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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 … 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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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 … 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 … 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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Toilet Leaking at Base? Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

A toilet leaking at the base isn’t always coming from the base. Water from a higher leak can travel down the porcelain and pool at the floor, making it look like the seal underneath has failed. This is worth addressing since even a slow leak can cause hidden damage.

A small ring of water around the toilet can be easy to shrug off, especially if it disappears after you wipe it up. If you notice that same damp spot showing up again, especially after flushing, it usually means something needs attention. A toilet leaking at the base may come from a simple issue. It could also be the first sign that water is reaching places it shouldn’t.

That matters more than many people realize. Even a slow leak can work its way into flooring, soften the subfloor underneath and create the kind of … Read Full Post »

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Low Hot Water Pressure? Here’s What It Means (and How Texas Homeowners Can Fix It)

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

Low hot water pressure is often caused by mineral buildup, a clogged showerhead or aerator, a partially closed shut-off valve or an aging water heater. Texas’s hard water makes these issues more common, so routine maintenance is the best way to stay ahead of this problem.

When you want to take a relaxing hot shower after a long day, nothing is more frustrating than low hot water pressure.

Plus, the issue doesn’t stop at lukewarm showers. Low hot water pressure can cause slow-filling tubs and poor appliance performance.

This comprehensive guide covers the causes of low hot water pressure so that homeowners can get to the bottom of the issue. You’ll learn quick checks you can perform to solve the problem, and if those don’t work, when to call in the professionals.

For Texas homeowners, issues like hard water, aging infrastructure and slab homes can … Read Full Post »

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Water Heater Making a Popping Noise: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Is a noisy water heater causing you trouble? The first thing to know is that noises coming from your water heater are normal, but they can point to maintenance needs. 

As a homeowner, you might notice that the noises get worse when your water heater’s burner is on. This is also normal, but it’s important to understand what’s going on.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater popping noises, how to diagnose what you’re heating, DIY fixes and when it’s time to call in a professional. 

It also includes expert insights from Michael Marugo, ABC Home & Commercial Services’ Plumbing Division Operations Manager and a licensed plumber with over 30 years of experience in the plumbing service industry.

Is a Popping Noise Dangerous?

If your water heater is making a popping noise, it can indicate a sediment buildup or an overheating risk. Over time, these issues can reduce your water heater’s efficiency … Read Full Post »

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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 … Read Full Post »

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