Are You Making These Plumbing Mistakes?

Whether you’re making home upgrades or cooking in the kitchen, there are many plumbing mistakes that can be overlooked. We might think that plumbing is invisible, but the matter of fact is that plumbing can be fragile if you’re not being careful enough. If any of these incidents sound familiar, you might want to make necessary changes:

Flushing Non-Flushables.
One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is tossing inappropriate items down the toilet. When you flush non-flushable materials down the toilet, it starts to slow the efficiency of your plumbing, leading to more serious drain issues. This includes non-flushable wipes, sanitary napkins, and children's toys. 

Throwing Too Much Down the Drain.
Another common mishap that people make is throwing inappropriate items down the kitchen and bathroom drain. This goes for cooking oil, rice, and dairy products. Grease tends to stick to the insides of your sewer pipes, starchy rice turns into a thick paste that can cause easy clogging, and dairy products can harden and stick to your pipes as well. The best solution is to dump these foods into a plastic ziplock bag or the trash before rinsing in the sink.

Installing Fixtures Too Close Together.
Placing your toilet too close to the bathroom sink or the kitchen sink close to appliances are perfect examples of how installing fixtures too close together can be a big mistake. Be sure you provide enough space between fixtures and appliances means you might not be able to use both simultaneously or you won’t have enough room to make necessary repairs.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer, we know that accidents can happen even if you’re being careful. That is why we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your plumbing and drain emergencies. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information. 

Bathroom Child Safety Tips

January is National Bath Safety Month! Let’s remind ourselves how important it is to keep our children protected while scrubbing in the tub. Here are a few ways to keep it fun but also play it safe:

Prevent slipping.
Don’t forget, your children don’t have quite the same coordination as you do and can easily lose their balance. That is why it’s so crucial to help them prevent slips as best as possible. The first tip is to place a mat in the tub, as it’s easy to lose balance in the tub. The second tip is to also place a soft rug outside the tub so that they don’t slip on tile as well.

Use the right shampoo.
If you have a baby or a toddler at home, be sure to use tear free shampoo so that the chemicals don’t sting their eyes. And when rinsing, make sure they tip their head back and use your hand to cup over their eyes. 

Check the temperature.
Always test the temperature of your bath water before allowing your child to bathe. If the water is too hot, you increase the risk of scalding. So use your hand, a thermometer, or buy an anti-scald device that attaches to the faucet in your tub.

Stay in the room.
Be present when your child takes a bath and never leave their side, especially if under the age of 4. Accidents can easily happen if they slip or chew on a toy. If you must leave the room to answer the door, telephone, or for other emergency reason, take your child with you, shut off the water, and continue afterwards. 

If you find that the water in your tub isn’t draining properly or your faucet needs repairs, contact New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We are available 24/7 for plumbing needs in the bathroom and all around the house. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.    

Quick Bathroom Cleaning

Do you have a bathroom cleaning routine pat down? If you need a quick guide to painlessly and thoroughly get rid of dirt and germs, look no further than this 15-minute cleaning guide to get a spotless bathroom from top to bottom:

Sink - Rid the sink of toothpaste and gobs of hair by wiping it up with white vinegar. Pat down with a paper towel. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to refill your soap dispenser and wipe down your toothbrush holder.

Toilet - Don’t forget about the hard-to-reach corners that easily build up dust and hair. Disinfect with a combination of ½ cup white vinegar, ½ cup vodka, 10 drops of lavender, as well as 1 1/12 cups of distilled water. This will keep harsh chemicals to a minimum while accomplishing a quick cleaning job.

Mirror - Mix half vinegar and half water in an empty all-purpose spray bottle. Add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent, such as peppermint or lavender.

Tub - Clean your porcelain tub with baking soda and a damp sponge. Then, pour vinegar down the drain with baking soda to get rid of any alkaline buildup. This will also get rid of bathroom mold and mildew - especially if you use daily after showering. All you need is a few minutes!

Floors - Finish up your quick clean with the floors. Instead of spreading around dirty water with a mop, grab a pair of “rag socks”, sweep up the dirt with your feet, and toss them when you're done.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is available 24/7 for plumbing needs in the bathroom and around the house. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.   

What to Do During a Power Outage

When a blizzard hits, there’s a chance you can lose power in your home. And if you’re not prepared to take action, you can put your safety at risk. So as your Long Island plumbing experts, we’d like to provide you with a few tips on what to do during a power outage in winter:

Carry these items on hand

• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Candles and matches
• Battery-operated radio
• Supply of food and water

Be sure you also follow these tips

Layer up - Dress warmly in several layers if losing electric also means you lose your heat. The more layers, the more body heat you will generate.

Stay in one room - Move to one room in your home (preferably on the south side of your home where there’s more sunlight or a room where you have a fireplace). You’ll feel much safer and warmer, especially if there are few windows to create a draft.

Run the water - Run a stream of water in your bathrooms and kitchen to prevent pipes from freezing during the storm. But if you can insulate your pipes as a preventative measure, you won’t have to worry as much about the possibility of frozen pipes.

Talk to neighbors - Communicate with your neighbors about the electricity in their home. It’s possible they have a backup generator or did not lose power. The more you stay in touch, the better you are all able to help each other.

Remember, if you run into any plumbing issues this winter, 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. 

