woman_wPlungerNo one like to have plumbing problems and they always seem to happen at the most inopportune times. Backed up toilets, clogged drains, broken shower, no hot water, no heat, no AC the list goes on and on.

We have listed some answers to some of the most asked question that we get. Call Platinum Home Services if you have any questions not listed here or if you would like us to come by and take a look at what ever plumbing, heating or cooling issue that you may have.

PLUMBING Q & A'S

How do I tell if my toilet has a leak?

toiletteWe recommend adding a small amount of food coloring to the tank, checking back in an hour or so. If the toilet bowl changed to the food coloring color than water is seeping through from the tank. If this is the case you will need to replace the tank ball.

What should I do if my garbage disposal stops working?

garbage-disposalTry the reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal, if this does not work then give Platinum Home Services a call to have a technician come out and take a look.

I have a major leak in my home, what should I do?

flood-womanYou should first shut off the water supply at your main shut off valve. If you can’t locate valve and are in an emergency situation you may turn off your water at the meter. Once water supply is shut off give Platinum Home Services a call to have a technician come out and repair the problem.

Where do I locate the shut off valve for the water supply?

water_valveTo find the shut off valve to your home locate the outside water line. The water line usually flows from the water meter to a location in your home. Knowing where the shut off valve is a good thing to know to prevent serious damages in case of a pipe burst or a major leak.

How do I keep my pipes from freezing in the winter?

frozen_pipesWhen the weather starts to get cold it would be best to shut off all outside faucets, disconnect any hoses, and drain the excess water. We also recommend wrapping the faucets with a dry cloth to insulate them from the cold.

There is white build up on my shower head and faucets, how can I get rid of this?

showerheadThe white buildup is mineral deposits, the best way to remove it is pouring vinegar in a plastic bag and putting the plastic bag over the shower head securing it with a twist tie. Let the vinegar soak the showerhead overnight and then take an old toothbrush and scrub off the white build up.

What causes my faucet to drip?

faucet_drippingIf your faucet is dripping it usually means the internal mechanisms need to be replaced or rebuilt, a very simple fix. When shutting off your faucets if you do it gently rather than forcefully it can extend the life of your washers.

My toilet won't stop running what should I do?

toilette_flushingYou can fix this by replacing the flapper and chain to the tank, if you are not comfortable doing this give Platinum Home Services a call to have a tech to the replacement for you.

What is a tankless water heater?

tankless_water_heaterA tankless water heater only heats the water as needed. You get an endless source of hot water, while saving money on energy costs by not continuously heating and reheating the same tank of water.

HEATING & COOLING Q & A’S

My system is not turning on, what should I do?

thermostatLeave the thermostat in the ”OFF” position, trying to run it could cause more damage to the system, then call Platinum Home Services and have a technician come out to perform a diagnostic to find out the problem.

Why is annual maintenance important for my cooling system?

couple_heatwaveReceiving annual maintenance on your cooling system ensures your system is performing at maximum efficiency, which in return affects your monthly utility bills. Annual maintenance also prevents any problems with the system turning into major expenses. Lastly, annual maintenance can help avoid major safety problems that could endanger your family and home.

Why is having a system with matching components so important?

heating_coolingThere are multiple reasons why having matching components are important. One reason is comfort, having all components properly sized to your home you can control how much cooling you need to be comfortable when it gets hot out. Another reason to have matching components is it gives you the best value for your utility dollar by providing the right amount of cooling.

In my home there are some rooms I do not use on a daily basis, should I close the registers and doors?

close_doorWe recommend not doing this it will decrease the systems’ efficiency as well as the air flow. Each system is made to cool a specific number of square feet. By shutting these rooms and registers off it disrupts the air flow and it causes the system to work harder to cool other areas in the home.

Is there anything I should check prior to calling Platinum Home Services for service?

breaker_boxCheck to be sure that the air conditioner or furnace is turned on. Check that the breakers are turned on and be sure the thermostat is set correctly. Also make a note of any strange noises or smells.

How Long Should a Residential Air Conditioning System Last?

ac_outsideMost new air conditioning systems should last for at least 10 years. You can get as many as 15 years out of the unit if you keep up with recommended cleaning and maintenance intervals.

What is a heat pump?

heat-pumpA heat pump is an all-in-one heating and air conditioning system that works year-round to keep you comfortable. During warmer months, a heat pump works as a normal air conditioner. It extracts heat from inside the home and transfers it to the outdoor air. In colder weather, however, the process reverses, the unit collects heat from the outdoor air and transferring it inside your home.

How Long Will My Heating System Last?

radiatorThe average home heating system should be expected to last at least 15 years. With proper care and maintenance, these systems can last upwards of 20 years. However, you may want to replace your current system with a more energy efficient one even if it’s only 10 years old.

How often should I replace my HVAC air filters?

filtersYour air filters should be replaced every one to three months depending on usage. This is vitally important to the performance of your HVAC systems and your indoor air quality.

Why is there a funny smell coming from my furnace when I first turn it on for the season?

boiler_flamesThe smell is normal the internal dust build-up that burns off the heating elements is what causes the odor. This is a major reason why it is important to change the filter.

My pilot light went out and I can't relight it. I followed the directions and can smell gas but can’t get it lit what should I do?

flames_boilerMake sure you are holding down the red pilot light button for at least a minute and then slowly releasing it, if this does not work please call Platinum Home Services to schedule a tech to come out and assist you.