Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Long Island

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner - where will you be celebrating? From fine dining to live entertainment, there are plenty of ways to ring in 2016 on Long Island. Below are a few of the many special events happening next week:

Long Island Aquarium - Visit the Long ISland Aquarium in Riverhead for the Fishes & Wishes family-friendly bash. The dining hall features buffet tables and a mock ball-drop at midnight - the perfect event for families and kids of all ages!

The Black & White Masquerade Gala - For a classy, upscale night out, visit Glen Cove Mansion Hotel for a black-tie event that features cocktails and a three-course dinner. Toast to a special evening with a glass of champagne and let the night continue with friends and a glass of Scotch later on.

Philharmonic Annual NYE Spectacular -  Are you a lover of music and the arts? If so, then celebrate the New Year at Tilles Center in Brookville for songs by the “My Fair Lady” team of Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe. For tickets, visit tillescenter.org or call 631-293-2222.

Chateau Briand - Dance the night away at Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and live music for an all inclusive price. Click here to learn more. 

What are your New Years plans this year? Share them with us on our Facebook page. And remember, if you run into any plumbing issues around the holiday, Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is just a phone call away! We are here for your emergency needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.

Garbage Disposal Tips for the Holidays

By now, you’ve probably heard that your garbage disposal needs a bit of TLC, especially around the holiday season. Between your Christmas dinners and New Years gatherings, your garbage disposal can get clogged up if you don’t take necessary precautions. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when caring for your garbage disposal this holiday:

Tip 1: Turn off the power switch if something seems to be going wrong.
Tip 2: Avoid using hot water to unclog your disposal, as this can make unmelted fats clog even worse! Instead, use cold water or ice cubes and a cup of rock salt and let it run for a few seconds.
Tip 3: Clean the area of silverware to prevent damage of your utensils or your disposal.
Tip 4: Do not turn the unit on unless water is running.
Tip 5: Always use tongs or other types of long-handled tools to remove food and other items from your garbage disposal, as placing your hands close to the blades can be dangerous.
Tip 6: Inform your guests about garbage disposal safety so they don’t make the mistake of throwing certain foods down the unit or injuring themselves.
Tip 7: Ask a professional plumber more about how to care for your garbage disposal, as each type is manufactured differently.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we know that plumbing and drain accidents can happen - the reason we offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! To learn more about how you can prevent plumbing and drain accidents in the kitchen this holiday season, call us at 877.713.8136 or visit our website.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Anxiously awaiting winter? If you live in the Northeast region, then chances are you associate winter with freezing temperatures and a cold home. Prevent your home from getting cold (and your pipes from freezing) next season by taking preventative measure such as the following:

Drain Water.
The first step is to remove water from your swimming pool and outdoor sprinkler supply lines. Not all fixtures are built the same, so be sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions before draining anything.

Store the Hose.Once you drain water, store all your outdoor hoses in a place where they won’t freeze. Be sure to close inside valves that supply outdoor hose bibs (usually found in your basement). However, keep the outside valve open so that if any water is still in the pipe, it can expand rather than cause the pipe to break.

Insulate
Check for areas around the home that might be more susceptible to cold temps, such as the basement, attic, or even underneath your kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The pipes in these areas can easily freeze if it gets too cold, so consider insulating these exposed pipes. 

To learn more about how to take preventative action this winter, click here.

For all of your winter plumbing problems, Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is here to help! We are conveniently available for emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are just a phone call away. Contact us at 877.713.8136 or visit our website to learn more about our services.

Prepping Your Home for Holiday Vacation

Leaving for paradise this holiday season? Before you pack your bags and get going, don’t leave without knowing your home is safe and sound. Below is a checklist to prepare your home for your upcoming holiday vacation:

Set timers.
A dark home is an obvious sign that you’re out of town. Be subtle about leaving your home unattended by setting timers for lamps throughout the home. That way, the house will be dimly lit the same as when you’re home - except timers will ease your stress about the lights getting overheated.

Turn down the thermostat.
Don’t waste energy when you’re away and don’t need the heat. Instead, turn down the thermostat about ten degrees or so to make sure your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to pump out heat you don’t need.

Write down important info.
Do you have a trusted friend or neighbor who is willing to keep an eye on the house while you’re not there? If so, jot down some important information, including contact numbers, home security codes, and other relevant information about your home. Make sure you also let them know where you’ll be staying and how you can reach them in case of emergency.

Shut off the water.
Returning home to a flood is the last thing you want after a week of relaxation. If you leave the water running in your home when you’re on vacation, you might experience a leak (especially from the dishwasher or washer/dryer). Don’t let disaster happen when you’re gone by shutting off the main water supply. Not sure where yours is located? Call your local plumber to help you find out.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we are ready to help you with any problems you might come across before and after your holiday getaway. We are here to keep you and your home safe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.

Common Winter Plumbing FAQs

Although we don’t like to admit it, freezing temperatures are on the horizon. Before the air outside becomes frigid, it’s important to learn about your plumbing system and how the cold weather can affect it.