How to Easily Insulate Your Pipes

Are you ready for the anticipated snowstorm in New York this weekend? Don’t forget to insulate your pipes! Wrapping up your pipes can help to prevent them from freezing up when the temperatures drop. Here’s how even the most novice homeowner can insulate:

Buy the necessary tools. Shop for the following items at your local hardware store.

• Tape measure
• Pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation
• Fiberglass pipe-wrap
• A pair of protective gloves
• Acrylic or duct tape to secure the pipe-wrap
• A box cutter or utility knife
• A headlamp if working in a dark area or crawlspace

Step 1. Start at the water heater. Measure the length of insulation you will need to cover all of your accessible pipes. Bonus tip: cover the first 3 feet of pipe starting from the water heater.

Step 2. Cut the insulation at an angle that you will be able to push over the pipe. Then, wrap around so that the seam is facing down.

Step 3. Secure the insulation by taping (or wiring) the pipe sleeve in place every foot or two.

These three steps make for a simple DIY project for winter. But if you have trouble knowing which pipes you need to insulate, give the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter a call. In the event that your pipes do freeze up during a winter snowstorm, don’t panic! We over emergency services 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.   

Winter Safety Tips

It’s official - New York is finally experiencing expected freezing temperatures! While you probably have your home heating on full blast, we wanted to also help you stay safe from fire dangers and plumbing disasters. Here’s a list of some important safety tips to consider this winter:

 

Protect your fireplace - Avoid fire hazards by placing a glass or metal fire screen over your fireplace to protect your home from sparks and hot fire logs.

Avoid appliances for heating - Using your stove or oven to heat your home is a serious fire risk, so stick to your central home heating system instead, and leave the appliances for cooking only.

Maintain a steady temperature - Keep your thermostat at the same temperature both day and night. Your heating bill might be a bit higher, but you can avoid costly repairs if you end up with a bursting pipe.

Use the generator outdoors - If the power goes out during a snowstorm, be sure to use your generator outside, never in the home, basement, or garage.

Be wise with space heaters - Space heaters are convenient to use, but can be dangerous if you don’t use them with precaution. That being said, place your device on a hard surface and keep all flammable objects, including bedding, curtains, and rugs away.

Avoid frozen pipes - Be sure to run water (even just a trickle) to help prevent your pipes from freezing up on you when the temperatures drop. Better yet, open the bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around your plumbing.

For any and all of your plumbing emergencies this winter, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We over emergency services 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.  

Winter Snowstorm Checklist

Although we’ve lucked out so far, it’s only a matter of time before Long Island will experience a snowfall or two this winter. Last month, we gave you some tips on how to prevent frozen pipes. Now we want to help you prepare for any snowstorms that might be on the horizon:

Keep a shovel on hand. If the temperatures drop below freezing, be prepared for snow by placing a shovel outside both the front and back door. That way, you don’t have to trudge through the snow to retrieve your shovel in the garage.

Prepare the salt. Be sure to also keep a bag of salt nearby so you can avoid slipping and sliding. If you don’t have one yet, now is your chance to take a quick trip to the grocery store as part of your snow preparation checklist. 

Keep generators dry. Because generators run on electric, it’s crucial to keep them dry. Provide it with a rainproof cover and keep it on the generator all winter long, as you might need it when you least expect it.

Check the furnace. Snowstorms oftentimes come with power outages, so prepare your home by making sure you’ve had a furnace tune-up. The last thing you want is to have a problem with your furnace, and therefore, your home heating, when a cold front creeps in.

Fill the tub. By filling your bathtub with water, you provide yourself with enough water for cooking and flushing, should the electricity run out.

Run the water. As always, prevent freezing pipes by turning on the faucet and letting the water slowly drip - especially if you expect that the temperatures could drop in the middle of the night when you’re sleeping.

For more tips on how to prepare for the next snowstorm, click here.

And don’t forget, if you need a helping hand with your plumbing this winter, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! 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.    

Quick Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Out of all the rooms you use in your home, your kitchen probably receives the most use, so dedicating time to clean everything from appliances to the fridge is important. Can’t find time in your busy schedule? No worries - we’ve got your shortcuts here to quickly and efficiently tidy up the room:

 

Garbage Disposal - To deep clean your disposal unit, make quick and easy ice cubes: blend half vinegar, half water and grind the ice cubes. Repeat on occasion, especially after you have guests over.

Refrigerator - Empty any expired or unwanted food, then push the rest to the side. Clean shelves using a sponge, dish detergent, and warm water. Shift items around to wipe up the other areas until your fridge is completely clean.

Stainless Steel - A streak-free cleaning solution for stainless steel requires an olive oil-based stainless steel spray. This should remove noticeable fingerprints and grease stains.

Sink - No matter what kind of skin you have, fill it with hot water, add one cup of bleach and let soak for approximately one hour. Then drain and rinse thoroughly. Take it a step further by scrubbing with baking soda or giving it an extra shine with a glass-cleaning spray.

Supplies - Clean your kitchen supplies by disinfecting them in the dishwasher. This includes sponges, dish racks, refrigerator drawers, utensil organizers. The steamy water and detergent will help kill germs and

If while you’re cleaning the kitchen, you come across and plumbing or sewer problem, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. 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.