ABC Blog

Please choose a city to view local blog posts:

Choose a City

How to Prepare Your Pool for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

. Posted by in • Houston

Winter Pool Preparation

How to Prepare Your Pool for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thoroughly Clean Your Pool Before Winter

As the temperatures drop and the swimming pool season comes to a close, preparing your pool for winter is essential to ensure it remains in excellent condition for the next season.

Properly winterizing your above-ground pool or inground pool helps prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures, reduces maintenance in the spring, and prolongs the life of your pool. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to winterize both above-ground pools and in-ground pools, ensuring your pool is ready for the off-season.

Start with a thorough cleaning to remove debris and ensure a clean pool. For saltwater pools, adjust the water chemistry with pool shock and add shock to kill algae and bacteria growth.
Next, lower the water level to just below the skimmer and ensure you remove the remaining water from the pool pipes … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Why Is My Toilet Running?

. Posted by in • Austin
a running toilet

Key Takeaways

Running toilets are common and can waste hundreds of gallons each day. Use this guide to spot the signs, understand the most likely causes and know when to bring in a plumber.

A toilet that constantly runs can cause all kinds of issues for your household. The sound is annoying, but it can also cost you money. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, which can add up fast.

Unfortunately, running toilets are very common. Any issue that allows water to leak from the toilet’s internal system can cause that nonstop flow. 

Below, we go into the most common causes and how homeowners can identify them, along with when it’s time to call in a plumber.

Quick Checklist

Use this short to-do list to help you figure out what might be going … Read Full Post »

The Importance of Regular Pool Inspections

. Posted by in • Houston

Pool Inspections

The Importance of Regular Pool Inspections

Maintaining a swimming pool involves more than just regular cleaning and chemical balancing. One of the most crucial aspects of pool care is scheduling regular pool inspections.

At ABC Home & Commercial, we understand that regular pool and spa inspections are essential for ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of your swimming pool. Whether it’s your residential pool or a commercial swimming pool, these inspections play a vital role in preventing potential issues.

Our skilled swimming pool inspectors conduct thorough swimming pool inspections to address any concerns and ensure your pool remains in excellent condition.

Why Regular Pool Inspections Matter

A thorough swimming pool inspection includes evaluating the pool deck, pool equipment, and any associated features. Our skilled swimming pool inspectors conduct detailed pool and spa inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure that all components are in top condition.

Regular pool inspections are crucial for … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

The Best Time of Year to Power Wash Your Home

. Posted by in • Houston

Best Time To Power Wash

The Best Time of Year to Power Wash Your Home

If you’re looking to keep your home clean and well-maintained, knowing the best time to power wash your house is key. Power washing helps remove dirt, mold growth, mildew, and other debris that can build up over time on outdoor surfaces. The best time to pressure wash your house often depends on several factors, including the weather and environmental conditions.

For instance, spring is usually an excellent time because the temperatures are moderate and the risk of freezing weather is low. This helps you use your pressure washer effectively without worrying about winter weather arriving too soon. Fall is another good option, as it allows you to clear away build-ups before colder temperatures set in. Be mindful of factors like living near a dirt road or under leafy trees, which can increase the amount of debris on … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

A Homeowner’s Guide To Termites In Texas

. Posted by in , • Austin
A group of termites on wood

The Lone Star State has a lot going for it. However, like any other part of the world, homeowners have a unique set of challenges specific to this region and climate. An unfortunate example is the destructive termite.

These tiny pests might not seem scary, but they cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage across the country every year. And since Texas is one of the more desirable locations for people and termites, this poses an issue for homeowners who don’t want to see their homes become a snack for these pests.

If you’ve discovered signs of termite activity in your home, or if you’re concerned you might have an underlying termite problem, this can be a scary moment. People invest a great deal of time and money in their homes. It’s the foundation for your family and your entire life. So what do you do now?

This guide helps Texas homeowners recognize … Read Full Post »

How to Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Between Cleanings

. Posted by in • Houston

Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

How to Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Between Cleanings: A Comprehensive Guide

Keeping your home’s exterior in good shape might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a new homeowner, but don’t worry! With a bit of regular cleaning and attention, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain a great-looking home. Here’s an easy guide to home exterior maintenance throughout the year.

Start by focusing on exterior maintenance to safeguard your home’s structural integrity. Regularly inspect your home for any needed repairs, such as fixing damaged wood siding or addressing issues with your roof. Maintaining your exterior paint in good condition is also crucial, as it helps prevent problems like mildew and deterioration. A well-maintained exterior paint job not only enhances the visual appeal but also acts as a protective layer against the elements.

Next, don’t forget about your gutters and downspouts. Regular gutter maintenance is essential for preventing water from backing … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

The Environmental Impact of Exterior Cleaning Products

. Posted by in • Houston

Environmental Impact of Cleaning Products

The Environmental Impact of Exterior Cleaning Products: What You Need to Know

When we clean our homes, we often use products that can have a big impact on the environment and human health. For instance, some cleaning products can lead to ecological harm, affecting everything from the sewage system to the food chains. Even something as simple as using air fresheners can introduce harmful chemicals into our homes.

Interestingly, some products, like certain types of tea bags, seem harmless but can also contribute to environmental issues if not disposed of properly.

To help protect our planet and our well-being, it’s a good idea to use more environmentally friendly cleaning options. These products are designed to be safer for both the environment and our health.

What Are Cleaning Products?

Cleaning products are the soaps, sprays, and detergents we use to keep our homes spotless. But did you know conventional products … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

How To Spot Signs of Termites in Your House

. Posted by in , • Austin
a thumbnail from the video featured in this blog

Key Takeaways

  • Termites often cause serious damage before homeowners notice them.
  • Early signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, frass and discarded wings.
  • Don’t disturb termite activity. Document what you see and call in a licensed pro.
  • Annual inspections and moisture control are the best ways to prevent future damage.

Termites are destructive pests that often wreak havoc quietly. Homeowners may not notice any damage until the situation becomes severe, and the speed at which termites can chew through a home is shocking. Even a “smaller” colony of 60,000 can eat one-fifth of an ounce of wood a day, meaning this “small” colony can go through more than two feet of wood a year.

That might not sound like a lot, but remember that termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage every year. … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

How to Organize a Neighborhood Safety Meeting

. Posted by in • Houston

Neighborhood Safety Meeting

Organizing a neighborhood safety meeting is a great way to bring your community together to strengthen security and support crime prevention. Whether you’re part of a neighborhood watch program or want to make your neighborhood safer, you can create a space where local citizens can discuss safety concerns and work together. By getting involved, you’ll be helping to make your neighborhood a safer place in your country. To start, reach out to your local police office and invite your neighbors to join in this important effort

1. Plan the Meeting

Begin by contacting your neighbors and the local police department. Let them know you’re organizing a neighborhood watch or crime prevention meeting. It is a great way to bring your community together and focus on neighborhood safety. Choose a time and place that works for most people. A park or community center is ideal for creating a welcoming … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Why Is My Hot Water Heater Leaking?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
Hot water heater leaking

Did your water heater mysteriously start leaking? This is frustrating for any homeowner, but the good news is that most leaks start small and can be easily fixed if you act quickly. The solution may be as simple as tightening a few loose connections or valves.

However, a water heater leak can sometimes indicate a larger problem. If rust or corrosion is at play, it may be time to replace your water heater altogether.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater leaks, what they mean and what homeowners should do about them.

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

The first step in fixing a leaking water heater is to determine the cause of the leak. This is easier said than done, since water heaters can leak for a variety of reasons. They can range from easy-to-fix problems to more serious issues.

Most water heater leaks begin slowly and worsen over time. If … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed