Useful Tips:

How to KEEP unwanted WATER OUT OF YOUR HOME! by Lenny at CC Repair & Installation

Washing Machine Hoses. While a neighbor on Back Bay Lane was away from his home for only six hours, a 12 year old washing machine hose burst flooding his home. Although insurance paid for the damages the family was disrupted for many months during repairs. To prevent a flood, replace your washing machine hoses at least every 5 years. Buy the steel reinforced variety or other high quality hoses that are designed to withstand constant pressure! If you do not know when they were replaced, do it now! While I am here, I will replace the hoses and clean your water inlet screens for $50 including the hoses.

AIR CONDITIONING Locate your primary air conditioning condensation drain line(s) in your indoor units. These are white plastic pipes with an opening at the top. You should find them on the inside (evaporator) unit in a closet or in the attic. You should discover that they drain in an upstairs bathroom drain or on the exterior of the house. Also locate the secondary drain lines. Pour a cup of bleach down the opening of the primary drain line every 6 months to keep away the algae and other stuff that could plug this line.

MAIN WATER CUTOFF Know where the main water cutoff valve is located. If the house will be vacant for an extended period, shut off the main water valve and put your water heater(s) in the vacation mode, or turn them off.

Do you need a little advice on gardening in the Hill Country?
The following are links to a several local resources.

Its A Jungle Austin Planet Nursery with local classes.

The Natural Gardener for tips and classes

Austin Cactus and Succulent Society For information about growing Cactus in the Austin Area

The Garden Club of Austin for more gardening info

Native Plant Society of Texas Austin Chapter for native plant Information

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center The Center’s gardens display the native plants of the Central Texas Hill Country.