As your trusted Long Island plumbing company, we’d like to prepare you for a few common problems we’ve come across in our profession:

Q: When do I need a water heater inspection?
A: Great question. The best way to avoid repairs is to be proactive. Prevent frozen or leaky pipes at home by having your water heater inspected before the first freezing day, which means now is the perfect time to schedule your appointment!

Q: How do I keep pipes from freezing?
A: Step one is to insulate your pipes to assure they won’t suffer from the change in weather. Next step is to seal air leaks around your pipes to keep cold air away, and lastly, be sure to wrap your pipes with heat tape to stabilize temperatures. However, if these tactics fail, give a professional a call immediately!

Q: How do I protect my outdoor plumbing fixtures?
A: Winterize your home before icy weather arrives by draining your garden hose and stowing it away for the winter. The same also goes for your swimming pool equipment. Then, shut off outdoor taps so that water has room to expand when it freezes.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we can help you prepare for winter weather and make necessary repairs. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your emergency plumbing issues. Call us today at 877.713.8136 or visit our website to learn more about our heating services and to learn more about our emergency service.

Dangers of Portable Heaters

Now that we’re well into December, chances are you’ve been doing all you can to stay warm at night. And even though your central heating is a reliable source for comfort, there’s always that one spot in the home that just won’t seem to warm up.

If you’re like most people, you probably turn to your portable heater to get that spot feeling more cozy. Although portable heaters are convenient and easy to use, they can also be a major fire hazard. Stay safe by keeping the following rules in mind when using these heating devices:

 

Give it space.
It sure feels nice to sit close beside your portable heater, but think twice before you do. These devices can heat up pretty quickly, and if too close to flammable materials you might be at risk of a house fire. So create a specific space for them, at least a few feet away from furniture and bedding.

Use it sparingly.
Go ahead and heat up that cool bedroom before dozing off or your living room before guests arrive, but don’t forget to shut it off (or set it on a timer to go off) before you leave the room or fall asleep. Leaving these devices unattended can be a hazard to your health and can add a larger expense to your electric bill.

Shut it off.
Don’t leave your portable heater on all day either. Not only should you turn them off before dozing off or leaving the room, but you must also turn it off before leaving your home. Of course, each portable heater is different, so be sure you read instructions before using. If you really need the extra heat, turn to your central heating system as a more safe option.

For all your winter heating needs, turn to the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer a comprehensive selection of services to ensure that your home receives the best repairs and maintenance for optimal indoor temperatures all season long. To view a full list of our heating services, click here. For more information, call us at  877.713.8136 or visit our website for more information.   

Holiday Plumbing Emergency Tips

Plumbing emergencies can occur when you least expect it. And when something goes wrong during the holidays, it may seem like a reason to panic, but don’t worry - there are a few tips you can use to take matters into your own hands and ease the stress:

Turn off the water source. When a plumbing emergency happens, the first thing you’ll want to do is turn off the main shut-off valve. If you’ve ever turned off the valve before going on a long vacation, you probably know where to find it. If not, find where the water meter is. The main shut-off valve should be located near it.

Unclog the toilet. This is one of the most common plumbing issues and also one of the easiest to fix. If you find a problem with your toilet when your guests arrive, try unclogging in with a plunger. If the problem persists, give your local a 24 hour plumbing service.

Repairing a leak. Sometimes a leak is a difficult fix, and other times it’s simple. Before calling a pro, try replacing the O-ring on your leaky faucet. That should fix the problem, but if it doesn’t you’ll want the help of a licensed plumber. 

Unclog a drain. When your shower or sink drain clogs up, try using a few DIY methods or temporary treatments until you can call a professional.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your plumbing emergencies. While we hope these tips help to ease your stress during the holiday season, know that we are here for any and all repairs you may need. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information on our services.

Tips for Safe Holiday Home Decorating

It’s the most wonderful time of the year - time to decorate for the holidays! Setting up a tree and lighting up your home with colorful lights is a sure way to get you in the spirit of the season. But if you’re not careful, you could cause damage to your home and your family.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, your safety is our number one priority. That is why we’ve put together the following tips for safe holiday decorating:

Water your tree. A dry tree is a fire hazard, so keeping your Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush hydrated is the number one safety rule. This means feeding it daily and checking water levels to make sure the soil isn’t dry. Bonus tip: be sure to keep your tree away from vents and other home heating sources, as this can also dry out your tree.

Secure electrical cords. Keep cords away from water and sinks, especially in your bathrooms and your kitchen. Between washing up and preparing meals, there are many obstacles that can get in your way and pose a threat to your decorations and your health.

Keep it kid-friendly. Dangling lights and ornaments can be tempting for your little ones to toy around with, which we all know to be dangerous. That is why it’s crucial that you secure all lights and keep small decor away from your children. 

Opt for LEDs. Lighting candles in your bathroom or kitchen can really warm up the holiday atmosphere in your home, but they can also be second cause for house fires. That being said, choose LED candles, as they typically run on lower temperatures.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is your neighborhood plumber. We offer a wide array of heating services and plumbing repairs for frozen pipes, hot water heaters, and more! For all of your home’s needs this winter, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 877.713.8136 or visit our website for more information.