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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 »

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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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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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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 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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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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Tankless Water Heater Not Heating? Causes & Solutions

. Posted by in • Austin

Key Takeaways

A tankless water heater that stops heating is often caused by something preventable. Staying on top of annual maintenance is the best way to avoid the most common problems, especially in Texas, where hard water accelerates scale buildup inside the unit.

Few things get your attention faster than turning on the shower and realizing the water isn’t getting hot. It’s even more frustrating when you have dishes in the sink, laundry waiting or people in the house asking if something is wrong with the hot water. If your tankless water heater stops working suddenly, most homeowners want an answer right away because there is no stored tank of hot water to fall back on.

Tankless systems work differently from traditional water heaters. Instead of holding heated water in reserve, they warm water only when you open a tap. Inside the unit, water moves through a heat … Read Full Post »

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What Is a Slab Leak?

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

A slab leak happens when pipes under your home’s foundation start to leak, and Texas homes are especially prone to them. If you notice higher water bills, warm spots on your floor or the sound of running water when nothing is on, it’s time to call in a plumber.

Is a slab leak causing severe structural damage to your home’s foundation?

A slab leak occurs when the concrete pipes beneath your home’s surface leak water. Unfortunately, slab leaks are common in Texas homes built on slab foundations. They can cause serious structural damage if left untreated.

This comprehensive guide covers what slab leaks are, their causes, warning signs, how they’re repaired and more. It also features expert insights from Michael Marugo, Plumbing Operations Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services, who has both his Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber licenses.

What Is a Slab Leak?

Read Full Post »

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