Author: Platinum Team

The plumbing system in your home is one of the most commonly overlooked items during a maintenance check. We rely on the system to work no matter what, and seldom stop to think about how much it’s used and the subsequent wear and tear. Postponing routine servicing can result in costly repairs and hassle down the line. 

Active Leaks

One key tenant of an operational plumping system is whether or not it’s airtight. If there are any signs of leakage around the pipes and valves this denotes an issue. Leakage not only causes messes around the general vicinity- it can also contribute to corrosion and rust in the mechanics. You may notice that a leak can cause the system to run inefficiently or to stop working all together. Make sure to contact a professional to service this issue right away to prevent any future problems!

Water Heaters

As we approach cooler months, it’s important to check your heating systems to ensure it’s functioning properly. Part of this is accessing how heat is connected to the plumbing system. If there is any corrosion or other forms of damage - this can cause a problem with the water heater. You may notice your water is not heating as well as it did before, or that it’s not working at all. If you uncover an issue - the best course of action is to contact a licensed professional to get the job done. At Platinum Home Warranty - we will dispatch a technician to service the water heater correctly. 

Drain Maintenance

Another issue that could crop up is clogged drains, which if left unattended, can cause an overflow. This particular problem is usually very obvious and presents an inconvenience and sanitation concerns. If it’s a sink or shower drain - typically, the problem is caused by debris or hair build up and can be fixed with a drain snake or liquid drain cleaner. If you think the blockage is more developed and cannot be fixed with store-bought products, it’s best to contact a plumber. They will have the tools to remove the blockage quickly without damaging anything in the surrounding area. 

Corrosion

Due to frequency of use - many plumbing systems are prone to corrosion over time. This can present as a leak, rust, and other forms of build-up. When this happens, it makes the system malfunction and can also allow for dangerous metals and other chemicals to get into your water supply. Severe corrosion can affect ease of use and even stall the entire system. Check the pipes and valves on a regular basis and make sure there isn’t any noticeable damage. Even if you do not notice anything externally, there could be corrosion within the system - in this case it’s always best to reach out to a service technician. 

Nowadays, it seems like the pace of the world is faster than ever and there is never enough time. With personal projects, work, family and time for yourself - sometimes taking care of your home is put on the backburner. Small maintenance chores are an important aspect of ambience and comfort. When these tasks go unattended- it’s pretty easy for things to pile up, resulting in an untidy and cluttered home. At Platinum Home Warranty, we believe that a clean and organized property is the first step toward a streamlined life. Here are some tips on how to make sure your living space is well-kept.

Clean up at night

Tasks can feel daunting when they are left to worsen over time - and the pile of clutter becomes insurmountable. Luckily, a small amount of effort per night can have a drastic effect on your to-do list. Rather than dedicating a free Saturday afternoon to organizing your home - address it in small pieces instead. Set a timer for 10 minutes and do as much as you can in that window of time. Organize one specific part of the house, for example - the kitchen or living room only. If you’d like to branch out from a particular area, try to go through several rooms and do as much as you can before time is up. Now, you can retire for the night knowing that you got something done!

Repair or Discard

Believe it or not, machinery that is in disrepair can add to general disarray. Faulty heating and cooling systems, damaged windows and glass, or unsanitary pools, are issues that decrease the aesthetic value of your home. We pride ourselves on offering a quick and easy solution to a variety of repairs. By requesting a service through our concierge system you will be matched with an expert who is the best for the job. If the item in question is nearly impossible to salvage or hazardous to your health/environment, a best practice is to dispose of it just in case.

Five Items Per Week

After years of shopping, collecting and decorating your home - you might look up and wonder how things got out of control! It’s easy to keep items that are unnecessary or otherwise cumbersome. When attempting to purge, many feel like it’s impossible to let go. Make it easier by trying the five-item rule: each week, discard or donate five items, no matter the size. A pen, a pile of magazines, a worn out pair of shoes - they all count! Over time, you will see your clutter decrease without feeling like you gave away something precious. If you can’t part with five - try three: a little goes a long way! 

Revisit Storage Areas

Organizing and storing your belongings helps to decrease clutter. Although you may have put items into containers, or moved appliances into a more suitable spot - this is a task that always needs to be revisited. More specifically, the garage is notorious for becoming the epitome of chaos; this area experiences high-volume use, and contains many important household items. Prioritize sorting the garage every six months to ensure that everything is in order. If you find issues that surpass general clutter such as a broken door/misalignment, a faulty remote timing system or issues with wiring - we can help. Schedule a service appointment to keep your garage functional, clean and well-lit. 

