Bathroom Storage Tips

We would all love a bigger bathroom, but sometimes you need to make the most of what you have. There is a lot to store and limited space, so you are going to have to get creative with it. More storage does not have to mean less style. In fact, it means the complete opposite.

Wall Cabinets 

Your bathroom floor space is getting crowded, so it is time to start using your walls. The wall cabinet helps kill two birds with one stone, it gives your bathroom another decoration, and it helps keeps things organized, what is better than that?

Storage Tower

The tower gives you an opportunity to store towels in a more unique fashion. After you have selected the perfect assortment of towels, roll them up and order them in their compartments at your discretion. Now gaze upon your beautifully organized, multi-colored, towel tower! 

Wicker Storage Baskets 

If there is some free space on top of your cabinets or underneath your sink, don't let it go to waste. Head down to the local craft store and select the wicker storage baskets that suit your bathroom the best. Once you get them home, fill each basket with some of those seldom used items and stow them away. You don't want them to be too noticeable, just enough to add a vintage look. 

Vanity

If you are using a standalone sink, this could completely revolutionize your bathroom's style and storage. Most vanities come with three separate storage areas equipped with all sorts of shelves and compartments. But the perks of a vanity are not limited to only storage, the endless backslpash and counter options will leave you playing designer throughout the whole process. This addition is sure to catapult your old bathroom into the one you always imagined. 

If some of your bathroom storage ideas were left off this list, please share them with us on Facebook!

Once your storage is fully upgraded, call the experts at Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter for all of your plumbing needs! You wouldn't want a plumbing problem to ruin all of your creative work. 

When to Replace Your Plumbing

Time wins all battles, and your plumbing is not an exception. Eventually the repairs and quick fixes will catch up to you and the need for a new plumbing system will arise. Plumbing replacement can be an expensive investment, so it is important to know when the time is right.

Know Your Plumbing 

The first factor to consider is the age and condition of your current plumbing system. Copper, brass and galvanized steel have a life expectancy of around 80 years. Their lifespan is contingent on multiple factors, including damage, usage and corrosion. If you recently purchased a home, make sure you have the pipes inspected so you have a little background on the current state of your plumbing.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs 

It is important to include plumbing on your home maintenance checklist. The average person is capable of detecting possible plumbing problems before they occur, all it takes is a watchful eye. Check out your exposed piping and look for any discoloration, stains, dimpling, pimples or flaking- all of these are corrosion indicators. Corroded pipes can lead to unsafe drinking water and they need to be replaced immediately. 

Fix Them Up 

If you and your plumber have decided that replacement is right for you, here are your best options. Copper and brass tubing is outdated and often more expensive than its competition. Plastic tubing is your best bet, and there are even options that require less demolition to install. Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) piping is a new form of tubing that runs behind your walls much like electrical lines. This tubing is relatively inexpensive, it's durable, and it's simple to install- what could be better?

Nobody likes having plumbing replaced, but if it is necessary, why not have it done right? At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer we know a thing or two about plumbing, and we are here to help. 

Give us a call at 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web to set up a free estimate! 

Plumbing Leaks Cause Pest Infestations

Plumbing leaks are inconvenient no matter how you slice it, and they can even bring unwanted pests. Just like humans, pests need water to survive and plumbing leaks allow them a limitless supply. This is not to say that all pest problems are plumbing related, but it is definitely worth a little investigating.

The Investigation
Take note of the area that you are commonly seeing pests and inspect the nearest water source. The leak could be inside of your wall or in a tough to reach place, but most leaks are easily accessible. The area underneath your kitchen and bathroom sink are popular spots for insects to gather if there is moisture leaking from above. Often times, the leak is coming from the seal between the wall and the pipe that is entering it. Examine this area and make sure the seals are as tight as they should be. This could save your bathroom from becoming the party spot for the neighborhood cockroaches.

