You might have experienced the worry that comes with discovering your White Rodgers thermostat has gone blank. The good news is that usually, the unit can be brought back to life. In this blog, let’s look at some ways to get your blank White Rodgers thermostat operating again. Fixing a Blank White Rodgers Thermostat Battery Failure Many times, a thermostat will go blank due to a battery failure. Check your owner’s manual on how to access, and change the batteries. Carefully follow the instructions on what type of batteries to use. Your thermostat will have a specific batter ..read more

When you’re in the market for a new water heater, you’ll have several different design options to choose from. Each offers advantages and disadvantages. The best option for you will depend on your home, your needs, and your budget. To help you narrow down the options and hone in on the best new water heater for your Chicago home, here’s a useful comparison guide, highlighting the pros and cons of some of the most popular water heater designs. Storage-Tank Water Heaters These conventional systems are the most popular type of water heaters in Chicago homes. They come with water storage tan ..read more

Are you noticing pink stains in your bathtub, shower, or toilet? These stains are a common complaint that most homeowners assume is a question of water quality — but it comes from another source entirely in most cases. We’ll explain what causes this problem, how it causes it, and what you can do about it. What Causes Pink Stains? If you’re seeing pink stains in your bathroom, the problem is not usually water quality. Pink stains in bathtubs, toilets, and showers are caused by a bacteria called Serratia marcescens, which is found naturally in the environment. This bacteria is airborne and finds ..read more

Preventative AC maintenance is an invaluable investment of your time and money. A well-maintained air conditioning system will operate more efficiently and reliably. Plus, staying on top of maintenance will extend your system’s serviceable life span, which reduces your long-term repair and replacement costs. At ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric, our NATE-certified HVAC technicians are happy to answer your questions and perform the preventative cooling maintenance your system requires. What gets checked during AC maintenance? A proper AC maintenance inspection is comprehensive ..read more

It’s common to hear water draining as it flows from your sink and into the pipes on its way out the door. But what if instead of hearing water drain, you hear it bubble or gurgle frequently? Gurgling sounds are usually a sign of a problem, meaning it’s best to contact a trusted local plumber right away. Here are the two most common causes of a gurgling sound from under your sink: 1.     You Have a Clog Forming The most common cause of a gurgling sound is a clog formation. The sound occurs when there isn’t enough room for water to flow through without meeting resi ..read more

One of the most critical aspects of your home’s plumbing system is the hot water tank. If you’re in the market for a new one, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater. How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work? A tankless water heater is an on-demand water heater. These freestanding units heat your home’s water without needing a large storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water will travel through the unit, where it will be quickly and efficiently heated by a gas burner, an electric element, or liquid propane, depending on the type of tankless water heater you have. From there ..read more

As people become more conscious of germs and personal cleanup, the concerns for public and private sewer systems have risen with the popular use of disinfecting wipes and other “flushable” wipes. Disinfecting wipes, “flushable” self-care wipes, and any other sanitizing napkins are not suited to be disposed of down the drain, regardless of whether the packaging says “flushable.” While this disposal method may be convenient, it can have costly ramifications in the long run. Why Flushable Wipes Aren’t Safe to Flush Toilet paper and bio-waste will disintegrate quickly, and the sewer systems ..read more

During this uncertain time, we’re all doing everything we can to ensure the health and happiness of our families. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. However, there are things you can do to help maintain your general health and well-being: Wash your hands with soap and water. If they aren’t readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes. Disinfect doorknobs, phones, and other frequently used surfaces regularly. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and/or cough. Stay home as much as possible. Wear a mask or other fac ..read more