General Tips

General tips to assure your homes Plumbing is functioning correctly

Water Flowing Properly
To help establish as to whether your home’s water is flowing properly. Turn the water on in the bathtub and kitchen sink and look to see if there is a noticeable reduction in the water’s volume. If so, the piping in the home may be full of calcium and mineral deposits and may require replacing.

Basement Leaks
If your home has a basement you should check any exposed piping for signs of leaking. In the darker areas make certain you use a flashlight and look closely at any pipes located near woodwork.

Sewer Line Cleanout
Locate the house’s main sewer line cleanout and make certain that it is accessible.

Locating the Main Water Valve
In case of an emergency or another need you should know where your home’s main water valve shutoff is located. The valve will be either one or two valves located near the main water line and should be able to be turned off by hand. There may be an outside box often times called a ‘buffalo box” where the main water to the house can be turned off. Often times this box is near the street at your properties edge. You may need the help of a Magnolia Technician to turn the main water line off from the box. The box generally requires a special key in order to be shut off properly.

Standing Water in the Yard
Look over your homes yard and make certain there is no standing water that might have been caused by a broken or leaking pipe. Free standing water in a yard may also be from a leaking or broken sewer pipe and could contain waste from your home. Standing water such as this is not healthy for adults, children and pets.

Unwanted Odors
Take some time and pour a gallon of water into those drains that are not often used to make certain the trap is filled. This will help to prevent unwanted odors and gas into your home. For those drains that drain slowly you should have your Magnolia Technician clear the drains to ensure that they carry water away efficiently in case you have a flood.

Checking your Sump Pump
Should your house have a sump pump, be certain that it is functioning correctly by pouring several buckets of water into the pump. Your sump pump should turn on quickly and shut off without any problems.

Checking for Slow Leaks
Should you suspect a slow leak, one way to check is by taking a reading of your home’s water meter before you go to bed. When you wake up the next morning read the meter again before turning on any of the faucets. If the meter is different from the previous night’s reading you may have a slow leak. Your trained Magnolia technician can help diagnose and fix the leak.

Living in a Flood range Area
If you live in a flood range area you should consider installing flood alarms. Magnolia represents leading manufactures and will ensure your flood alarm is installed correctly.

Check all Downspouts and Yard Drains
Make certain that all of your yard drains and downspouts are free of leaves and debris. You should do this periodically throughout the year, as debris can build-up whether it is fall, summer, spring or winter.

Noise from Pipes
A good way to stop water hammer noises caused by water pipes is by installing “pipe shock absorbers”.

Septic Tank Inspection
If your home has a septic tank, you should have your septic tank inspected and pumped every three to five years to help prevent expensive replacement of the septic filter field.