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What Is a Short Circuit?

. Posted by in • Austin
an outlet

Many people know that a short circuit is a sign that something isn’t working properly in their electrical system, but aren’t sure exactly what happens or what it is. A short circuit is a condition in an electrical circuit where the electrical current does not follow the correct path but unintentionally finds a different pathway. Within your home, your light sockets and outlets are part of the circuit. Under normal conditions, outlets and sockets use electricity to power lights or appliances but don’t break the circuit.

Most household wiring is made of copper because it conducts electricity efficiently. Not all metals conduct electricity as well, but they will conduct better than other household materials. Sometimes, a short circuit can happen through a less-ideal material if something has disrupted the main circuit.

Short Circuit Causes

Several things can cause a short circuit in your home. Typical short circuit causes that homeowners encounter include the … Read Full Post »

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My AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Austin
an AC vent

Air conditioning systems are designed to keep our homes comfortable during hot weather. However, they are prone to faults from time to time. So, when you notice the AC not blowing cold air, it means something is wrong. If you’re having this problem, you’ll want to get to the root of the issue and contact an HVAC specialist to help.

If you’re tired of sweating in your home, keep reading to find out what’s wrong with your air conditioner unit.

What Are Some Common Reasons?

Some common reasons your AC isn’t blowing cold air could include the following.

A Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter can cause various problems with your air conditioning unit. Dirt, dust and other debris can get trapped in your air filter as the air gets sucked in through your air ducts. Over time, this debris can build up, making it harder for the air to get through. A dirty … Read Full Post »

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My Water Heater Is Making a Knocking Noise

. Posted by in • Austin
a water heater

There is no better way to end a long day than hopping in the shower and letting the hot water relax you. But that peace will quickly go away if your water heater is making a knocking noise. That is a sign of a problem that you should not ignore. If you’re experiencing this issue, here are some possible explanations and what you should do about it.

What Does It Mean When Your Water Heater Is Making a Knocking Noise?

The most common culprit behind a water heater that makes a knocking noise is residue buildup. Minerals and particles like calcium can find their way inside your water heater and accumulate over time. Aluminum anode rods inside the water heater, plus high pH levels, can also produce gel-like sediment.

The residue buildup traps water at the bottom of the tank near the heating element. As the water heats up, it will bubble up … Read Full Post »

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Do Roaches Shed?

. Posted by in • Austin
a roach on a neutral background

Cockroaches are excellent at adapting to their environment, making them difficult to control. Most homeowners have had a run-in with cockroaches at some point, but it can be frustrating when you notice more and more of them making your house their home.

Learn how roaches infiltrate a household, how to identify the breed and what you should do to control them.

Do Roaches Shed?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that roaches do shed. They shed their skin multiple times throughout their life to accommodate their body’s growth. You may find cockroach exoskeletons in their nests, beneath electrical equipment, furniture, closets, drawers and corners of rooms.

The exoskeleton is a solid outer coat that protects roaches. Roaches cannot grow over the limitations of their hard shell, so they have to molt to become larger. Cockroaches will molt anywhere from 6 to 14 times in their lives, depending on the species.

Cockroaches lose their old skin … Read Full Post »

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My Dishwasher Is Leaking Water: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Austin
a kitchen with a dishwasher

Dishwashers are a necessity in the kitchen. Just load your dirty pans, plates and utensils, and they will all come out squeaky clean. Dishwashers save you a lot of time and effort, but sometimes, they can cause trouble, too. There is nothing more frustrating than a leaking dishwasher. If you are dealing with this problem, here are the most common causes and how to troubleshoot a leaking dishwasher.

Why Is Your Dishwasher Leaking Water?

If your dishwasher leaks, don’t ignore it. It can lead to more severe issues. With some DIY know-how, you can repair the leak and have your dishwasher running normally again. Here are some possible reasons your dishwasher is leaking and how to resolve the problem.

