Tips for Hiring a Plumber

Looking for a plumber or any type of contractor can be nerve wracking. Unfortunately, there are a fair amount of liars and false advertisers out there, so it is important to know what questions you need to be asking.

Are you a licensed professional?

Plumbers are not required to have a license in the state of New York, so don’t just assume they have one. Even if the unlicensed plumber does great work, it might not pass inspection and that will leave you in a bigger hole than before the work started. Be sure to check the website and look for their license information to insure you are getting quality work.

Do you offer flat or hourly rates?

Some plumbers will give you an estimate that is unrealistic just to get your business. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, because they probably are. A good question to ask would be if they offer flat or hourly rates. This is important because problems usually arise in the plumbing world, and you don’t want to have to pay for the extra time.

What is your payment structure?

You should always know when payment is expected so that you can budget for it. But this varies from plumber to plumber, so make sure it is specified in the contract. Most plumbers use a milestone structure where payment is made upon completion of previously outlined tasks. This is the best way to do it because you can see what you are getting prior to making a payment.

Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is a fully licensed and insured plumbing company. If you are having problems with your plumbing, call Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter today at 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web.

Celebrate Lawn & Garden Month

With April being National Lawn and Garden Month, you’re probably starting to think about outdoor planting. And as the temps slowly heat up on Long Island, you’ll be able to spend more time outside - relaxing in the yard and preparing fresh greenery. No matter the size of your garden, it’s important to plant and clean your lawn properly.

Here’s 4 simple tips to get you started this month:

Get the right mowing height. It’s a good idea to leave your lawn a little longer during the warmer months - most do well at 2” to 3”.

Use a sharp blade for mowing. A dull blade will likely tear your grass as opposed to cutting it.

Leave the grass clippings. It’s important to leave the grass clippings on your lawn as it recycles plant nutrients back into the soil. It’s also a great fertilizer.

Water and fertilize your lawn. But don’t overdo it. Too much water will drown the grass and too much fertilizer will burn it. Your lawn will survive better if it’s under-watered and under-fertilized!

Now that you have your lawn in check, it’s time to make sure your sprinkler systems are working properly - and that’s where we come in! You’ll want to prevent situations of over watering and keep your garden healthy all season long. Call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 718-514-7145 for a thorough sprinkler system inspection today!

5 Simple Ways to Cut on Energy Costs

Today is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day and we think there's no better time to read up on some great AND simple ways to save. With the new year underway, we're all striving to make a difference in our homes and lives - for the better. Why not save a chunk of change in 2015 by picking up on better habits.

Consumer Energy has 100 ways you can save on your energy bills, but for now we'll stick with our favorite five:

1. Call your heating professional for a tuneup! Poorly maintained heating systems are major culprits of heat loss. To decrease your heat loss by up to 1 or 2% have your heating system inspected at the start of every heating season.

2. Get with the program! A programmable thermostat is an efficient way to conserve your energy use. There's no need to have the heat set as high when everyone is out and about mid-day. Programming a thermostat will make these daily adjustments easy for you.

3. Purchase a low-flow aerator or flow restrictor and install it on your shower head. Not only will the water pressure feel even better than before but you'll use less water in the meantime! Sounds like a good switch to us.

4. Think about what is in your refrigerator or freezer before you open it. Browsing allows cold air to escape, causing sneaky increases in your energy costs. Better to keep it closed or pick quick!

5. Use supplemental heating equipment for hard to reach areas. Almost every home has a room that's hard to heat. Instead of forcing more heat out that the rest of your house doesn't need, try heating that room with a space heater or natural gas fireplace.

Happy Saving!

Whether you need boiler repair services or hot water heater installation, turn to the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer a comprehensive selection of services to ensure that your home or business receives the best repairs and maintenance for optimal indoor temperatures. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information. 

Historical Events that Shaped Modern Plumbing

We love to talk about modern plumbing. Yet, we rarely think about how it came to exist. Thanks to Ivey Engineering, we can share a few fun facts about the history of plumbing:

• Archaeologists discovered copper water pipes in the palace ruins of the Indus River Valley in India. (4,000 to 3,000 B.C.) 
• Egyptians developed copper pipes that were used to build elaborate bathrooms inside the pyramids and intricate irrigation and sewages systems. (2500 B.C.) 
• Rainwater cisterns were developed on the island of Crete which allowed for storage of rainwater until it was needed for drinking, washing, bathing and cooking uses. (1500 B.C.) 
• The Romans were some of the most advanced in ancient plumbing systems. Out of the Roman Empire aqueducts were developed as well as underground sewer systems, public and private baths, lead and bronze water piping systems, and marble fixtures with gold and silver fittings. The Romans utilized lead pipes, which at the time made vast improvements in sanitary conditions. (500 B.C. to A.D. 455)
• Sir John Harington, godson to Queen Elizabeth, invented the first flushing water closet. (1596)
• The first underground sewer was installed in 1728. This came about after health officials in New York responded to complaints about the smell of open sewers. 
• The first public water main was installed under New York streets in 1830. Numerous fires had demonstrated the need for an adequate and available supply of water for fire fighting. 
• The first water heaters were developed in private homes and small buildings in the 1870s. Circulation pipes were installed between water-heating units and hot water storage tanks so as to make pressurized hot water available in volume. 
• The water closet was invented from 1900 to 1932. The U.S. Patent Office received applications for 350 new water closet designs, including the designs of Charles Neff and Robert Frame. These men were the first to produce a siphoning water closet that would become standard in the United States. 

NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is thankful for modern day plumbing systems. Are you? Call us at 718-514-7145 for plumbing services. 

Get more facts at iveyengineering.com. 

Keep The Super Bowl Super - Emergency Plumbing Services

2014 is a big year for the New York Plumber and Sewer Rooter community. Super Bowl Sunday is right in our back yard and you know were always rooting! Many fans will be freezing on Sunday, February 2nd at MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey. The rest of us, however, will be celebrating with family and friends in our home!

New York Plumber and Sewer Rooter wants to remind you that no plumbing or heating issue should get in the way of cooking your favorite appetizers, pouring your favorite drinks, or watching the game winning touch down. We're available 24-7 for your emergency plumbing needs so you don't have to stop cheering or even get up off the couch!

Call our emergency line (877-713-8136) for 30 minute emergency service, because the super bowl must go on! In the meantime, check out nymag.com for awesome things to do in NY if you won't be in your house or at the stadium. Wherever you are, Ny Plumber and Sewer Rooter has your back.

Let us know which team your rooting for on our Facebook page and, of course, visit our website to save our emergency number for game day!

Holiday Emergency Plumbing Tips

A plumbing emergency can pop up without warning. A disaster like this during the holiday may seem like a reason to panic, but don't worry, we've got you covered. For an immediate emergency here's some do-it-yourself tips for you to follow until you have time to call the plumbing pros.

1. Know where your house's main shut-off valve is located. If you know where your water meter is, the main shut-off valve is usually located near it.
2. Learn how to shut off the water supply to individual fixtures. It's important to understand how to isolate the issue and be able to stop the flow of water. If you are unsure how to find these fixtures, give our office a call and we would be happy to come by and give you the full run down of important information.
3. Unclogging a Toilet. This may be the most common plumbing issue, especially during the holiday when homes are crowded with family and friends.
4. Dripping or Leaky Faucet. Did you know that a leaky faucet can actually cost you hundreds of dollars a year if not fixed? We suggest starting by replacing the O-ring. This eventually will be a bigger issue and should be attended to by a plumbing specialist.

We hope this tips help you avoid the stress of any plumbing issues during the holiday season. If you do experience any problems with your plumbing vents or any other part of your plumbing, please call New York Plumber & Sewer Rooter, we are available 24/7!
516-874-7937.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trots

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite days of the year.  A day filled with family, friends and good food.  Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for what we have as well as tradition.  If you are looking to make a new tradition and burn off a few calories before you ingest a bunch more at your Thanksgiving feast, sign up for a Thanksgiving Day turkey trot.  There are many different "Fun Runs" across Long Island, that can be fun for anyone.

• 37th Montauk Turkey Day Run for Fun - 3 and 6 mile runs starting at 10 am at Montauk Circle.  
• Mattituck-Cutchogue Teacher's Association 8th Annual Turkey Trot - This 5K race/walk is open to all ages and begins at 9am at the Mattituck High School.
•  Oyster Bay Turkey Trot - Starting at Oyster Bay High School, 5K race for adults and kids 14 and up starting at 9am.
• 35th Annual Garden City Turkey Trot - Starting at St. Paul's School the 1.4 mile Fun Run starts at 9:15am.  There is also a 5 Mile Turkey Trot at 10am and a Challenger Division race at 8:30am.  

If none of these races are close to your home, don't worry view this full list of races for additional race information and registrations:  http://goo.gl/joCA5n.  NY Plumbing wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!  If you are hosting this year and experience any plumbing problems, like a clogged garbage disposal, call NY plumbing we are always here to help!  516-874-7937

Most Common Plumbing Problems

It is pretty common to experience some plumbing problems in your home at some point in your life.  Many problems can be avoided simply by taking some preventative steps.  Some problems are more common than others and can usually be fixed with a quick call to your local plumber.  Here are a few common plumbing problems you may run into in the future.

• Dripping faucet- Many people ignore this problem, but they don't realize that over time this can cause a great impact on your monthly water bill.  It is a cheap and easy fix that will save you a lot of money in the long run.
• Clogged Drains- This commonly happens in the kitchen and the bathroom.  A clogged drain may seem like an isolated problem but it can really cause even bigger issues throughout your plumbing system.  
• Blocked Toilet- This is very similar to a clogged drain in that it can end up causing other problems and it should be dealt with immediately.

