The History of Heating

Just like the invention of plumbing, the rise of heating systems took a long time to evolve into what they are today. In fact, it could have taken as long as 1 million years! From the discovery of fire to the invention of the furnace, it was a long ride filled with a few steps forward and then a few back. Today, over 85% of the homes in America have some form of heating system and we owe it all to those who came before us. Here is a timeline of the events that led to heating as we know it: 

A Very Long Time Ago: Human beings discover fire which allows for the advancement of the species. Originally it was only for warmth, then it became a source for cooking meats to disinfect them. Safe to say without this discovery, we wouldn't be in business today. 

7500 B.C: This is when we started to see open hearths in homes and building structures. For years, humans had experimented with controlled heating systems and this is the most primitive and original form. 

2500 B.C: In the Temple of Ephesus, archaeologists discovered flues in the ground that circulated heat created by fire. The Greek and Roman empires were so advanced that we didn't see these types of radiant heating systems again until the late 18th century. 

1200 A.D: Monks in christian monasteries started experimenting with central heating using wood-burning furnaces. They would dispose of the smoke by using what would later become known as the chimney. 

1400 A.D: Masonry stoves begin to appear and these evolve over time into the wood and pellet burning stoves that we still see today.

1700 A.D: This was during the rise of the steam engine and its inventor, James Watt, decided to put it into the realm of home heating. The system worked on a central boiler and a system of pipes. 

1935 A.D: Scientists develop convection wall heaters that use a coal burning furnace, electric fan and duct work to transport heat throughout your home. Eventually this turns into gas and electric burning furnaces that can be controlled with the push of a button. 

As heating advanced, there became a need for services that could repair and install its parts. That is where we fit into this whole timeline. For over 50 years, Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter has been providing heating service to the Nassau County area and we love what we do. Our technicians are highly trained and they have the experience to repair or install whatever heating system you are working with. 

To schedule service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web! 

Positive Plumbing Choices For Your Home

When it comes to plumbing, you can never be too careful. Little leaks or other issues can expand quickly and leave you in a state of panic. To help alleviate the stress of a plumbing problem, you can make some precautionary decisions that will lower your risk. Just keep reading and when you're finished, start implementing these changes!

Drop the Drano

These chemical cleaners are effective in certain situations, but they can also damage your plumbing. People think they have cleared a clogged because the drain appears to be functioning, but this often isn't the case. These cleaners usually do just enough of the job to allow for passage, but they don't clear the entire problem. In addition to that, they are also known to eat away at your plumbing. 

Use Faucet Aerators 

Aerators might look small, but they can lead to big savings on your water bill. This attachment controls water flow from your faucet so that you are only using the amount of water you need to clean your hands, wash dishes and perform other tasks. They also help prevent costly faucet leaks and give you the peace of mind you desire.

Avoid Toilet Fresheners

They might make some pretty blue water, but they can also do serious damage to your toilet bowl. Over time, the chemicals used to provide a fresh scent can eat away at your toilet tank the same way Drano can. These tablets can also disintegrate in water and get themselves stuck in the flush valve of your bowl. Long story short, avoid the in-tank cleaners! 

Avoid Fiddling 

Adjusting the pressure valve on your water heater or fiddling with things you don't understand can only lead to problems. Know your own level of familiarity with plumbing and only perform the tasks that you have had success with in the past. 

Call the Professionals 

It is important to have trust in the plumbing service that you choose. The general rule of thumb here is; If you like the service you received last time, go right back to that team. There is no reason to try someone new to save a few bucks. Save the headache and trust the experts at Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter with all of your plumbing and heating needs. 

You want a plumber with experience, competitive pricing and 24/7 emergency service for your convenience. Luckily, we can provide all three of your needs and we do so with a commitment to excellent customer service. If you live in the NYC or Long Island area and need plumbing service, you won't regret calling the experts at Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter! 

To schedule service, call 877-713-8136 or visit us on the web! 

Decorating Your Bathroom for Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner and the Night of the Living Dead is sure to bring some surprises to the Nassau County area. Just kidding, but it doesn't hurt to get in the spirit of the season and what better place to start than the bathroom. There are a number of different things you can try and there is no limit on where you can take it. Put your creativity to the test and see just how festive you can make the bathroom or bathrooms in your home! 