The Dishwasher Door Is Leaking

If there is water pooling directly under the dishwasher door, your appliance might have a faulty rubber gasket. The gasket surrounds the perimeter of the door and creates a tight … Read Full Post »

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Can You Use Compost as Soil?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a shovel in compost

Compost, often called “black gold,” adds rich nutrients to your soil that help your garden thrive. However, is it possible to use compost as soil and leave out the soil altogether?

While using compost as soil works in some rare instances, it is not recommended. This quick guide will explain why you shouldn’t use compost as soil and the important differences between compost and potting soil. It will also go over how to use compost correctly with your soil to benefit your garden the most.

Can You Use Compost as Soil? 

Compost is a nutrient-rich material that offers many benefits for your garden. However, should you use compost as soil? While compost and soil may seem interchangeable, they are two separate materials that should be used differently for the best results in your garden.

It is sometimes okay to use compost as soil, but those instances are rare. For example, you can use compost … Read Full Post »

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When is Termite Season?

. Posted by in , • Austin
termites on a wall

Many homeowners wonder about termite season and when they should be on the lookout for these pests. The unfortunate truth is that termites can be active all year long, quietly creating damage to a home. That said, there is a stretch of time when homeowners are more likely to notice termites—when termites swarm.

When a termite nest reaches maturity, reproductive termites will fly out of the nest to go find a mate, find a place to nest and start a new colony. If you are home when a termite swarm happens, you will see these insects flying toward light sources or windows. If you aren’t home when a termite swarm happens, you may find dropped wings near windowsills and on the floor. Flying termites can easily be confused with flying ants. If you find wings around your home and you are not sure what you’re dealing with, it’s wise to contact … Read Full Post »

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My Toilet Keeps Running: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Austin
a toilet in a bathroom

The only time toilets should make noise is when you flush them. If you hear it running continuously, it indicates a problem that requires fixing. A running toilet can cause your water bill to skyrocket and can waste water, so it’s important not to ignore this issue.

Fortunately, the basic toilet design hasn’t changed in decades, and troubleshooting this problem is typically straightforward. However, you should contact a professional plumber if you’ve tried everything but still can’t get your toilet to stop running.

Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

There are a few possible culprits and solutions if your toilet keeps running. But, before you troubleshoot, familiarize yourself with the different toilet parts and understand how they work. You can do this by shutting off your toilet’s water supply and removing the tank lid to see the components inside. You’ll find the following:

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How Do I Keep My Air Conditioning From Freezing Up?

. Posted by in • Austin
A house's kitchen

You might not think your AC can freeze when it’s hot outside. But, it’s a more common problem than you think and can happen even on the hottest days. The best way to prevent it is to maintain your AC unit well. If your AC is already freezing up, there are ways to troubleshoot the problem. The best solution is to contact an AC specialist who can have your unit running smoothly again.

What Causes Air Conditioners to Freeze Up and How to Prevent It

Before answering the question, “How do I keep my air conditioning from freezing up?” it’s helpful to know more about how ACs function. They work by expanding the refrigerant in the evaporator coil, cooling down the air that passes through and releasing cold air into your home. It also removes the hot and humid air, helping you feel more comfortable. But if there’s something out of order … Read Full Post »

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How To Check Your Bed for Bed Bugs

. Posted by in , • Austin
two bed bugs

The dreaded words “bed bugs” can make any homeowner shiver. Bed bugs feed on human and animal blood, usually while we sleep, and can hide in furniture, behind wallpaper and in other hard-to-reach places. If you have started getting itchy bites at night, you might wonder whether you have these pests. Bed bugs are tiny pests that can be hard to spot, so you must inspect thoroughly to spot signs of them.

Bed bugs are a more common problem than many people think. Knowing how to inspect for bed bugs can help you determine whether or not you’re dealing with an infestation.

What To Look For and Signs You Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny, oval-shaped insects. They are about the size and shape of an apple seed with a reddish-brown coloration. Bed bug bodies have a banded appearance due to the ridges along their wings. Adult bed bugs’ heads are elongated … Read Full Post »

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