The Solution
Once you have determined where your leak is coming from, it is time to get all of the creepy crawlers out of your house! Calling in a plumbing professional to fix the leak is a good place to start. Once he/she cuts off the pests water supply, the time has come to give them a mini Armageddon. You can go to the local hardware store and purchase some pest removal products, or you can leave it to your local pest removal professional.

ATTENTION: The time to get rid of the pests is only AFTER the leak has been fixed. If you only focus on the surface of the problem, the pests will keep coming back.

If you need a plumbing professional to fix those tricky leaks, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We provide 24 hour emergency service so you don’t have to wait until the morning. Give us a call at 516-874-7937 to schedule your appointment.

Long Island Summer Vacations

Long Island provides some of the most amazing summer memories, but sometimes it is nice to spend quality family time away from home. Lucky for you, there are plenty of things to do that don’t require much traveling at all. Whether the ferry or a car is your transportation of choice, these spots are sure to stretch a smile across your child’s face.

Essex Steam Train
1 Railroad Ave
Essex Connecticut 
This is perfect for any kid that can’t get enough Thomas the Tank Engine. The real steam locomotive pulls its passengers through the villages of Essex, Deep River and Chester, making stops along the way. Throughout the ride, you can expect visits from Thomas and his friends that are sure to leave your child happy!

Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, Connecticut
For over 85 years, Mystic has been one of the most visited aquariums in the entire United States, and for good reason. Their sea lion, penguin and stingray exhibits are always popular, but the beluga whale exhibit is a can’t miss. If your child loves the ocean, you should work this into your summer fun schedule.

Block Island 
This getaway requires a little more traveling but you will not be disappointed. If your children are a little bit older, Rodman’s Hollow provides great hiking trails with views that will take your breath away. If you have a younger family, you might want to check out Crescent Beach. The locals have nicknamed it “Baby Beach,” because of its soft sand and tide pools that keep your children safe in the shallows.

Share your favorite getaway spots with us on Facebook!

If you need to prepare your plumbing for vacation, look no further than the experts at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. To set up your same day appointment, call us at 516-874-7937!

What Can PVC Do For Me?

Polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC, is a type of piping that has become extremely popular over the years. Today, it is available at nearly any home improvement or hardware store, it is easy to install and it offers a cost-effective alternative to other more expensive types of plumbing. 

PVC Doesn’t Rust, Rot or Corrode

PVC became popular because of it’s ability to prevent frequent plumbing disasters. Up until the late 1970’s, galvanized steel and copper were the industry standard and they weren’t cutting it. These materials tend to rot and corrode over time and lead to unexpected leaks and flooding. Experts suggest replacing galvanized systems with PVC systems, if they are more than 20 years old.

PVC is Flexible

While copper tubing might be physically stronger, PVC’s flexibility makes it last longer. It is more resistant to vibrations, water hammering and everyday abuse.

PVC Lasts the Longest 

Even though PVC is the youngest of all the plumbing materials, it will outlast its competition by a substantial amount of time. The average lifespan of PVC is estimated to be around a century or more! Compared to copper (50 years), galvanized steel (40 years), and brass piping (60 years), PVC is off the charts. If you want long lasting reliability, PVC is the clear cut choice.  

If you are tired of coming home to constant plumbing problems, we think you know what has to be done. At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer, we can provide you with the pipe repair or installation services you need. Call us today at 516-874-7937!

Things That Should Never Go Down the Drain

When it comes to the drain, most people stick to the out of sight, out of mind concept. Doing this might provide some temporary convenience, but it will lead to long term drain problems that you simply can’t afford. The truth is, there are a bunch of things we can put down the drain that cause problems beneath the surface. Do your plumbing a favor and avoid placing these types of items down the drain.

Grease
This includes gravy and melted fats from things like bacon, sausage and poultry skin. Grease, fat and oil buildups cause about 47 percent of the 36,000 sewer overflows that happen annually in the United States. You can limit the amount of grease and fat that goes into your plumbing by reminding your family to scrape their plates before putting them in the sink/dishwasher.

