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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 »

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 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 »

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Venomous Spiders in Texas

. Posted by in • Austin
a black widow spider

The Lone Star State is known for its diverse wildlife. This variety extends beyond animals like wildcats and armadillos. It also means that homeowners need to watch out for venomous spiders in Texas. 

Many people aren’t big fans of spiders, but it’s important to keep in mind that few spiders commonly found in Texas pose any real risk. Most of them, like the southern house spider, would simply rather be left alone and aren’t much of a threat. 

However, black widow, pictured above, and brown recluse spiders are concerning species to have on your property. Learn how to identify these venomous spiders in Texas, how to prevent them and what you should do if you encounter them.

What Texas Homeowners Need to Know

A Texas homeowner should know that managing spider populations starts with knowledge and prevention. The good news is that out of the roughly 900 species in Texas, only two of them … Read Full Post »

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Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?

. Posted by in • Austin
paint brush in paint

Are interior paint finishes really that important? The answer is yes, it matters which type of paint finish you choose. 

Different paint finishes create different looks and durability levels, so it’s important for homeowners to have all the facts before choosing one.

Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?

Getting ready to paint your walls? Here’s a pro tip: don’t skip interior paint finish. Most homeowners focus on their paint color choice, but can overlook the importance of the paint finish they select.

A room’s paint finish not only makes a difference in how your paint color looks, but it also impacts the durability of your paint job. Plus, there are more types of paint finishes than you might realize, so it’s important to choose the right one.

Some of the most common include:

  • Flat or matte paint finish
  • Velvet paint finish
  • Eggshell paint finish
  • Satin paint finish
  • Read Full Post »
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Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

. Posted by in , • Austin
A bathroom

Have you noticed that your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with spots on them, or your glasses look cloudy? You may have hard water in your home.

Some more common signs of hard water include stiff laundry, even though it’s freshly washed, dry skin and hair, soap scum in your shower and your appliances breaking down sooner than they should.

If you’re dealing with any of these problems, it’s worth looking into installing a water softener in your home. A professional plumber can install and maintain it for you, so you can just enjoy the benefits.

Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

Is installing a water softener the right choice for your home? If you’ve noticed an increase in scum spots in your showers or spots on your dishes, you may have hard water. This is caused by a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in your water supply.

Hard water … Read Full Post »

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Where To See the Best Austin Christmas Lights

. Posted by in • Austin
the Austin trail of lights

There’s no shortage of fun things to do around Austin during the holidays. The city boasts an impressive number of Christmas light displays every year, along with other festive events, such as holiday markets, ice skating, Christmas meals and more.

Whether you want to go out for a night on the town or find an activity the whole family will love, there’s something for everyone. 

If you want to make the holiday season easier on yourself, leave your holiday light display to the pros. ABC can install your lights for you this year and bring your holiday dreams to life. 

Where To See the Best Austin Christmas Lights

Austin is a city full of personality, so it’s no surprise that it goes all out when it comes to holiday lights. There are numerous light displays, both free and paid, to enjoy this holiday season. 

Most of the events listed below begin in November and run … Read Full Post »

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Deer Mouse Vs. House Mouse: Which Is The Bigger Pest?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Have you noticed signs of mice in your home? If so, you may want to know what type of mice is taking up residence in your home.

If you suspect that a mouse infestation is taking over your home, contact a pest control service.

Deer Mouse Versus House Mouse: Which Is the Bigger Pest?

Deer mice and house mice, pictured above, are two common rodents that homeowners encounter inside their houses. Deer mice transmit hantavirus, making them more of a problem than house mice. However, you’re more likely to find house mice in or around your home. It’s helpful for homeowners to understand the difference between deer mice and house mice so they can correctly identify a mouse infestation and take the proper steps to control it.

These two types of mice differ in three main ways:

  • Appearance
  • Behavior
  • Nesting and habitat

Let’s examine these in more detail.

Deer Mouse … Read Full Post »

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Rewiring Your Home Electrical System

. Posted by in • Austin
rewiring a home

When renovating, many homeowners focus on improving the home’s aesthetic appeal. They could add a fresh coat of paint, upgrade appliances or replace old furniture. But what about the wires behind the walls? These might be due for a change, too.

Rewiring a home’s electrical system can help ensure that your family is protected from electrical mishaps, especially if you have an older home. A whole-house rewire involves replacing all of the old wiring throughout your home and installing a new fuse box.

Home rewiring is a highly complicated task and should not be attempted as a DIY project. That’s why you should ask a licensed electrician to handle this task. 

How Do Electricians Rewire a Whole House?

A professional electrician follows six key steps when rewiring a house, which include the following:

  • Electrical system assessment
  • Layout planning
  • Outlet and fixture marking
  • Old wiring removal
  • Read Full Post »
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Rats vs. Mice: Which Pest Is Invading Your Home?

. Posted by in , • Austin
rats vs mice

A rodent infestation is often a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Since rodents are sneaky creatures that stay out of sight, it can be difficult to identify exactly what kind of infestation you’re dealing with. 

If you’re dealing with a rodent situation, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a professional pest control service. The expert can control the population and put prevention methods in place to help deter rats and mice from returning.

Rats Versus Mice: Which Pest Is Invading Your Home?

Do you have rodents in your home but can’t identify what kind? Rats and mice, pictured above, leave behind several of the same signs that they’ve taken up residence in your home, and it can become a guessing game until you actually see a rat or mouse.

However, both mice and rats are nocturnal creatures and are excellent at staying out of sight. It’s helpful for homeowners to learn how to distinguish between … Read Full Post »

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