees have limited root systems. New trees rely entirely on the moisture in the surrounding soil to … Read Full Post »

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Texas Weeds: Identification And Control Tips

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

Texas lawns face year-round weed pressure thanks to warm weather and unpredictable rain, making proper lawn care essential. Identifying weed types by region, as well as using the right prevention and control methods, helps keep your grass healthy and thriving.

As a Texas homeowner, do you get frustrated by how often you have to manage weeds in your lawn? While our weather is a positive for many residents, the warm weather and unpredictable rain in Texas make the Lone Star State a haven for weed growth. 

Weeds can affect the health of your lawn in a number of ways. For example, they compete with your plants for nutrients, making it harder for your plants to thrive. They can also degrade your lawn’s aesthetics and can attract pests.

This guide covers how to identify, … Read Full Post »

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How Long to Water Grass Seed

. Posted by in , , • San Antonio

You’ve spread the grass seed, but now comes the real challenge: learning how to water your new lawn just right. With consistent watering and patience, most Texas lawns start sprouting within 10 to 14 days.

How do you know how long to water your grass seed so that it grows evenly and remains healthy?

Most homeowners don’t realize that how long you water your new grass seed matters just as much as how often you water it. After planting new grass seeds, the soil needs to remain moist to ensure successful germination and root development. 

Keep reading to learn how long you should water your grass seed, an ideal week-by-week water schedule, common watering mistakes to avoid and more. 

This guide draws on insights from ABC’s certified lawn experts, including J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He … 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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Early Signs of Termites

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

Early termite signs are easier to spot than termites themselves—watch for mud tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings. Quick detection helps prevent expensive structural damage.

As a homeowner, you spend time and effort keeping up with the maintenance of your home. Unfortunately, there’s a pest that can quietly cause extensive damage: termites.

Termites create big problems wherever they go. They’re responsible for costly and extensive damage to homes all over the country, but in Texas, they’re even more of an issue because of our climate. 

While termites prefer to stay hidden, they leave behind evidence of their presence that is easier to spot if you know what to look for. Most homeowners find signs of termites before they ever see a termite themselves. Noticing the signs of termites can help you … Read Full Post »

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What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Do you know what mouse droppings look like? Being able to identify them is an important part of spotting a mouse infestation. 

Keep in mind that DIY methods can help keep mice away, but they won’t control an existing infestation. For that, it’s best to work with a pest control company who has the experience and knowledge to control these pests.

What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

Did you know that one of the signs of a mouse infestation is spotting their droppings around your home? Mice are nocturnal creatures and are skilled at steering clear of danger, so it’s more common to see the signs they leave behind than the actual rodents.

That being said, it’s helpful for homeowners to understand what mouse droppings look like, where you might find them and what they can tell you about a potential mouse infestation.

The easiest way to describe a mouse dropping is that it’s black … Read Full Post »

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Your Guide To Christmas Events In San Antonio

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Want to know the best way to celebrate the holiday season in San Antonio? You’re in luck, because San Antonio bursts at the seams with holiday spirit, and there are many Christmas events in San Antonio to enjoy.

Whether you want to hit up the River Walk, get some shopping done or find an activity the whole family will love, San Antonio is the place to be over the holidays.

Your Guide To Christmas Events In San Antonio

San Antonio is a lively city all year long, but it radiates fun and festivity during the holiday season.

Homemade Christmas at the Alamo

On Saturday, December 13, the Alamo is hosting a free Christmas event that will transport you back in time. Homemade Christmas showcases what it was like to celebrate the holidays as an early settler on the Texas frontier in the mid-1800s. 

The whole family can enjoy Christmas-themed crafts, storytelling, living history demonstrations, caroling, candymaking, … Read Full Post »

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