ABC Blog

Cómo Destapar El Inodoro

Como Destapar El Inodoro

Ir al baño, hacer funcionar la descarga del inodoro, y encontrarnos con que el agua no corre y el inodoro está tapado es una de las situaciones que la gran mayoría de nosotros hemos tenido que enfrentar en algún momento. Las causas de esta obstrucción pueden ser diversas (como un desagüe viejo o ineficaz, niños pequeños que han tirado juguetes, exceso de papel higiénico, por ejemplo) pero el resultado es siempre el mismo, y nunca es agradable.

Se puede intentar destapar un inodoro aumentando el volúmen de agua que circula, o utilizar una sopapa, una serpiente de drenaje, o productos apropiados. Pero la mayoría de los propietarios que se enfrentan a este problema eligen evitarse las molestias y contactar rápidamente a un plomero que solucione el inconveniente sin arruinar el inodoro ni ninguna de sus partes y sin causar problemas mayores.

A continuación le explicamos en detalle varias soluciones caseras para intentar … Read Full Post »

Where To See Christmas Lights In Austin & Holiday Events

Christmas lights in Austin

Wondering about the best places to see Christmas lights in Austin this holiday season? You’re in luck, since our town has a multitude of fabulous spots for enjoying spectacular lights displays. We’ve also got holiday events of all varieties, whether you enjoy neighborhood light displays; larger, more ceremonial holiday light events; gingerbread house building; live performances or something else entirely. Read on to learn where to see the best Christmas lights in Austin and find out about other fun, popular holiday events around town, so you and your loved ones can make holiday memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.

The Best Christmas Events In Austin For Families

We are lucky to have so many great Christmas events in Austin, and many of them are perfect for families, as well as individuals of all ages. Here are some of our favorite Christmas events so that you and your family … Read Full Post »

Your Guide To Christmas Events In San Antonio For 2019

Christmas events San Antonio 2019

As the weather starts to drop (even if ever so slightly), our city begins to transform. Before you know it, your calendar will quickly be filled with holiday and Christmas events in San Antonio in 2019. As a matter of fact, the list of happenings in and around town can almost be overwhelming! There are sporting events, holiday festivals, Christmas food vendors and amusement parks—more than enough to please everyone.

While the holidays are a very special time of year, it can be hard to keep track of everything going on, especially when most of us also need to find time to put up holiday decorations and choose holiday recipes for family gatherings. Check out our picks for 2019 so that you can make some new traditions while revisiting local annual favorites which make the holidays in our area truly magical.

San Antonio Riverwalk Events

The Riverwalk is a perfect place to get … Read Full Post »

What Is Fiesta San Antonio? All About This City Celebration

what is Fiesta San Antonio

What is Fiesta San Antonio? Fiesta is the city’s biggest annual festival to celebrate the rich culture and history of the Alamo City. More than one-fifth of Fiesta attendees come from outside of San Antonio and around three and a half million people take part in this popular celebration each year. Keep reading to learn more about Fiesta, the history behind the festival, the parades, Rey Feo and more.

History of Fiesta San Antonio

The history of Fiesta San Antonio dates back to 1891. Previously known and referred to as Fiesta San Jacinto, Fiesta San Antonio began as a flower parade. The initial idea and concept, like most parades and festivals, was meant to be a celebration. According to the Texas State Historical Association, the festival was meant to salute the heroes of the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto; it was the brainchild of Ellen Maury Slyden, the wife of then … Read Full Post »

Are Water Snakes in Texas Poisonous?

water snakes in Texas

Seeing a snake in the water, especially when you’re swimming, can be one of the scariest experiences a water-loving Texan can have. Your first reaction is probably that these slithery creatures swim faster than you and can catch you if they want to. If you live near a body of water or have a pool or water feature, you may also wonder what the possibility is that a snake could make its way onto your property, or even worse, inside your home.

Snakes play an important role in our ecosystem. That said, water snakes are considered to be aggressive, so they can strike when approached, even if you don’t realize they are nearby. Knowing more about the different types of water snakes in Texas and what does (and doesn’t attract them) can give you peace of mind and help protect your family from the risk of being bitten. Better understanding what … Read Full Post »

What Can a Handyman Legally Do?

