5 Common Lawn Problems

Now that we’ve kicked off the start to summer, we want to ask: how healthy is your lawn? Even the greenest lawn can develop problems. The trick is to keep an eye on your yard for signs of trouble. Here are 5 of the most common problems homeowners encounter:

Problem 1: Lawn is patchy
You might be frustrated by the fact that your lawn has some bare patches. To make these areas green, try reseeding these spots and keep the area moist. Water daily if necessary and mark it off to observe how well it’s growing.

Problem 2: Lawn has gray spots
Your grass might be covered in a web-like growth, which often appears during morning due. To prevent such a growth, apply fungicide and fertilize.

Problem 3: Lawn is covered in mushroom
Mushrooms don’t necessarily scream “healthy backyard.” They’re often tricky to get rid of, and pulling them in only a temporary fix. But by digging up correcting drainage problems and replacing old mulch, you have a better shot at fixing the issue.

Problem 4: Lawn is overrun with weeds
Growing weeds never looks pretty. But by applying herbicide during both spring and fall, you can kill all types of weeds.

Problem 5: Lawn is soggy
If your lawn is soggy, you might have a drainage issue. Aside from the fact that walking on wet soil is unpleasant, your plants can become overly saturated. Call your local plumber to address the drainage problem at hand.

If a soggy lawn is ruining your curb appeal, contact the yard drain experts at Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information and to learn more about our 24/7 emergency service.  

Memorial Day 2016: Long Island Events

Memorial Day weekend means friendly gatherings and outdoor barbeques. It’s also a time to show appreciation for those who put their lives on the line to serve our country, and Long Island offers many festive events including these:

Bethpage Air Show
Jones Beach State Park
Visit Jones Beach as the Breitling Jet Team returns for another exciting air show performance! Happening May 28th through May 29th from 10am to 3pm. Click here to learn more about this event.

Decoration Day
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
In memory of those who risked their lives for our nation, Ed Mangano presents Decoration Day, a ceremony and parade to celebrate this holiday. The event will be held on Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th from 10am to 4pm. The event includes storytelling, brass band concerts, and historic craft decorations. Click here to learn more.

Memorial Day Carnival
Eisenhower Park
Thousands of Long Island families will be at Eisenhower park on May 27th for the park’s second annual carnival. Join in the fun for amusement and carnival rides, balloon artists, and live music.  Kids and adults of all ages are welcome! Learn more here.

No matter how you decide to spend your holiday weekend, we guarantee that Long Island will keep you feeling festive! And don’t forget, if you run into any plumbing issues this weekend, don’t worry! Nassau Plumbing & Sewer Rooter is here for your emergency needs 24 hours - 7 days a week. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.  

Vegetables You Can Grow Fast

Growing your own vegetables nowadays is popular. Not only do they taste better and cost less money, but they’re also healthier for you! Some vegetables take time to grow - these, on the other hand, don’t take much time at all:

Beets - Beets can take some of the summer heat, but they do grow best in spring. Get started now by giving them plenty of sun and allowing them to grow in well-drained soil.  

Cucumbers - No garden would be complete without cucumbers! This vegetable thrives well in hot summer weather and will grow out of the ground in a matter of days when the soil is moist and warm enough.

Kale - Kale salad anyone? These greens will vary in size and grow within 60 days. Try “Vates” collards, “Red Russian” kale, or “Seven Top” turnips.

Summer Squash - Grilled yellow squash is the perfect, healthy addition to a summer barbeque. Give this vegetable about 40 to 60 days, as they grow about an inch per day. A mature squash will measure approximately 4 to 7 inches in length.

Looking for more fast growing vegetables for your garden? Click here.

Once you decide what you want in your vegetable garden, make sure you water your plants just the right amount! And if you run into any outdoor plumbing issues, contact Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer all of the plumbing, sewer, and drain services you need to help tend to your garden. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information.  

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

Is a constant running toilet keeping you up at night? Aside from the annoyance, this plumbing issue can worsen overtime if not taken care of immediately. There are a few reasons your toilet keeps running. Below are the three most common culprits:

 

Culprit #1: Chain Problems
Check the flush lever and rubber flapper connection. To determine whether this is the culprit, jiggle the flush lever and observe the chain between it and the flapper - if it constantly pulls on the flapper then the chain is too short. Replace the chain with an aluminum ball chain. It might also be too long. If this is the case, simply move the clip down.

Culprit #2: Broken Flapper
The rubber flapper could break at the hinge in which case you will need to unhook the flapper from the base of the tank and pull it to the surface to observe more closely. Next, turn the flapper upside down and look for any discoloration. An off color could mean the flapper is warped and needs to be replaced. But before you replace the part, clean off any buildup that might prevent the flapper from properly closing.

Culprit #3: Float Position When the tank is full, the plastic balloon-looking part floats to the top of the water. And when the tank is full, the water level should be just below the top of the overflow pipe. If the overflow pipe goes over and the tank is still filling, then the float for the pump is too high. To resolve the issue, bend the rod connecting the pump and the float so that the float is lower - a signal to the pump to shut off sooner. And if the arm doesn’t bend, you might need to call a plumber.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, our professionals are trained and ready to help you fix your broken toilet. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your plumbing emergencies. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more.