Utilizing these organizational tips and consulting us for larger projects, guarantees that your home will stay in great shape. We’ve got the solution to a variety of maintenance and repair issues - and all of the resources you need are a call away! Once you streamline your space, it frees up time for enjoyable home improvement projects that will continue to add value and comfort any property].

As the weather shifts and temperatures continue to drop - our homes are affected almost as much as we are! Properties need maintenance when the cooler months approach - it’s important to prepare your home in advance to avoid hassle. By weather-proofing your space you can ensure that your house is safe and maintained from the inside out. Here are some things to keep in mind during the changing seasons.

Storm Season

Depending on where you live - storm windows may be essential. You can also consider them if you’re concerned about damage due to heavy rains or snow during those one-off seasonal storms. It’s important to know how to install them properly to protect your home from potential incidents. Most people are no experts in assessment and installation of this type of window treatment. If you’re unsure - you could ruin the surrounding base and add costs in the long run. At Platinum Home Warranty - we dispatch a technician who can help get the job done.

Check the Doors

When it gets cooler during the end of the year - it’s surprising how many tiny facets of your home can help or hurt the temperature. Something as minute as a faulty vent or old thermostat system can alter the level of comfort in the home and make you miserable! One thing to note is whether or not there is a draft coming from certain doors around the house. Depending on the age and layout of the space, this issue can present itself as air circulates. Consider purchasing a door draft stopper to prevent excess cold air from getting through!

Insulation Helps

Weatherproofing the home can mean addressing many different regions within the space. This includes areas that you may not think affect anything such as the basement or attic. There is a  constant source of air flow that circulates throughout these areas and can contribute to overall comfort and air quality. By insulating the area with proper materials to stop the flow of incoming or exiting air - you get a better handle on internal temperature as well as HVAC costs! If you need assistance with this process - don’t hesitate to contact us! We work with experts who understand the nuances of this preventative measure!

Consider the Paint

A property that is painted correctly can actually help ward off various weather conditions. It keeps the external material of your home sturdy and helps slow wear and tear. Environmental temperature changes - whether its extreme heat to cold or vice versa - can wreak havoc on the paint. The surface of your home can expand, peel and erode. This leaves potential for cracks to form, and moisture to collect in unwanted areas; mold, mildew and other damage can occur when this happens. Make sure to check your home regularly and access whether the paint needs a touch-up.

When you least expect it, you will run into a home repair issue: a faulty appliance, clogged duct systems, or worn-out pool components. Sometimes the problem is much bigger, such as damage from a natural disaster. When considering ways to protect your home, it’s important to know the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance — each serves a very different purpose. Here’s how to differentiate the two.

Home Warranty

A service contract for common repair or replacement issues in the home due to normal wear and tear, often available at differing levels of coverage.

• Household appliances 
• HVAC units
• Water heaters
• Garbage disposals
• Electrical
• Plumbing 
• Pool equipment

A home warranty’s range of coverage addresses many common fixes. It’s not just about a replacement — if you’re in a situation where an appliance or system needs maintenance, a warranty is very beneficial to have in place.

Homeowners Insurance

This type of insurance safeguards the homeowner against major damage and personal liability:

• Weather damage
• Natural disasters
• Fire
• Theft
• Loss or damage of personal property 
• Personal injury

If you have taken out a mortgage on your property, chances are your lender will require you to have homeowners insurance — homeowners insurance protects their interest as well as yours. Yearly premiums for homeowners insurance are higher than a home warranty premium as the insuring company is taking on more risk.

For any additional questions or more information about our Platinum Home Warranty plans and pricing, contact us today!

This post is part of our Gratitude series, which reminds us to celebrate the ordinary things as we navigate life at home.

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Today we’re grateful for… the roof over our heads.

This time of year things get a little stormy out there. Monsoon madness delivers dusty air, gusts of wind, doses of extreme heat and often a few raindrops too. A roof offers the physical protection we need from all of those elements. We can sit safely in our homes, glance out the window and be filled with a bit of fascination about what’s going on out there.

When you think about it, roofs offer us a bit of mental and emotional security too. Things can get a little crazy in our jobs, activities, relationships. (Can we get an amen?!) Having a place to inhabit and return to again and again can ground us. Amidst the everyday ebbs and flows, we’re quite grateful for that roof over our heads. In all of its simplicity, it reminds us that shelter can be found, even amidst life’s storms.

This post is part of our Gratitude series, which reminds us to celebrate the ordinary things as we navigate life at home.