What Can a Handyman Legally Do

What if you could get all of those little tasks on your “honey-do” list completed without having to lift a finger?

Home repairs, maintenance and weekend projects can quickly eat up all your free time. It’s only natural that homeowners are looking for ways to outsource these tasks at the lowest possible price. Depending on the nature of the tasks involved, you may find yourself wondering which jobs are suitable for a handyman and which tasks are better performed by a licensed contractor. Since virtually anyone can call themselves a handyman, you might ask yourself, “What can a handyman legally do?” Is there a real difference between the training and skills of a handyman and a contractor? What type of jobs should you hire a handyman to complete? Some homeowners have an even more basic question: What is a handyman in the first place?

A handyman may be a jack-of-all-trades or … Read Full Post »

How Does Pesticide Work? What Homeowners Should Know

How does pesticide work

A pesticide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is, “Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest.” 

How Does Pesticide Work?

Insecticides are a form of pesticide which typically work by affecting the nervous system of insects. However, they can also affect energy production, cuticle production, the endocrine system and water balance. These chemical formulations can enter through the body, ingestion and inhalation.

Pesticides are used as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which is a more environmentally-friendly pest control philosophy. The principles of this approach, as laid out by the EPA, state that IPM “focuses on pest prevention and uses pesticides only as needed.”

Types of Pesticide

There is a wide range of pesticides available for residential and commercial applications. Some target insects, while others target algae (algaecides), germs (disinfectants) or weeds (herbicides). The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) categorizes the types of … Read Full Post »

Your San Antonio Christmas Events 2017 Guide

San Antonio Christmas Events 2017

Whether you just want to be a tourist in your own city or entertain your out-of-town guests or kids for winter break, San Antonio has a variety of Christmas events throughout the holidays which are sure to make everyone happy.

In addition to simply strolling along the beautiful River Walk, you and your family can enjoy a festive experience when San Antonio’s quintessential tourist stop will be lit up with more than 2,000 luminarias between December 1 and 17 on weekend nights. The traditional Mexican Christmas lantern tradition begins at dusk on Fridays and brings a soft glow to the river. In addition to luminarias, The River Walk will be decorated with 122,000 lights draped over the bald cypress trees along the river the day after Thanksgiving until the new year. In addition, the San Antonio River Authority covers the path along the river between Grayson Street and Lexington Avenue … Read Full Post »

ABC Supports American Heart Association’s Heart Walk

Austin Heart Walk

One in seven deaths in the United States is linked to heart disease. Coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke—all heart conditions—represent the number one cause of death in the United States. Over 92 million Americans are living with some type of cardiovascular disease or are experiencing the after-effects of a stroke.

Since 1924, the American Heart Association has been working to fight heart disease through research, public health policy and education. The organization has set an ambitious goal for 2020: to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% and to reduce the deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20%.

Each year, the American Heart Association hosts the annual Austin Heart Walk to bring the community together to have fun, get inspired and support a meaningful cause. The owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services in Austin, Bobby Jenkins, is on the Board of Directors of the local affiliate.

Austin Heart Walk 2017

ABC … Read Full Post »

Austin Trail of Lights 2017: A Complete Guide

Trail of Lights Austin dates

The holidays are marked by fun traditions and memory-making outings. Here in Central Texas, one of the must-dos on many of our holiday lists is the Austin Trail of Lights.  Strolling through two million twinkling lights and 40 incredible light displays can get even the Grinchiest member of your crew into the holiday spirit.

If you have never been to the Austin Trail of Lights, 2017 is the year to see what everyone’s been talking about. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you’ll want to read our complete guide to this year’s Trail of Lights to know what to expect, what’s new this year and how to make the most of your time at the trail.

Trail of Lights Austin 2017: What’s In Store This Year

The 53rd year of the light show, sponsored by H-E-B, will run Saturday, December 9 through Saturday, December 23. This year’s Trail will include updated … Read Full Post »