Most of us are familiar with Murphy’s Law. Ole Murphy likes to burst onto the scene at the worst possible moment. When it comes to replacing and purchasing your home’s comfort systems – like your heater, air conditioner and water heater – you don’t want to be taken by surprise! The good news is that you don’t have to be. … Read More
5 Tips for a Safe Holiday Light Set-Up
It’s officially that time of year again! We’re in full swing of the holiday season, which means that people across New Mexico will brave ladders to hang their festive lights for the whole neighborhood to see. Before you begin, it’s important to know all the safety precautions you should take in order to protect your family and home against some … Read More
Top 5 Shower Remodels
If you are thinking about updating your shower, you have tons of options! Recent bathroom trends are elegant and functional. Whether you prefer vintage, modern, minimalist or classic designs, there is something out there for you.
How Do I Know I Have a Carbon Monoxide Leak
Every day, we are exposed to carbon monoxide (CO), a gas commonly found in the air inside and outside of our homes. Though harmless at outdoor levels, carbon monoxide becomes deadly when it builds up! According to the CDC, over 400 people in the United States die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. There are two basic ways to tell … Read More
What You Need to Know Before Buying a House
Buying a new home is a big commitment! It requires a lot of thought and attention to detail. Many aspiring homeowners think about finances, insurance, curb appeal, neighborhoods, school districts and house size. But what about all of the behind-the-scenes systems and equipment that keep a home running?
How do I know if I need leak detection services?
A water leak in your home can be expensive and frustrating. Leaks can cause water damage and unusually high water bills. Don’t worry, TLC’s licensed plumbers are experts at locating and repairing water leaks. But how do you know you need a leak locator? Common Signs you may have a water leak Unusually high water bills The most common reason … Read More
How can Preventive Maintenance Save You Money?
How Can TLC’s Preventive Maintenance Agreement Save You Money? It is easy to take our home’s plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems for granted until something breaks. Even though they take the backstage, your comfort, functionality and even safety relies on them. Plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling emergencies can be costly, inconvenient and, on occasion, dangerous. How can you avoid … Read More
5 Common Home Electrical Problems
Electrical issues can be frustrating and sometimes hazardous. Here are the top 5 electrical problems our electricians see. Top 5 Common Electrical Problems 1. Electrical outlets in the kitchen and bathroom are not working Most homes these days are equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupts, or GFCI for short, in the kitchen and bathroom. These are specialized outlets that detect … Read More
Why is my toilet always clogged?
A clogged toilet happens to everyone on occasion, but if it happens to you all the time, you may need to set the plunger aside and look for the root problem. There are many things that can cause your toilet to clog frequently. Here are 8 common reasons your toilet is always backed up: 8 Common Reasons your Toilet Keeps … Read More
8 Remodel Ideas to Freshen Up Your Home
Many homeowners would agree that a remodeled room or house feels fresh and new! It is exciting to make your space more functional and dynamic. But what if you aren’t prepared to go all Chip and Joanna Gaines on your house? A fresh look doesn’t have to mean demolition and thousands of dollars. Here are 8 ideas that can give … Read More
What are drain cleanouts and why do you need them?
Many things can clog drains in your home. Roots, feminine hygiene products and even toys can make their way down the drain and cause a backup. Clearing the drain is easier for a plumber if your home has drain cleanouts. What is a drain cleanout? A drain cleanout provides access to your main sewer line and is located outside of … Read More
The 5 Steps to Creating the Perfect Man Cave or She Shed
Have you ever wished for a place you could call your own? Man caves and she sheds are popular ways to give men and women the freedom to rule their own little section of home. Whatever style your hideaway is, these five tips can help you design a space that is uniquely you. 1. Choose a location for your personal … Read More
What’s the Cost of Comfort?
If you are struggling to stay cool with your swamp cooler, you may be thinking about converting to refrigerated air. Refrigerated air takes your family’s comfort to a whole new level by cooling your home to a set temperature and eliminating humidity. But what is the cost of comfort? There is no single answer for the question of refrigerated air … Read More
How to Clean Swamp Cooler Pads
If you have a Mastercool or Aerocool, cleaning your swamp cooler pads is something that should be done on an annual basis. It is best to do this when you first turn on your swamp cooler for the year. Cleaning your pads is a fairly simple process that can make a big difference. If you find that your swamp cooler … Read More
Difference between an Attic Fan and Whole House Fan?
