Kimco Blog
Tips, Guides & Expert Advice
Practical plumbing, heating, and AC knowledge from the Kimco team. Written for Central Texas homeowners and property managers.
Your Resource for Home Comfort in Central Texas
Welcome to the Kimco Plumbing & Air blog, your trusted source for practical advice, expert guides, and the latest news in home comfort. Our goal is to empower homeowners and property managers in Central Texas with the knowledge they need to maintain their systems efficiently and identify issues before they become costly emergencies.
From the scorching heat of a Texas summer to the unexpected winter freezes, we cover a wide range of topics tailored to our local climate. Our expert technicians share their insights on regular maintenance, energy-saving tips, and the pros and cons of different system installations. Whether you're curious about the benefits of tankless water heaters or need a checklist to prep your AC for the upcoming season, you'll find it here.
We explore topics such as:
Plumbing Solutions
Learn how to prevent leaks, maintain your drain lines, and understand the complexities of whole-house repiping.
HVAC Optimization
Maximize your system's lifespan with cooling and heating tips specifically designed for the Central Texas environment.
System Upgrades
Get honest comparisons on new equipment, from smart thermostats to high-efficiency water treatment systems.
AC Freezing Up? 5 Reasons Your Texas AC Has Ice on It
Texas heat outside, ice on your AC inside. Here are the 5 causes, how to fix each one, and when running it could damage the compressor.
Read more →How Much Does an HVAC Tune-Up Cost in Texas? (2026 Guide)
An HVAC tune-up runs $80–$250 in Texas. Here's what should be included, why $39 deals are a sales pitch, and when paying more saves you money.
Read more →No Hot Water in the House? Here's What to Check First
No hot water suddenly? Here are the 6 things to check yourself before calling a plumber, plus what each fix actually costs in Central Texas.
Read more →Furnace Not Turning On? 7 Things to Check First
Texas furnace not turning on? Check thermostat, breaker, switch, filter, pilot, drain, and door before calling. Here's what each fix costs.
Read more →Why Does My AC Smell Musty (or Worse)?
Musty, dirty-sock, rotten-egg, or burning smell from your AC? Here's what each odor means, how to fix it, and when it's serious.
Read more →Water Heater Making Noise? What Each Sound Means
Popping, banging, hissing, or rumbling water heater? Here's what each noise means, what's safe to ignore, and when it's about to fail.
Read more →AC Making a Loud Noise? Here's What Each Sound Means
Banging, screeching, buzzing, hissing, or clicking AC? Here's what each sound means, what's safe, and when to shut it off.
Read more →AC Leaking Water Inside the House? Here's Why
AC leaking water inside your Texas home? Here are the 5 causes - clogged drain, frozen coil, broken pump, and more - plus how to stop it now.
Read more →Sewer Line Backup: What to Do Right Now
Sewage backing up into your home? Here's what to do in the next 10 minutes, what causes it, and what repair costs in Central Texas.
Read more →Pipe Burst in Your House? Step-by-Step What to Do
Burst pipe right now? Here's exactly what to do in the next 10 minutes to limit damage, plus how to prep for the next Texas freeze.
Read more →Toilet Won't Flush? 6 Things to Check Before Calling a Plumber
Toilet won't flush, won't fill, or flushes weakly? Here are the 6 things to check yourself in 5 minutes, plus what each fix actually costs.
Read more →Kitchen Sink Clogged? Here's What's Causing It and What Actually Works
Kitchen sink clogged or draining slowly? Here are the 5 causes, what DIY fixes actually work, and when to skip Drano and call a plumber.
Read more →Garbage Disposal Humming, Stuck, or Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Garbage disposal humming but not spinning, stuck, or completely dead? 80% of these clear in 5 minutes with no tools - here's the fix.
Read more →AC Short Cycling? Why Your AC Keeps Turning On and Off
AC turning on and off every few minutes? Here are the 6 causes, how to diagnose each, and why ignoring it can damage your compressor.
Read more →How Much Does a New Furnace Cost in 2026? (Texas Pricing Guide)
New furnace costs $3,500–$8,500 installed in Texas. Here's a breakdown by fuel type, size, efficiency, and brand.
Read more →How Much Does It Cost to Replace an AC Unit in Texas?
AC replacement costs $5,500–$13,000 in Texas depending on size, efficiency, and ductwork. Here's the real breakdown.
Read more →Heat Pump vs. AC: Which Makes More Sense for a Texas Home?
Heat pump vs. AC for a Texas home - which one wins? Here's the honest breakdown of cost, performance, and operating savings.
Read more →Sewer Line Replacement Cost: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026
Sewer line replacement costs $3,000–$15,000 depending on length, depth, and method. Here's the real breakdown by trenchless vs. excavation.
Read more →Best Water Heater Brands of 2026: A Plumber's Honest Recommendations
Best water heater brands for 2026 from a working Texas plumber. Which ones hold up in hard water, which warranties matter, and which to skip.
