Hurricane Sandy One Year Later

A year ago today marks the one year anniversary of a storm that wreaked havoc on the Northern Mid-Atlantic coast of our country.  The powerful storm of epic proportions was the most devastating natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane Katrina.  Sandy made landfall one year ago, five miles southwest of Atlantic City.  Its impacts were far-reaching, including flooding rain, damaging winds and heacy snow from the D.C. area to the far western Appalachian slopes. 
Today we remember all that we lost in this horrible natural disaster, that is still plaguing parts of the east cost today.  NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter sends it's best wishes to anyone effected by the storm.  For more information on the devastating storm and how it has effected the east coast please visit http://goo.gl/dSHdNo.

Plumbing Troubleshooting

Just like your computer you can preform troubleshooting in an attempt to find the problem.  This can be a very helpful first step that can save you a lot of money.  Identifying the problem before taking action will allow you to address the problem without potentially damaging other parts of your plumbing. 
The actual act of fixing your sink, tub, drain or toilet is really a task best left to the professionals.  However diagnosing the problem can be done with a little bit of research and a keen eye.  Please visit http://goo.gl/ltX4Hd for more information on Plumbing Troubleshooting and some common plumbing problems and fixes.

When you have finished you troubleshooting and have determined the problem, call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at  516-874-7937. 

Pumpkin Pulp is not Plumbing Friendly

Every year, more than one billion pounds of pumpkins or produced in America many of which are carved into jack-o'-lanterns for  home decorations each year, around Halloween.  This creates a lot of left over pulp after each pumpkin is hallowed out.  Each year plumbers spend many days removing gobs of pulp and seeds from clogged drains before the end of the Halloween season.  Local plumbers have  become as common a Halloween visitor as little vampires or ghosts thanks to sticky pumpkin pulp and seeds. 
In the weeks leading up to Halloween, calls from homeowners struggling with pulp-clogged garbage disposals and stopped-up kitchen drains seem to roll in.  Pumpkin carvers should know that the number one rule is to never dispose of the pulp, in any type of drain.  The slimy gunk is ideal for clogging plumbing.  Some believe that it is safe for disposals because it is soft and mushy, but the truth is that it will dry and harden, choking the pipes and causing clogs.  For more info on how and where to dispose of pumpkin pulp please visit http://goo.gl/fYFi4p.

If it's too late and you have already flushed some pumpkin pulp down one of your drains, call NY Plumbing & Sewer Rooter at: 516-874-7937.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

Designing your home is different for everyone.  Each person has their own preferences and ideas about how they want their home to look.  When it comes to designing your kitchen there is one thing that every kitchen needs, a sink and faucet.  When you are selecting your sink and faucet, style should come second.   You want to choose one that will work well and withstand years of daily use. 


It is also important to take into account what you will  be using your sink for and how often.  A few things to consider when making your decision are:

• Sink options - Sinks are typically made from stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, solid surfaces and composites. 
• Number of Sinks - Equally sized double bowls are typically for washing dishes.  Single and different sized doubles are also available.
• Faucets that Function - Faucets come in all shapes and sizes with different functionality.

For more advice on how to choose your kitchen sink and information on the different options please visit http://goo.gl/OB098z.

After you make your decision call New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937, to have it installed by the professionals.

Winterize Your Plumbing

The cold winter months can wreak havoc on the plumbing system in your home if you are not prepared for the drop in temperatures.  Frozen water in pipes can be a nuisance at best and a disaster at its worst.  It is important to make a checklist to winterize your plumbing.  New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter has made a checklist for you to use in you own home:

1. Fix Leaks: Even the smallest of leaks can cause big problems once the temperatures drop low enough.  As water freezes it expands which will make your small problem into a large one.
2. Insulate Pipes: Make sure that exposed pipes are well insulated.  Exposed pipes, if you have any, are usually located in your attic, crawl space, and garage.  Pipe wrap insulation is cheap and easy to install and can also save you on heating costs while protecting the pipe.
3. Pump House: Proper insulation of the pump house where your water comes from can keep pipes from freezing.
4. Outside Hose Bibs: Protecting the hose bibs and pipes from the cold is very important to your plumbing.  Remove any garden hoses that are connected to outdoor faucets.  Drain water from hoses before storing them. 
5. Sprinklers: Turn off the water to your sprinkler system and drain it before it can freeze.
6. Locate Water Main: Be sure to know exactly where your water main is in case of an emergency.  If a pipe bursts be sure to shut off the water main quickly to minimize damage.

For more instructions on this list please visit http://goo.gl/0LIn6y.
New York Plumbing will help you inspect your home to make sure it is completely ready for the winter months. Call us at 516-874-7937 and in the event of an Emergency please call 877-713-8136. 

Flushable Wipes Clogging US Sewer Systems

Bathroom wipes are becoming increasingly popular.  These pre-moistened towelettes are often advertised as flushable, meaning they are safe to dispose of in your toilet.  Recently these bathroom wipes are being blamed for creating clogs and backups in the nation's sewer systems.

Many of these wipes, even the ones labeled flushable, are going down the toilet but not breaking down quickly.  This is costing some municipalities millions of dollars to hire crews to unclog the pipes and pumps and even replace and upgrade machinery.  Manufacturers insist wipes labeled flushable aren't the problem, blaming it instead on things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products and baby wipes clearly marked as non-flushable.  The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry recently specified seven tests for manufacturers to use to determine which wipes to call flushable.  For more information on how these bathroom products are affecting our sewer systems please visit http://goo.gl/P0lMEL.

