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Tankless Water Heater Not Heating? Causes & Solutions

. Posted by in • Austin
a cold shower because the tankless water heater is not heating up

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 »

What Is a Slab Leak?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a thumbnail from a video in this blog

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?

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

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a thumbnail from a video featured in this blog

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 »

AC Not Blowing Cold Air? A Texas Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

. Posted by in • Austin
an ac vent

Key Takeaways

A broken AC during hot, humid weather is never something you want to deal with. ABC Home & Commercial Services offers HVAC repairs from experienced technicians who take the time to find and fix the real problem.

What should you do if your AC isn’t blowing cold air? This situation can be stressful for Texas homeowners, especially during extreme summer heat.

Luckily, there are several ways to troubleshoot the issue before calling in a professional. This guide breaks down the common causes of your AC not blowing cold air, what you can check for and when to call in assistance.

It also includes expert insights from Gary Cremeans, HVAC Operations Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air?

According to Cremeans, the most common reasons your AC isn’t blowing cold air is due to a clogged drain … 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
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

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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My AC Is Short Cycling: What Is Going On?

. Posted by in • Waco
an AC unit

If your AC unit turns on, runs for a few minutes, then shuts off before the house starts to feel cooler, that’s usually the first clue something is off. One common reason is AC short cycling, which means the system keeps starting and stopping before it finishes a normal cooling cycle.

At first, it may not seem serious. Cool air might still come through the vents, and the house may feel mostly fine for a while. But what you may not realize is that each restart puts stress on the system. Startup is one of the hardest parts of the cycle. Over time, that repeated stop-and-start pattern can wear parts down faster and push your energy costs higher.

In Texas, where AC systems often run hard for long stretches of time, short cycling tends to show up faster and create problems sooner. It’s helpful to know what causes it, what you can … Read Full Post »

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The Complete Guide to Air Conditioner Preventive Maintenance in Texas

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Preventive AC maintenance helps extend the life of your system, lower energy bills and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Scheduling service once or twice a year, ideally before summer, gives an HVAC technician the chance to catch small issues before Texas heat puts extra strain on your system.

In Texas, air conditioners often run eight to ten months a year, sometimes more. That means many systems are already working hard by early spring and still running deep into fall. Over time, that long stretch of use puts steady strain on major parts, especially the compressor and coils.

Extreme heat makes that workload heavier. When temperatures stay high for days at a time, the system has to cycle longer and work harder to hold a steady indoor temperature. At the same time, dust, pollen and humidity add wear in ways most homeowners don’t … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My AC So Loud? A Homeowner’s Guide to Common Causes & Fixes

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
an AC vent

Key Takeaways

A loud AC unit is often the first sign that something is wrong, from loose parts and clogged filters to failing motors or refrigerant leaks. Identifying the type of sound early can help you decide whether it’s a simple DIY fix or time to call a professional.

In many parts of Texas, air conditioners run hard for most of the year. Naturally, most homeowners get used to the normal background sound of cooling. A steady hum, a brief click at startup or airflow moving through the vents doesn’t always mean anything is wrong. But when the sound changes, if it suddenly bangs, buzzes, whistles or seems louder than usual, that’s usually when people start asking “why is my AC so loud?”

Some sounds are harmless and tied to normal AC operation. Others point to parts wearing down, airflow problems or electrical issues that … Read Full Post »

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Water Leaking From AC Unit: Should I Be Worried?

. Posted by in • Austin
Water leaking from an ac unit

Key Takeaways

Water leaking from your AC can be caused by clogged drain lines, dirty air filters, frozen coils or a damaged drain pan. Some fixes can be handled by homeowners, but if the leak keeps coming back, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician.

When it comes to water leaking from your AC unit, it’s important to know that some moisture is normal, but active leaking is cause for concern. 

If your AC unit is actively leaking, it’s important to work with a professional to get to the root of the issue. 

For Texas homeowners, leaks are especially common due to the heat and humidity we often have. Higher temperatures and humidity levels force your AC unit to work harder to cool your home, which puts stress on the system and increases the likelihood of water leaks.

This guide covers everything you need to know … Read Full Post »

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How Does a Generac Generator Work During a Power Outage?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a generac generator

Key Takeaways

A Generac standby generator is a whole-home backup power solution. For many Texas homeowners, investing in a properly sized and professionally installed Generac generator will help keep their home running smoothly during an outage.

In Texas, power outages are often caused by severe storms and summer heat putting strain on the power grid. One of the best ways to prepare for a power outage is investing in a backup power source, like a Generac home generator.

A Generac generator is a standby generator, which is different from a portable generator. It’s designed to automatically restore power during an outage and is more reliable and convenient than portable generators.

This comprehensive guide covers how Generac standby generators work, their fuel types and the advantages of owning one in Texas. It also includes expert insights from Anthony Burks, Master Electrician and certified Generac generator maintenance technician … Read Full Post »

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