Read more →Is a Smart Thermostat Worth It in Texas? (Real Numbers)
Smart thermostats save 10–15% on Texas energy bills - but only in some homes. Here's the real ROI analysis.
Read more →How Long Does a Water Heater Last in Texas?
Tank water heaters last 8–12 years in Texas - less with hard water. Here are the warning signs, what affects lifespan, and when to plan replacement.
Read more →Water Heater Leaking from the Bottom: What It Means and What to Do
Water leaking from the bottom of your water heater? Here's what causes it, whether it can be fixed, and when you need to replace the tank.
Read more →PEX vs Copper Piping: Which Is Better for Your Home?
PEX costs less, installs faster, and resists freezing better than copper. But copper has a 70-year track record. Here's how to decide for your home.
Read more →Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
Furnace blowing but not heating? The cause is usually a dirty filter, failed ignitor, or carbon-coated flame sensor - most are straightforward fixes.
Read more →Why Is My Water Bill So High? 7 Common Causes
An unexplained spike in your water bill usually means a hidden leak or running toilet. Here are 7 common causes and how to track them down.
Read more →Why Is My Toilet Running? Causes and Fixes
A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. Most fixes cost under $10 and take 15 minutes - here's how to diagnose and fix yours.
Read more →Why Does My Drain Smell Bad? Common Causes
Drain odors usually trace back to a dry P-trap, biofilm buildup, or sewer gas intrusion. Here's how to diagnose the cause and eliminate the smell.
Read more →Water Heater Installation Cost in Texas (2026 Guide)
Tank water heaters cost $1,200–$2,000 installed while tankless runs $2,500–$5,000. Compare pricing by type, size, and fuel source for Texas homes.
Read more →How Much Does Leak Detection Cost?
Professional leak detection costs $200–$500 for standard detection and more for slab leaks. Learn what the process involves and when you need it.
Read more →How Much Does AC Repair Cost in Central Texas?
AC repair costs range from $150 for a capacitor to $12,000 for full system replacement. Here's what each common repair actually costs in our area.
Read more →How Much Does Drain Cleaning Cost?
From a basic drain snake to hydro jetting, here's what drain cleaning costs in Central Texas and how to know which method you actually need.
Read more →AC Not Turning On? Here's What to Check
AC completely dead? Walk through the most common causes - from tripped breakers to failed capacitors - before calling for service.
Read more →Water Heater Smells Like Gas? Here's What to Do
Smell gas near your water heater? Learn the common causes, immediate safety steps, and when to call a licensed plumber in Central Texas.
Read more →Water Softener vs. Water Filter: Which One Do You Need?
Central Texas has some of the hardest water in the state. Do you need a softener, a filter, or both? Here is how to decide.
Read more →Heat Pump vs. Furnace in Texas: Which Is Right for You?
Compare efficiency, cost, and performance of heat pumps and furnaces for Central Texas mild winters and rare freezes.
Read more →How to Winterize Your Plumbing in Texas
Protect your pipes from Texas freeze events with this step-by-step winterization guide covering insulation, drip tricks, and shut-off valves.
Read more →Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?
If your AC is running but not cooling, there are several common causes - some you can fix yourself, others that need a professional. Here's what to check before you call.
Read more →When Should You Turn On Your AC in Texas?
Late March to early April is typical - but what you do before the first run matters more than the date. Here is your pre-season checklist.
Read more →Preparing Your Home for a Texas Freeze
Complete plumbing and HVAC checklist to protect your Central Texas home before a winter freeze hits.
Read more →How Much Does Repiping a House Cost in Texas?
Whole-house repiping typically runs $4,000–$15,000 in Central Texas. Here's what drives the cost and how to know if it's time.
Read more →7 Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair
Multiple drains backing up, gurgling sounds, sewage smells - learn the 7 warning signs of sewer line damage and what to do about them.
Read more →How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
Central Texas hard water means annual flushing is essential. Learn why sediment buildup kills water heaters and how to prevent it.
Read more →5 Signs You Need a Water Heater Replacement
Most water heaters last 8–12 years. Here are the warning signs that yours is on its way out - and what to do before it floods your garage.
Read more →When to Replace Your Garbage Disposal
Constant resets, frequent jams, bottom leaks - here are the signs your garbage disposal is dying and what a replacement costs.
Read more →How to Prepare Your AC for Texas Summer
Texas summers push your AC to its limit. A little prep now can save you thousands in emergency repairs later. Here's a homeowner's checklist.
Read more →Low Water Pressure? Here's What to Check
Low water pressure can be anything from a simple valve issue to a hidden leak. Here's how to diagnose it and when to call a plumber.
Read more →Tankless vs Tank Water Heater - Which Is Right for You?
Tankless heaters save energy but cost more upfront. Tank heaters are affordable but take up space. Here's how to decide for your home.
Read more →Need Service Now?
Skip the research - call Kimco for a flat-rate quote and next-day service.