How to Install a Washing Machine

1. Connect the Standpipe

  • Install a sandpipe to a P-trap connected to the drainage and vent system. The sandpipe must have a greater diameter than the hose, and the top should be above the washer’s water level to prevent overflow.

2. Hook up the Water Supply Hose

  • Connect the hot and cold water lines using water-pump pliers. Turn on the water valves.

3. Level the Washing Machine 

  • Once the machine is in place, you’ll want to make sure it’s seated securely on the floor and is perfectly level to keep it from “walking” and banding loudly while you’re doing the wash. 

4. Plugin the Electrical Cord

  • Be sure to plug in the electrical cord into the socket (they are typically installed directly behind the washer on the back wall.) Ensure all functions work.

5. Test Run the Machine

  • Once your washer is hooked up, you should be ready to do a load of laundry. It’s best to closely monitor your washer for the first few loads to ensure that there are no leaks.
    1. If there are leaks, tighten all the connections around that lead, taking care not to overtighten. 
    2. If the washer won’t stop leaking, turn it off and contact Millan Enterprises.

How to Change Out Your Air Filters in Your Home 

1. Find you Air Filter Location 

  • You may have more than one air filter in the home to service (return air register and air handler cabinet) will have an air filter that requires replacement and cleaning monthly.

2. Purchase the Correct Air Filter Size 

  • Now that you know where your air filter is located, locate the specific size indicated on the filter. When you search for the replacement, choose the same size. If the filter doesn’t indicate the size, use a tape measure to indicate the length, width, and thickness of the filter.

3. Replace the Air Filter 

  • Replacing the Air Filter in the Return Air Duct
    1. Unhook the latch on the cover grill.
    2. Wipe the grill clean to remove dust build-up.
    3. Insert  a new filter, ensuring the correct furnace filter direction.
  • Replacing the Air Filter in the Air Handler Cabinet
    1. Turn off the power to the HVAC unit.
    2. Remove or unlatch the door and wipe the grill clean to remove dust build-up.
    3. Do not resume power to the HVAC unit until the filter is in place.

How to Maintain Your Smoke Alarms

1. Once a Month 

  • Test your smoke alarm batteries every month by pressing and holding the test button for at least five seconds until you hear the beeps.
    1. If it does not beep, replace the batteries.

2. Every 6 Months

  • Vacuum dust off your smoke alarms.
    1. Keeping your smoke alarm free of particles to help reduce false alarms and ensure smoke can easily reach the internal senor.

3. Every Year 

  • Replace lead or alkaline batteries every 12 months.

4. Every 10 Years 

  • Replace all smoke alarms with new 10-year lithium powered smoke alarms every 10 years, or earlier if specified by the manufacturer.

How to Clean Out Your Gutters

1. Removing Any Debris 

  • Begin by removing any debris near the downspout; you can use a scoop or hands.

2. Flush Out the Rest of the Debris

  • Flush out the rest of the debris with a hose
  • Start at the far end and move toward the downspout
    1. If your gutter isn’t draining, you may have a clog in your downspout:
      • Flush out your downspout. If your downspout is one solid piece take off the bands to remove it. If you have a short piece of downspout running into an underground tiling system, only remove that short piece. 
      • Feed the hose nozzle up the spout and spray at full pressure to release the clog. If that doesn’t work, try a hand auger, sometimes called a plumber’s snake. 
      • Once you have clear, any clogs reattach the downspout (if one solid piece) and flush the gutters again with a hose.

You should clean out your gutters at least twice a year, during the spring and the fall. Check them before or after any heavy rain showers to make sure your gutters are still clear. 


How to Unclog a Toilet

1. Lift the Flapper

  • You will want to lift the flapper in the tank to release a cup or two of water into the toilet bowl to see if water goes down before trying to unclog the toilet.
    1. If there is a clog, the water won’t flush. 

2. Use a Plunger

  • Plunge the toilet with the rubber flange pulled out to get a better seal.
  • Push in and out, keeping enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger. 

3. Reach for the Toilet Snake

  • If plunging doesn’t work, reach for the toilet snake. Spin the flexible toilet snack wire into the drain (clockwise) to snap the clog and pull it out. 
  • If the toilet is still called clogged contact Millan Enterprises.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

01. Shut off the Water

  • Twist the valve under your sink to turn off the water supply valve or valves. If there are no individual shutoff valves under the sink, shut off the water supply to the house.
  • Turn on the faucet and leave open, allowing the remaining water in the line to empty into the sink.

2. Remove the Handle

  • If there is a set screw behind the handle, insert a hex key or Allen wrench into the screw and turn it to remove.
  • If the handle has a top screw cover, pry it off with a flat screwdriver and set aside. Then, use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screw underneath the cover.
  • Pull the handle free.

3. Remove the Cartridge

  • Using a crescent wrench, loosen the packing nut in the handle assembly, then remove and set aside.
  • Gently pull the cartridge straight up and out of the assembly.
  • On some models of faucet you may have to remove the cartridge with a specialized tool, which will be indicated on manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Install New Cartridge

  • Inspect the O-rings around the housing. Replace any that look damaged or worn.
  • Cartridges come in many shapes and sizes, and the easiest way to find the right replacement part is to know the name of the faucet’s manufacturer and the faucet’s model number. If you’re not sure, take the old cartridge you’re replacing to the store so you can use a reference guide to match it to the exact cartridge you need.
  • Insert a new cartridge, making sure it is aligned correctly.

5. Reattach Faucet Handle

  • Reattach the packing nut and tighten with a crescent wrench; be careful not to overtighten
  • Reattach the handle with the set crew. Replace the screw cover, if required.
  • Turn your water line back on

For additional resources, check out our youtube channel for common maintenance tips and tricks.