No Dirty Dishes Day: Water Saving Tips

Today is No Dirty Dishes Day! It’s the day when we can set our daily chores aside. But let’s not forget how often we wash our dishes and what it means for water conservation.

Today, you have two options: you can either go with disposable plates, forks, and knives, or you can use your finest dishware. But before you do, there’s something you should know: dishwashers (although convenient, are one of the biggest water wasters in your home). When you clean up the mess tomorrow, keep these water saving tips in mind:

Run your washer at night

Did you know that your dishwasher is sometimes cheaper to use at night? In some areas, electricity becomes more expensive during peak hours, but overnight isn’t in that window.

Fix the stink

Don’t run your machine twice if your dishes come out with a funky smell. Instead, run a capful of vinegar on your dish.

Load it up

With the push of a button, dishwashers are the easiest appliances to use. But try not to take advantage by washing only a few dishes at a time. Instead, wash only full loads - or make sure you turn to the proper setting if you must wash a small load.

Wash by hand

Another option is to wash dishes by hand. But in order to not waste just as much (if not, more) water, close the drain, place a bucket in the sink, and fill it up. Recycle the soapy water until clean and let air dry or use a clean towel.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we’re dedicated to helping you save water and work efficiently around the house! Contact us to get water and energy efficient plumbing fixtures installed. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more.

#TipsTuesday for Improving Water Pressure in Your Shower

Know the uncomfortable feeling of having low water pressure in the shower? Low water pressure usually occurs when you’re forced to have two different plumbing fixtures running at the same time. But sometimes there’s another problem at hand.

Some common problems that can result in low water pressure are:

• Water leaks
• Home valves
• Pressure regulators

Water Leaks
No matter how big or small, any damage to the pipe in your bathroom that results in a leak will result in lower water pressure. To determine if you have a leak or not, read the meter - shut off all water taps inside and outside the home. Then, read the meter and return two hours later. If the water usage has increased, you probably have a leak. If this is the case, contact your local plumber.

Home Valves
Sometimes valves are accidentally shut off (either completely or slightly). Make sure two of your valves are in the “on” position (the customer valve and the home valve). If you notice the valve is even slightly turned away from the “on” position, this can affect the water pressure.

Pressure Regulators
This “bell-shaped device”, typically found in front of the hose connection of your home, usually doesn’t need to be adjusted. However, sometimes a pressure regulator simply stops working gets too old and needs to be replaced. Pressure regulators can easily be repaired or replaced by a licensed plumber, so give yours a call.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, our licensed professionals are ready to take on the job at hand! We specialize in clogged sewer lines, clogged drains to residential and commercial customers. If you have any sewer or drain emergency then call us and we'll be there within 30 minutes, 24 hours per day 365 days a year. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website.

10+ Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

It’s almost that time for home renovations! Is your kitchen looking outdated? Here are a few ideas to take your kitchen to the next level:

 Checkerboard - Make your floors pop with a color combination like white and orange or white and turquoise. Or stay classic with black and white.

White On White - Create a timeless kitchen by keeping everything white (white cabinets, countertops, floors, and backsplash).

Natural Green - Connect your kitchen to the outdoors by choosing a green island that is neutral and calming.

Splash Of Red - Breathe new life into a neutral kitchen by painting one wall red or installing a red oven.

Tall Storage - Running low on space for your kitchen tools and food? Add beautiful storage solutions (like frosted glass cabinets) from the ground, up.

Coastal Inspired - The ocean has shimmery hues and rustic finishes to inspire your next reno.

Complimentary Colors - Don’t be afraid to go bold in your kitchen. Pair complimentary colors, like red and blue. Add a red door and a navy blue countertop or stools.

Glamour - Hang a luxurious chandelier from your ceiling above your kitchen island for an upscale touch.

Open Storage - Assemble a storage solution for your beautiful pots and pans.

Contrasting Hardware - Got a country, white kitchen? Choose dark rustic hinges to accentuate your home’s country flare.

Cozy Touches - Try something different and add a coffee table and upholstered chairs to make a more comfortable seating arrangement.

For more kitchen redesign inspiration, click here.

If your kitchen remodel requires new plumbing fixtures, contact Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer everything from repairs to installations. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information. 

Reduce Humidity In Your Bathroom

Starting off your morning with a long, hot shower feels great, but the humidity you feel afterwards doesn’t so much. Although we can’t necessarily avoid humidity, we can work to reduce it. Here are a few tips to try out:

Turn on the fan
If you have an exhaust fan installed in the bathroom, use it! Bathroom fans were made to extract all the humidity out of your bathroom and draw it into your ductwork. And although they vary by power, even the lowest levels can help.

Crack the window
If you don’t have an exhaust fan, take advantage of your windows. Before you turn on the shower, crack open the window to circulate the air and leave it open until you’re ready to leave the house.

Keep the door open
It also helps to let dry air in your home in. So while you leave your windows open, be sure to leave the bathroom door open a smidge too.

Take quick showers
If you can lower the water temperature in your shower, you won’t feel as much humidity afterwards. It can also help to use a low flow shower head to reduce hot water and ultimately lower levels of humidity.

Bottom line is to keep humidity out! Not only is it bad for your bathroom walls and plumbing, but it can also affect your health. But in the event that you run into condensing pipes, we’re here to help!

Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter offers all of the plumbing, sewer and drain services you need to keep your home up and running perfectly. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information.