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.  

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.

Winter Safety Tips: When the Cold Gets Colder

Between the recent snowstorm and the frigid temperatures, “heating systems are running at full force and many people are resorting to other sources to keep their homes warm.” The Red Cross wants to keep people safe and avoid fire dangers. NY Plumber & Sewer wants to keep you informed as well, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important tips listed on The Daily News Online:

• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
• If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
• Use generators correctly. Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.
• Keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.
• Avoid frozen pipes - run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

As always, NY Plumber & Sewer is available 24/7 for any emergencies you may face. If you have any other winter safety tips, lets us know on our Facebook Page.

Read more at thedailynewsonline.com.

Wrap Up Your Home This Winter

The winter months are often a time when your pipes can start acting up or be at risk of damages. Since no one looks forward to frozen pipes or flooded carpets, we’ve provided you with 5 “stress-free” winter tips, courtesy of the Winter Wise Owl:

1. Keep your pipes toasty: Wrap up your pipes and water tanks with lagging. Pay extra attention to the pipes running along the outside of your property, as these are more likely to freeze when the mercury plummets. Also use waterproof lagging for outside pipes!

2. Find your stop tap: Your stop tap controls the flow of water into your home. It’s usually found under the kitchen sink, or sometimes in a cellar or garage. Know where it is so you can turn the water off quickly if your pipes freeze or there’s a burst. 


3. Keep the heating on: Keeping your central heating on low during a cold spell will prevent your pipes from freezing. Also, make sure the heating is still running when you’re away too!

4. Have the name of a plumber handy: Keep the name of a reliable plumber in a safe place, just in case you have a burst. Remember NY Plumber & Sewer is available 24/7!

5. Check with your neighbors: If you find yourself without water when it’s freezing cold outside, check out how your neighbors are doing. If they still have water, it could be that your pipes have frozen. NY Plumber & Sewer has an emergency number listed you can call!

Don't let pipe destruction ruin your winter! Be sure to take advantage of these preventative steps.