Attic Fan vs Whole House Fan If your home has an attic, you are probably aware of how hot it gets in the summer. Attics have been known to reach temperatures as high as 130 degrees! Because heat rises it becomes trapped in the attic and without proper ventilation, the heat has nowhere to go. It’s like having an oven … Read More
Top 10 Trendy Outdoor Space Upgrades for 2018
Outdoor space upgrades are popular and trendy this year! From furniture to architecture, the family outdoor living space is becoming more comfortable and inviting. What is actually “in”, though? Check out the top 10 trending outdoor living space trends for 2018. Top 10 Outdoor Space Trends for 2018 1. Outdoor Rooms Outdoor rooms are rocking the backyard this summer. The … Read More
How Do I Save Money on my Water Bill?
Summer usually means an increase in your water bill. Much of this is normal based on outdoor watering, running the swamp cooler and playing in the water with the kids. Here are the five top ways you can save money on your water bill without limiting your summer fun! 1. Have a plumber check for leaks One of the biggest … Read More
How much does a tankless water heater cost?
Tankless water heaters are typically more expensive to install than standard water heaters. The cost difference is due to the process to convert from tank to tankless. Replacing tank water heaters is not difficult but does require a bit more work to retrofit. Time to install A Tankless water heater will take anywhere from 6-10 hours to install depending on the specific requirements and … Read More
Why does my water heater smell?
Wondering why your hot water smells like rotten eggs? The most common odor problem from water heaters is a rotten egg smell that comes out of your faucets and fixtures when running water. This smell is typically caused by sulfate bacteria that can develop within the tank. This issue usually happens when warm water is left too long in the … Read More
Why You Need to Change Your Home’s Air Filter
When was the last time you changed the air filter in your home’s central heating and air conditioning system? Has it been a few months? If it has been longer than that, or you don’t even remember, you need to change it. You may be wondering: Why do I need to change my home’s air filter? What’s the big deal … Read More
What is the Problem with Hard Water?
What Is the Problem With Hard Water? If you are a homeowner in New Mexico, you have probably heard about hard water and how it effects your appliances, plumbing, and fixtures. But what exactly are you up against with hard water? Who has hard water? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is “everybody”. Almost all of the water in New … Read More
Viante New Mexico – A Vision for New Mexico
TLC’s purpose has always been to improve the quality of life for our employees and the community. We have spent the last 30 years focusing on providing an excellent work environment so our employees can focus on quality customer service while also providing for their families. Our commitment to giving our employees the resources and continuing education opportunities have transformed … Read More
How to Remove Hard Water Stains
Did you know that 95% of homes in New Mexico have hard water? Our soil is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron, which seeps into the ground water. This mineral rich water is known as “hard”, and it is the water that each of us uses every day. When hard water enters your home, the minerals stick … Read More
Why You Should Get Your Air Ducts In Your Home Cleaned
Most homeowners have no idea what goes on inside their home’s air vents. The fact is they can be littered with years of accumulated dirt, debris and allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander and even mold. Chances are you’ve never had your vents cleaned – it’s just one of those things that’s out of sight and out of mind. With … Read More
How Much Does a Water Heater Cost?
Cost is one of those questions that everyone has on their mind when making a large purchase – and rightfully so! It tends to be a balance between budget, functionality and fitting your family’s needs. When your water heater breaks, you typically have to make a buying decision quickly because no one wants to go without hot water. We want … Read More
What is a Hot Water Recirculating Pump?
Have you ever wondered why your hot water faucet gives you cold water when you first turn it on? Depending on the size of your home, you may wait a few seconds or even minutes for hot water. This is not only inconvenient, but wastes a lot of water. The distance hot water needs to travel is the reason cold … Read More
What Size Hot Water Tank Do I Need?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heaters consume 14%-25% of a home’s annual energy usage. So when it’s time to install a new hot water heater, it’s important to choose the right size for your home and family’s needs. If you get one that’s too big, then you’ll have a higher water and energy bill due to the … Read More
What is an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) System?