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Home is…
That messy kitchen.
If your eyes glaze over at the thought of cleaning, you’re in good company.  If you generally try to race through those incredibly draining and oh-so-undesirable tasks as quickly as possible, you’re not alone.
Buy, you know… the dishes don’t clean themselves… not even with assistance from the dishwasher, apparently. (Yes, we do have a bit of a grudge against that dishwasher.  See our last post.)  And the laundry and dusting? They typically need our hands on deck too.
So, given that the cleaning isn’t going away anytime soon, lets try out a different approach. What if we could actually create some sort of way to derive a smidge of pleasure from those tasks?  Yeah, we know.  Sounds a bit like blasphemy.  But, bear with us for a moment or two.
What do we love? Some good tunes.  Norah Jones. Joni Mitchell. The Black Jets.  The Rolling Stones (Are you judging our music tastes, right now? It’s okay. We’d do the same.)
Anyhow, the tunes are up to you.  Pick your own favorites.  Then, next time you embark on that beautiful journey of cleaning the toilet, bring a little music with you.  And, while you’re at it – don’t race.  Take your time.  Sing along.  Dance a jig. (Preferably put the toilet brush down for a moment, though.  We take no responsibility for any wayward toilet bowl cleaner that gets flung outside the bowl.)
For goodness sake, whatever cleaning task you need to tackle next – choose to love that task.  You’re going to do it anyway.  You might as well join us in finding a way to experience a little joy on the journey.
Then, let us know — how did it go?  The tunes and dancing are just a start.  We’d love to hear your creative approaches to making your glamorous chores a bit more enlivening. 
Warmly,
The Platinum Team
PS — If someone captures some photos of this action, we want to see them.  Email them our way —[email protected]
 

\Everyone has a toilet and, in general day to day life, most people probably do not give its existence much thought.  Beyond everyday use and cleaning, the toilet is not exactly the most thrilling feature in a home.  But, when a toilet breaks, you will certainly take notice.  Usually, a toilet can simply be repaired but if it cannot be repaired and must be replaced, it can be costly to replace.  If you are handy or just curious about how a toilet is replaced, follow the steps below to replace a toilet in your home.
 
Step 1:  Measure - Measure the area where your new toilet will be installed to ensure that you have enough room so that you can purchase the right toilet for the space.
Step 2:  Prepare the Area - Set up the area around the toilet with newspaper and towels.  A toilet can be surprisingly heavy and when you go to lift it, move it and set it down, the last thing you want to have happen is for it to slip and you drop it and damage the surrounding flooring.
Step 3:  Turn Off the Water & Drain the Toilet - Be sure to turn off the water supply valve to the toilet.  Once you have done this, flush and drain the remaining water in the bowl of the toilet.  Soak up any remaining water with a sponge.
Step 4:  Disconnect the Tank - If the tank is bolted to the wall, you need to disconnect the tank from the wall before trying to remove it.
Step 5:  Disconnect the Toilet - Next, unscrew the nuts (usually under caps) that connect the base of the toilet to the ground.  Also, unscrew the nuts that connect the toilet to the water supply line.
Step 6:  Loosen the Toilet - Using a utility knife, go around the entire base of the toilet and score the area between the toilet and the ground.    Now, you will be able to carefully lift the toilet up and place it on the towels you have set aside for this purpose.
Step 7:  Prepare to Install the New Toilet - Plug the drain hole with a rag to prevent gases from leaking into the room and to also prevent any tools from falling in.  Scrape the old putty away from the area around the drain hole.  Once you have a clean, level surface, place a new wax ring on the base of your new toilet.
Step 8:  Place New Toilet - Home Depot explains how to precisely place your new toilet to prevent damage, "Now you’re ready to place the toilet bowl onto the flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the bolts in the flange. If it helps, you can hold the bowl by the inside rim instead of the outer edges to get a better grip and more control as you lower it.  Then, you’ll press down to set the seal.  Be really careful not to move or tilt the toilet after setting wax seal on the flange – because you could break the seal which might result in future leaks."
Step 9:  Replace the Tank - Once you have secured the toilet to the ground with bolts, you can replace the tank on the toilet and attach it to the bowl by securing the nuts and washers.
Step 10:  Reconnect the Water Supply Line - Connect the water supply line to the water tank.  Test out the flushing mechanism to ensure that it works properly.  If needed, install the toilet seat now as well.  If all appears to be working correctly, congratulations, you have correctly replaced your old toilet with a new one!