Scented Candles

Everybody loves a pleasant fall scent. Whether it is a nice apple crisp or pumpkin pie, everyone enjoys satisfying their nostrils. So why not bring these scents into the bathroom? Yankee and American Candle both offer a line of fall flavored candles that are sure to spice up any room in your home!

Fall Curtains

The bathroom window really ties together the whole room. If your paint allows it, you should consider throwing a fall themed curtain on your rod. Maybe one that features a Halloween pumpkin or a nice orange and green blend that lets your guests know you're in the fall spirit!

Pumpkin Dispenser

Your soap dispenser doesn't have to be bland and boring, it can draw eyes to your beautiful vanity set up. If you don't want to go all out with the pumpkin, you could just pick out a dispenser that matches your fall themed bathroom. If you're really into design, you can also pick out some hand towels or napkins that bring together all of your decor. 

Spooky Shower Curtains

We've all seen the horror films where the man jumps out from behind the shower curtain to haunt his targets. Well, you could scare some guests by purchasing a spooky shower curtain of your own. You could go online and scroll through a number of curtains that feature shadows of Jason, Freddy Krueger and some of your other favorite Halloween villains. It is sure to spook at least one unsuspecting bathroom goer.  

Unfortunately, decor is not the only thing we have to worry about in the bathroom. Halloween leads us directly into Thanksgiving and that means more guests will be pouring into your home and using your plumbing. It is up to you to take the proper precautions and make sure your pipes, fixtures and faucets are prepared for a busy holiday season. 

To schedule plumbing service, call Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web!

Preparing Your Furnace For the New York Winter

The fall season is flying by and the winter is shortly over the horizon. This means it is time to get serious about the current state of your furnace. If you decide to leave it as is, you are making a mistake and taking a chance that you might lose heat at the most inopportune time of winter. Applying these maintenance tips to your weekend routine could go a long way in providing long lasting heat to get you through the cold. 

Your Maintenance Tools

• Filters 
• Vacuum 
• Screwdriver 
• A Helping Hand 

Maintenance Checklist 

1. Similar to a central air unit, a furnace needs to maintain a clean filter for maximum efficiency. The first thing you'll need to do is remove that filter and exchange it for a new one. Make sure that when you install it, the arrows are facing the same way as the filter you just removed. 
2. If you're in the maintenance mood, you might as well upgrade that old filter of yours. Try using a HEPA filter this season and see if you notice the difference in air quality.
3. The next thing you'll need to do is clean out the vents and ducts. Over time, these areas can suffer from dust build up and collect debris that will impede air flow. Cleaning this area is fairly simple. All you have to do is remove the plate with a screwdriver and vacuum up whatever is inside. It can get narrow, so you might want to use the extension to get a full clean.
4. Don't put your screwdriver away, you'll need it for this next step. You're going to want to remove the steel plate that is covering your main air handler. Once you've done this, locate your blower belt (the big rubber thing) and make sure it isn't cracked or loose. If it does appear to be waning, call in the professionals and let them have a look. 
5. The last step is to check on the exhaust flue that carries unwanted air out of your home. Make sure it is free of obstructions so that you avoid dangerous blockages.  

At Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we are more than just a plumber. We have been providing quality heating and plumbing service to the Nassau County area for over 50 years and we are look forward to another season! 

To schedule service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web!

Plumbing FAQ's

It takes a special person to be a plumber, and that leaves the rest of the world wanting to know their secrets. How to fix this, how to fix that, and all that knowledge lies in the brain of a single plumber. We can't tell you all of our secrets, but here are just a few of the answers to some of your most common plumbing questions. 

Why Is My Toilet Running? 

A running toilet might not seem like a big deal-- until the water bill shows up! Constant re-filling tanks are relatively easy to fix and well within the knowledge of most homeowners. It could be something as small as fixing the connection between the handle-flapper and the bar. If it is more complicated than that, you should call in the professionals at Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter and let us take a look at your fill valve.

Why Is My Water Brown? 

Hopefully you don't have another Flint situation on your hands! This could be related to a number of different things and most of them are fixable. The Fire Department might be flushing out hydrants or your pipes could be old and rusted. This is something you should take seriously, but it might be out of our hands if it is non-pipe related.

How Long Should a Hot Water Heater Last? 

In most cases, water heaters last around fifteen years. Some longer, some shorter depending on your ability to maintain and repair it.

What Should I Do If Something Falls In the Toilet? 

