Remove Hard Water Buildup- FAST!

Hard water. We hate it, you hate it, and so do your faucets and shower heads! But for many of us who don’t have water softeners, or live in parts of the country where well water is a way of life, build up is unavoidable. Even with a water softener or filter, deposits will absolutely build up over time.

Getting sprayed in the eye by a clogged showerhead is not the best way to start the day. Luckily, removing magnesium and calcium buildup is as easy as 1, 2, 3 and as inexpensive as can be. Instead of requesting service from Freedom Home Warranty for insufficient water pressure, try this quick tips to get your faucets back to full power!

White vinegar is a godsend when it comes to DIY home cleaning. This acidic agent has a chemical reaction to the compounds in magnesium and calcium, and even manganese, brass, iron or copper. For chrome faucets, shower heads and even your coffee maker, use vinegar to fight the scum. But a word from the wise, DO NOT use undiluted vinegar on nickel or iron fixtures as it is abrasive and may break down the metal. Dilute the vinegar ratio 1:4 with water and apply on a very small area as a test.

Remove hard water buildup with vinegar! It is easy and inexpensive to ensure water pressure.

How It’s Done:

Remove the shower head and faucet aerators periodically and place in a bucket or basin and pour enough vinegar to cover them completely. You’ll see the chemical reaction working, with little bubbles greeting the surface and cleaning the deposits. Soak overnight or for at least half an hour if you need to speed the process. Use an old, soft toothbrush to give a gentle scrub or a toothpick to remove any remaining buildup.

In an even bigger hurry? Heat up the vinegar on your stove so it is hot but not boiling, and then place the faucet head in the vinegar. The heat speeds up the chemical reaction and your faucets will be good as new.

Can’t be bothered with removing your shower head or faucet? Use a plastic bag and a rubber band to secure the vinegar-filled baggie around the shower head for soaking.

You Can Choose Your Own Contractor

A home warranty is designed to save homeowners from the extra costs of home ownership, by protecting the home owner from paying the full cost of repairing appliances and systems in the home. But did you know that not all home warranty companies are built the same? Freedom Home Warranty is one of the few companies that gives you the freedom to choose your own plumber, electrician or appliance repair person, but other home warranty companies want you to use their professionals. Why does it matter? As long as the contractor is licensed, insured and will work with us, Freedom Home Warranty lets you pick who gets the job done.

We understand many people have built relationships with their preferred service contractor, and we are one of the few home warranty companies that allow you to choose your own! When a covered system or appliance breaks down, as you request service you have the option to use your own qualified service contractor. If you don’t have a preference, we will assist you by providing a qualified service contractor. We guarantee you will receive the best possible service for your home repair needs.

While we do have an excellent network of pre-screened, qualified, contractors; we do accept applications for new companies and individuals who want to join our network. Our goal is to reward quality work, responsiveness, professionalism, and cost-effectiveness. If you know of a contractor, or you are one yourself and would like to join our network, fill out this contractor application today!

choose freedom — Freedom To Choose Your Own Contractor, only from Freedom Home Warranty!

How A Home Warranty Saves You on Repairs

With a home warranty plan from Freedom Home Warranty, the cost of your plan ranges, but a service call fee will always be $65. When it comes to repairs, you usually only need to pay the service call fee for covered items. Without the protection a home warranty provides, you’d have to work with a contractor on your own and pay for the trip fee, diagnosis, labor, parts and sometimes removal. This can add up to hundred or even thousands of dollars.

Even if you know the contractor personally and they cut you a deal on the service, it is more money-wise to go through Freedom Home Warranty for that reason. Freedom Home Warranty doesn’t reimburse on repairs made without approval, so call us first, or request service through our website. Enjoy the convenience of using someone you know, but leave the scheduling, stress and costly bills to us.

Remember, Freedom Home Warranty is Here To Protect You!

Increase Home Value, and Get a Return on Your Greatest Investment

Even if you’re not in the mindset to sell your home, investing in your greatest asset can help you capitalize on its value and gain equity. Home value improvements don’t have to break the bank, and these simple tips from Freedom Home Warranty will increase your home value, whether you sell your home or not. Focus on one space at a time, and address the basics.

Upgrade made on an impulse can seriously backfire, so take the time to write down what your biggest upgrades are. If you do plan on selling, get with a Realtor and make a selling plan, eliminating big or impulsive upgrades.

Take Care of Maintenance First

Before even considering a remodel project big or small, focus on what needs repaired and inspected. Houses that get attention are in tip-top shape. That being said, you can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. Hire an inspector or contractor to come check out the areas of your home you might have overlooked. Insulating the attic, inspecting the septic system and furnace, and finding that hidden water leak are small problems that can cost more in the future. This also extends to maintaining your appliances, especially important if you have a home warranty. Although Freedom Home Warranty is here to protect you, you must maintain your appliances so that if they don’t work, Freedom can help with the issues.

home vlaue image — Home value improvements don’t have to break the bank, and these simple tip will increase your home value, whether you sell your home or not. Focus on one space at a time, and address the basics.

Start Underfoot

Flooring is so important, that even a simple upgrade like adding an accent rug can really pull the room together. Cleaning your carpets and spending the money to hire a professional can really pay off if replacing existing carpets isn’t part of the upgrade plan. Eliminate squeaky spots with a few well-placed nails, and repair tiles that have cracked over time. For a more expensive return on your investment, consider upgrading from carpet to engineered hardwood flooring. Hard-surface floors are appealing for more than one reason, they are easier to clean and give your home an updated look.

Brighten Your Space

How old is the ceiling fan in the master bedroom? Is it wobbly or an outdated finish? Upgrading your lighting fixtures is the quickest way to transform the light in any space. Start with the bedrooms and bathroom, then move on to the kitchen for maximum return. While we’re on the subject of fixtures, simple hardware updates can take years off your home. Replace old faucets, doors or door knobs, ceiling fans and even exterior porch light fixtures. Lighting doesn’t stop with the inside of your home, adding welcoming lanterns to your driveway edges, brightening your patio with fresh planters, or taking down holiday lights adds curb appeal and brightens your entire property.

Kitchens are No. 1

Simple upgrades like paint and updating the backsplash are easy DIY projects that can take a Saturday and Sunday and cost less than $200. Doing a mini-remodel instead of knocking down walls will make you appreciate what you are capable of doing on a small budget and doing it yourself adds value as well. Home improvement stores and even sources like Pinterest teach you how it’s done. Visit our Pinterest page for inspiration! Have you considered upgrading your sink? There’s so much appeal in a sink that can also convert to a functioning workspace. Consider installing a new sink that comes with built-in accessories like cutting boards, dish racks and colanders.