Be sure to carefully check the label of any bathroom products you intend to dispose of in your toilet.  If you experience any problems with your plumbing call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at
516-874-7937. 

Prevent Drain Clogs

Nassau Plumbing & Sewer Rooter

30 Minute Emergency Service

 Call: 516-874-7937

http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com

 
Taking steps to prevent drain clogs from ever happening is much easier than dealing with the mess afterwards.  One of the best ways to prevent slow or clogged drains is to be careful about what you are putting into them.  Four of the worst things you can put down a drain are cooking grease, coffee grounds, hair and soap scum.  Here are some alternative methods to dispose of these things.

• Save cooking grease in an old coffee can or cardboard milk container, then dispose of it in the trash later. 
• Throw coffee grounds away in the garbage or add them to your garden.
• Use a screen or drain-grate on the drain's opening to minimize problems with hair and soap scum. 

After taking this preventative steps try:

• Running hot water through the sink after each use.  Hot water keeps oils in food products from sticking and building up on the surface of pipes. 
• Throw a handful of baking soda into the drain and follow it with hot water.  Baking soda is great for cleaning and absorbing odors.
• Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes followed by very hot water.  Vinegar's acetic properties act as an organic solvent in removing organic buildup in pipes.

For more drain cleaning ideas visit http://goo.gl/y9KXip
Or Call New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937 and visit us online at http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com/. 

DIY Shower Valve Gone Wrong

In todays economy, DIY is becoming a popular method to try and save some money, in your home improvements.  Some of the braver money savers try their hand at fixing their leaky faucets.  DIY plumbing usually costs you more money than it saves you.  There are so many stories of people trying to fix their plumbing problems by themselves and end up making them worse. 

This is a story of a typical homeowner embarking on a DIY mission to fix a shower valve.  The task seemed simple enough with a quick Google search.  Buy the shower valve, turn off the water to the house, install the new part and turn the water back on, but small repairs are often not so simple.  This mission starts at the hardware store, scouring the shelves for the parts that he thinks he needs.  The next step is turning off the water to the house, which is rarely done correctly by first time DIYers.  Operating the tools necessary, requires some training.  Most of these fixes are done outside of normal working hours when homeowners have the time to tinker with their DIY project.  So when something goes wrong the homeowner will inevitably have to call a plumber.

A quick fix can easily turn into something much more complicated, which will be even more expensive when you decide it is time to call a plumber. Call the trusted professionals at NY Plumbing & Sewer Rooter and get it done correctly the first time. 
Call: 516-874-7937
Website:  http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com/

Preparing Your Home For the Fall

Fall or Autumn is a very beautiful season, with all the beautiful colors and crisp cool nights.  Fall is also a reminder, that winter is just around the corner.  Just as the environment changes around us, we have to make changes to our home to prepare for the colder weather.  Sometimes it helps to make a checklist.

1. Keep warm- The low temperatures are coming, have a professional inspect your heating system. Replace all dirty filters and if you have a fireplace make sure all vents are clear in the chimney.
2. Seal the Cracks- Check for spacing around all the windows and doors of your home. 
3. Check Surroundings-  Replace any missing or damaged shingles to prevent further damage from rain and wind and stop leaks before they happen.  Inspect gutters for rust damage, also keep clear of debris, a clog can cause damage to the roof or trim of the house. 
4. Use Fans: Use the reverse switch on your fan to push down the warm air as it rises.
5. Hurricane Prep.- Always keep your fingers crossed and hope we don't experience a hurricane, but it is always good to be prepared.  Make sure windows and doors are ready for a storm an keep handy window boards.  Keep canned food, water and batteries or generators stocked in your home. 

For a more complete checklist of Fall preparation please visit http://goo.gl/fYwJ0e.

If you need any help preparing the plumbing in your home for the fall with tasks that include maintenance of hot water heater, exterior water, exposed pipes or anything of that nature Call New York Plumber & Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937 or visit us online at http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com/.



Trees That You Can Plant Over Your Water Pipes

Trees are very important elements in the landscaping process, but they may sometimes pose a threat to sidewalks, buried utilities and other features, including water pipes.  Most sturdy pipes are able to withstand some amount of contact with tree roots.  Although, roots have been known to penetrate or damage water pipes when they are perforated drain pipes, or the tree has a particularly strong aggressive root system. 

Not all Trees will penetrate of damage your pipes, choosing a suitable tree species as well as correctly preparing the site for the tree will help protect your pipes.  For areas near water pipes the safest choices are small, slow-growing trees or shrubs.  Older pipes made from concrete or clay are particularly vulnerable to root penetration.  Your planting site should always be at least 10 feet from the water pipe.  Tree roots grow and spread along the path of least resistance, particularly through cultivated soil that contains adequate moisture, air and nutrients.  A large, deep area of broken up soil leading away from the water pipe will encourage growth in that direction. 
For more information on how to properly prepare the site for your tree please visit http://goo.gl/taqryA.

Before planting anything in your yard you should be sure of where your water pipes run and have them inspected by New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter.  Call today: 516-874-7937.