When it comes to paper clogs, a plunger should suffice. But for those irregular shaped objects like jewelry or toys, you'll need the help of a professional.

Why Are My Pipes Noisy? 
Noisy pipes can give your home a spooky feeling, but their not that hard to fix. Often times, the noise is related to a loose fitting or air bubbles inside the line. Both are very fixable for you DIY-ers out there. A loose pipe can be secured with a proper fitting from your local hardware store. If air is your problem, your pipes need to be bled to relieve the pressure. 

If you have any more questions for us, we would love to answer them on your next appointment. Whether you need a drain cleaning, water heater repair or pipe installation, call Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter and ask about our 24/7 Emergency Service. 

To schedule an appointment, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web!

What You Need To Know About Floor Heating

Floor heating, or radiant floor heating, has been around since Ancient Rome and it is gaining popularity of late. Traditional heating systems do a great job throughout the winter, but they leave out one key component-- the floor. We all know heat rises, so what better place to start then the bottom of your home? Keep reading to learn a little more about what radiant floor heating can do for you. 

No More Cold Feet 

On those cold, New York winter mornings, there is nothing worse than getting out of the shower. It's nice and warm on the inside, but the last thing you want to do is put your feet on the iceberg that is your bathroom floor. Well, installing a heating system on that very same floor can take away all of your fears. Start ending your showers with confidence! 

Smooth Heat

Compared to a forced air system, floor heating gives you a nice even temperature. When air is blown into a room, it settles near the ceiling and then only half of your body is getting the desired temperature. With a radiant floor system, it builds from the bottom up, evenly distributing heat along the way. 

Options

Radiant floor heating has evolved over the years and it has split into two main categories. 

• Hydraulic Systems- These floor heating systems tend to have a high initial cost with a lot of savings down the road. They pump hot water through a series of plastic pipes under your floor to maintain the desired room temperature. Over time, this saves a ton of energy because the hot water is often recycled and pumped back through the system. It is also better for indoor air quality and homes where people have asthma. 
• Electric Systems- These are perfect for heating small areas like your bathroom but they are often too expensive for the entire home. This system uses a series of plastic mats, which contain copper wires that radiate heat throughout the room.

If you're interested in learning more about the array of heating services we offer, don't hesitate to give us a call. Our friendly customer service representatives will advise you on your options and send a technician out whenever you are ready. At Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter, we take customer service seriously, and it shows on each and every visit. 

To schedule heating service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web! 

Pumpkin Picking & More On Long Island

Long Island has so much to offer 365 days a year. The summer brings lovely beaches and the fall brings the farm life that outsiders don't expect us to have. This type of diversity is what makes Long Island so great and this is one of our favorite times of the year. The weather is cooling off and the families of Long Island are heading out to these farms to have some fun this weekend!

Dee's Nursery

69 Atlantic Avenue

Oceanside, NY 11572

This is the perfect place to take your family for a little weekend fall fun. Hopefully the weather holds up so you can enjoy their kid-friendly corn maze, petting zoo and face painting station. While you're here, you can enjoy some delicious apple cider and relax while your children enjoy themselves. 

Schmitt's Family Farm

26 Pinelawn Road 

Melville, NY 11747

This farm features a massive pumpkin patch with some of the largest pumpkins on the island. You can also enjoy their wonderful hayrides, slides and straw pyramid with the younger ones in your family. But after the sun goes down, it turns into a haunted place where only adults and teenagers can roam! 

White Post Farms

250 Old Country Road

Melville, NY 11747 

This is one of the oldest and most accommodating farms on the island. For one fee, your family can enjoy the animal farm, dog show, sing-along hayride and bounce park. If that doesn't knock out the little ones, let them roam around in the pumpkin patch and pick out some prize winners. Plus, it is right on Old Country Road so the Nassau County folks don't have to take the long trek on the LIE.    

Lewin Farms

812 Sound Avenue

Wading River, NY 11792

This 1,100-acre family farm doesn't have all the flare that the previous farms did. What it does have is an abundance of fresh produce, pumpkins and a real old school feel. Their main attraction is roasted corn and it is definitely worth every penny! 

If we left any of your favorite Long Island farms off the list, feel free to share them with us on Facebook or Twitter! 

And as always, if you run into any plumbing or heating problems this fall, be sure to call the experts at Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937.