Refrigerators are wonderful appliances that we all rely on and use each day.  Just think of how many times you are someone in your family goes in your refrigerator each day.  Taking food out, putting food in, it is bound to get messy occasionally.  Nobody really looks forward to cleaning their refrigerator, but, it is necessary.  Refrigerators are a big investment and, like any other appliance, need to be properly cleaned and maintained, regularly, to continue to run properly and to prolong the life of the appliance.
The first step to properly cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator is to clean up any spills or messes right away.  The longer you let them sit, the harder they become to clean.  When spills and messes do happen, remove the shelves or racks and wash them with mild soap and warm water.  There is no reason to use harsh chemical cleaners to clean your refrigerator.  When you need to clean the interior of your refrigerator, simply make a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and one gallon of water.  Pour the solution into a spray bottle and clean out the interior of your refrigerator with this all-natural, but very effective cleaning solution.  Once you have cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator and the shelves, you are ready to reload your refrigerator and organize it appropriately according to manufacturer recommendations.  Going forward, make it a habit to remove any expired or old items that you will no longer be using, before adding in new food.  This will prevent things from getting lost in the refrigerator and turning into gross, smelly inhabitants.
Next, you will want to clean the door seals with warm, soapy water and then dry them so they continue to function properly and keep the cold air in the refrigerator.  To prevent odors in the future, keep a box of baking soda, marked with the date, in your refrigerator and replace according to the directions on the box.  The baking soda will absorb odors and prevent the odors from permeating your food.  Two to four times each year, pull out the refrigerator and vacuum the coils to prevent dust and debris from accumulating and negatively affecting the performance of your refrigerator.  When your refrigerator runs efficiently, it will help save money on energy bills each month.  Lastly, if your refrigerator has a water filter, be sure to replace the water filter according to manufacturer recommendations.  Letting your water filter go past the recommended date will not only result in water that has not been properly filtered but that may also have additional concerns and should not be consumed.
When you properly clean and maintain your refrigerator, you and your guests will enjoy opening the doors and seeing food and beverages in a clean environment and you will also extend the life of your refrigerator.

Dishwashers are one of those conveniences we have gotten so used to we hardly think about them anymore.  They are common in most households and used so frequently that we just assume they will always be there for us when we need them.  But, just like any other appliances, dishwashers need regular cleaning and maintenance to not only continue to function normally, but to extend the life of the dishwasher.  There are simple steps you can take each day, coupled with regular cleaning and maintenance, which will prolong the life of the dishwasher and ensure it continues to clean your dishes effectively and efficiently.
The first step you can take to help your dishwasher run as best as possible, is to load it correctly.  This may seem simple, but are you really sure you are correctly loading your dishwasher?  Break out your owner's manual and read the instructions so that you know the manufacturer’s recommendation on how to best load your dishwasher.  It is important that you do not overload your dishwasher.  Just because you can cram one more dish in, does not necessarily mean that you should.  It may seem like overloading your dishwasher will save you money because you will not have to run your dishwasher twice, but, in reality, you will not be saving much or anything.  When a dishwasher is overloaded, it blocks the sprayers and prevents the dishes from getting properly cleaned.  This may necessitate another washing, which eliminates any perceived savings by overcrowding.
While you certainly do not need to clean your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, they should be properly scraped off.  Nobody wants to wash their dishes before running the dishwasher, but if you leave too much food on the plate, you can clog up your dishwasher and create major problems.  In addition to loading your dishes properly, there is some regular maintenance that will help your dishwasher run effectively and prevent damage from occurring.  It may seem counter intuitive to clean your dishwasher, but it is actually very important.  By pouring one cup of vinegar in the bottom of your dishwasher and running it on a normal cycle, it will help loosen food particles and clean the inside of your dishwasher so it looks and smells nice.
Next, if you have always wondered where the food particles go once the dishwasher cleans your dishes, there is actually a trap that helps collect food particles.  The food trap should be removed and cleaned out every so often to ensure that dishes actually come out clean after being washed.  Also, just like a shower head can become clogged, so can the sprayer in a dishwasher.
DIY Network explains how to maintain your dishwasher sprayers, "The sprayer arms work by spinning to help ensure that sprayed water reaches all of the dish surfaces in both the top and bottom racks of the dishwasher. Water sprays out of the device by means of small holes placed at regular intervals along the arms. Eventually these holes can become clogged with debris particles or dried soap. To help ensure that your dishes get their cleanest, clean out the holes in the spray arms periodically. Soak the arm in a solution of vinegar and water, and use an ordinary pipe-cleaner to clean the holes."
When you regularly clean and maintain your dishwasher, you can prevent damage from occurring, keep your dishes sparkling clean, and prolong the life of your dishwasher so that it will be there for you for years to come.