You probably have insurance on your house, your car, your health, your spouse, and maybe even your pets. But what do you have to protect your heating and cooling system? Did you know that poor indoor air quality can affect your furnace and air conditioner? Indoor air can contain particles that damage heating and cooling and even your health. Nature … Read More
How Does a Water Heater Work?
Being a knowledgeable homeowner empowers you to make informed decisions about your home, so it’s important to know the basics about how your water heater works. Knowing even just a few key things about your water heater will help keep it running well and can help you know how to troubleshoot or when it’s time to call a plumber. A … Read More
Bathroom Remodel
As we move into 2018 and approach the Spring months, one of the big activities is to plan what to do to your home in the new year. Your plans could include new landscaping, painting a couple rooms, or even major renovations. If you’ve owned your home for some time or are considering selling it soon you may want to … Read More
TLC Gives Back to Community
TLC Partners with Winair and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Properties to Give Back to the Community ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – (March 8, 2016) – TLC Plumbing & Utility recently donated their time and expertise by helping to install several new appliances in a home that’s being flipped by Dan Rowe, of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. All of the profits from … Read More
Why You Should Call a Professional to Install Your Water Heater
If you’re considering installing a new water heater yourself, you may want to reconsider after you’ve been able to evaluate all of the risks. It’s not a simple project, and the consequences of making mistakes are serious. Just like you probably wouldn’t represent yourself in court or be your own doctor, you shouldn’t install for your own water heater either. … Read More
What You May Not Know About Drain Cleaners
While liquid drain cleaners can be a quick and easy fix for slow or clogged drains, the problem is that it’s only a temporary solution and the problem tends to return. Below we offer some guidance to help you solve your drain problems.
How to know if your toilet is leaking
Finding out if your toilet is leaking can be tricky. Leaks will often go unnoticed until you get hit with an unusually high water bill. A toilet leak causes water to trickle endlessly down the toilet bowl. This not only wastes water, but over time will significantly increase your water bill. The good news is that checking for a leak … Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Your Furnace
Being a knowledgeable homeowner empowers you to make informed decisions about your home, so it’s important to know the basics about your furnace. According to energy.gov, “heating is the largest expense in the average U.S home, accounting for about 45% of energy [costs].” Knowing more about your furnace will help keep your furnace running well, saving you time and money. … Read More
Electrical Fire Safety Tips
If you are still reeling from this week’s episode of This Is Us, you’re not alone. **SPOILER ALERT** if you are not caught up on this this week’s episode (1/22/18), do not finish reading this. There has been such strong response by fans that the Crock Pot brand has setup a twitter account to answer fans concerns and questions and … Read More
How to Prevent a Frozen Outdoor Faucet
Winterizing your outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bib or water spigot, is a simple project. If it’s not done correctly, the consequences could be serious. A frozen outdoor faucet can cause serious water damage to your home and property. Luckily it is easy to prevent a frozen faucet if you follow these tips. Why Do I Need to … Read More
Top 11 Heating Problems
The cold weather probably has you thinking about your heater and it’s important to keep your home warm for you and your family. Sometimes, your furnace has a hiccup and doesn’t work quite like it’s supposed to. We’ve compiled a list with 11 of the most common heating problems that homeowners experience. There are some things to look out for … Read More
TLC Earns Recognition as New Mexico Family-Friendly Workplace
TLC Earns Recognition as New Mexico Family-Friendly Workplace (ALBUQUERQUE) – TLC earned a distinction for its workplace policies by Family Friendly New Mexico, a statewide project developed to recognize companies that have adopted policies that give New Mexico businesses an edge in recruiting and retaining the best employees. “TLC has made it a priority to make sure we’re creating a … Read More
When To Replace Your Water Heater
As a homeowner you know that like any appliance, water heaters break down over time and need to be replaced. Replacing your water heater tank before it’s a problem will help saves you time, money and frustrations. Waiting too long can lead to bigger problems like leaks and water damage to your home. So how do you know when it’s … Read More