Eggshells 
Even a garbage disposal is not strong enough to protect your drain from the negative effects of eggshells. The shells will cling to other items stuck on drain walls and serve as another obstacle for future waste to try and avoid.

Coffee Grounds
Plumbers label coffee grounds as one of the leading causes for drain blockages in the United States. When they dissolve in water, they become grainy and difficult to pass through your pipes.

Produce Stickers 
This is a more obvious one that people constantly let slip their minds. Stickers will not dissolve in water, which means they do not belong in the drain! If they do happen to make it through your plumbing, they can cause clogs and backups in wastewater treatment plants, and that is a major problem.

Keeping these things out of the drain should ensure your pipes a long and happy life. If you run into any problems or need some more in depth fixes, call Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter today at 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web.

Cleaning Out Your Bathroom Cabinets

Do you find yourself hanging onto things just because they cost too much to throw away? Does it take far too long to find the toothpaste and toothbrush in the morning? If you answered yes to either of those questions, it might be time for some cabinet cleaning. Getting rid of those seldom used products will simplify the morning routine and make your life much easier.

Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly clean and organized bathroom cabinet:

1. Empty it out
You can’t clean what you can’t see. Emptying out your bathroom storage will allow you to see what you need and don’t need. Separate like items into groups so that when you put them back in, you will know where they are.
2. Be honest with yourself
Sometimes foolish pride makes us hold on to items that we haven’t used in months. If that $50 lotion wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, there is no sense in hanging onto it to convince yourself it was a good investment. The truth is, emergency items are the only things that should remain in your cabinet without frequent use.
3. Check the date on medication
When you are in the process of cleaning, be sure to check the dates on all over-the-counter and prescription drugs. The last thing you want is to need some pain relief and find out that your Advil is long past due.
4. Organize to make it last
This is where grouping the like items will come in handy. Designate one shelf for hair care items, another shelf for toothpaste and toothbrushes and build from there. Once your cabinet is all neat and organized, it might be a good idea to decorate the cabinet and add some flare. It might sound stupid, but decorating your cabinet will leave you more inclined to keep it clean.

Organization can only do so much, sometimes you might just need more space. If your bathroom makeover 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.

Preventing Mold in Your Bathroom

The room in your home that is most closely associated with moisture is the bathroom. Unfortunately, this also leaves your bathroom as the room most closely associated with mold growth. Moisture is to mold, what wood is to fire -- a source of life that keeps it growing bigger and stronger. By eliminating the moisture in your bathroom, you are lowering the risk of mold growth and creating a safer environment for your family. Let’s take a look at some tips for keeping your bathroom mold free.

Squeegee Your Shower

The moisture that is left on your shower walls has to go somewhere eventually. Usually, it evaporates into the air and causes a more humid environment inside your bathroom. Removing this excess moisture after you shower can help remove 75% of the moisture that supports mold and mildew growth. A squeegee’s rubber edge is usually used to clean windows, but it can be equally effective in the shower.  

Stretch Out Your Curtain

Whether it is your shower or a friend’s (hopefully a friend’s), we have all seen the little spots on the inside of a shower curtain. These spots show early signs of mold growth but they can easily be avoided by stretching out your curtains after every shower. This will help break up moisture build up and stop mold before it starts!

Run Your Exhaust Fan

You have one for a reason, use it! You should run your exhaust fan for about 15 minutes after every shower to remove excess moisture from the air.

Seal Your Grout

The grout that seals your tile floors will not last forever. You should reseal your grout lines every year to ensure they remain waterproof.

Putting these tips to use can help reduce the risk of mold growth in your bathroom. Doing them just once is not enough. You should work them into your normal bathroom cleaning routine and continue to maintain a mold-free bathroom!

Looking for more information about maintaining a clean and healthy bathroom? Connect with Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter on Facebook and Twitter! Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit us on the web to learn more about our services.