These are only a few of the common problems that usually reek havoc on a home's plumbing system, for more common problems like faulty water heaters, the pipes underneath the sink, and much more check out http://goo.gl/5BszgD
.  It is important to maintain your plumbing system to ensure that it is running as it should.  NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter can help make sure that your plumbing is running well.  We service commercial and residential no matter how big the problem Call NY Plumber.

Don't let a Clogged Disposal Ruin your Holidays

Did you know that one of the most common home repair mishaps during the holiday, is a clogged garbage disposal.  Rather than going through the trouble of having it fixed, we have put together a few tips that will keep your disposal from malfunctioning during your holiday festivities!

If you do have a garbage disposal in your home, chances are it has been clogged a few times.  It is also quite common to have to replace the disposal all together.  Sometimes we find ourselves in a scramble to clean up and we end up dumping every morsel of food from the plate into the disposal, especially during the holidays when you are entertaining multiple guests at once.  Sometime the disposal is up to the task, but other times its NOT.  The easiest way to keep your disposal running is by knowing what not to put in it.  Avoid egg shells, potato peels, coffee grounds, rice, pasta, asparagus, celery, carrot peels and anything that is hard, fibrous or gummy.  Also know your limits, overflowing a disposal is an easy way to break it.  If you notice that your disposal is taking a bit longer than usual, it may  be time to sharpen the blades.  Of course, following all of these recommendations does not guarantee a clog-free disposal but it will definitely help your chances.  For more info on how to keep your disposal running efficiently visit: http://goo.gl/NjvGVp.

If your disposal does clog at any time call New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we are available 24/7 and also 30 minute emergency services.  Call : 516-874-7937!

How your Plants Affect your Plumbing

Now we know that the season for planting new bushes and trees, is over, but your plants can still be negatively affecting your plumbing.  You may want your home to have certain curb appeal, but you never want that appeal to affect the functionality of your home.  Like icebergs plants reach deep beneath the surface of what we see. 


Mother Nature is beautiful, but sometimes natural and man made systems clash and do not go together.  The roots of a tree extend deep beneath the surface and can be extremely strong and stubborn.  These roots like to grow in many different directions and tend to penetrate anything that is impeding them.  A single tree root breaking into a pipe can lead an entire system to backup, or worse.   Unfortunately, even trees planted on the outskirts of your property can penetrate the route that  your plumbing pipes take.  Once a pipe is broken, it can lead to leaks under the slab and even flooding.  Leaks are generally not covered  by most home insurance policies.  Leaving you responsible to pay the full amount of the broken pipe repair.  To learn more about how mother nature can affect your plumbing please visit http://goo.gl/lzYZ7X.

Many plumbing companies like NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter offer inspections and evaluations of your underground plumbing to ensure that there is no damage to your home's plumbing.  If you have a lot of plants on or surrounding your property, you should have an inspection done every few years. 

Why You Should Hire a Plumber

Usually in any operation most of the work is done behind the scenes.  The same is true for any building, behind the walls the plumbing is working to provide heat, water and much more.  Plumbing is very important in our lives, in fact it may be hard for you to even think of a place that you can go that doesn't have plumbing.  Because plumbing has so many its own complexities it is one of the most dangerous project to take on by yourself.  For every situation that involves plumbing, whether it is an installation, inspection, repairing or maintenance, it requires a certain level of expertise.  It is always best to hire a plumber, and here are some reasons why.

1. Installation and Upgrades-  You may wish to add water supply anywhere inside or outside your house to cater to more activities.  A plumber can provide the knowledge to offer you options on what fixture upgrade you will need.
2. Remodeling home-  Aside from modifying your plumbing set-up, they may also determine whether the current set-up can be remodeled or if any remodeling can be done in the future.
3. Conserving Water- Broken pipes and leaks on your plumbing fixtures can waste a lot of water. 
4. Drain cleaning- Wastes can be hazardous and messy when they are not disposed of properly.  When your disposal system is not functioning well, these wastes will  be spilled into the bathroom or kitchen.  Inspection and maintenance can prevent this problem from ever occurring.
5. Safety- Some of the most common accidents are fires.  In most cases, firemen are not immediately available at the first sign of burning.  Have a plumber install a sprinkler system in your home or building, it always pays to be safe.

The reasons for calling NY Plumbing & Sewer Rooter are endless, but for a longer list please visit http://goo.gl/NyNxVN.

Hurricane Sandy One Year Later

A year ago today marks the one year anniversary of a storm that wreaked havoc on the Northern Mid-Atlantic coast of our country.  The powerful storm of epic proportions was the most devastating natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane Katrina.  Sandy made landfall one year ago, five miles southwest of Atlantic City.  Its impacts were far-reaching, including flooding rain, damaging winds and heacy snow from the D.C. area to the far western Appalachian slopes. 
Today we remember all that we lost in this horrible natural disaster, that is still plaguing parts of the east cost today.  NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter sends it's best wishes to anyone effected by the storm.  For more information on the devastating storm and how it has effected the east coast please visit http://goo.gl/dSHdNo.

Plumbing Troubleshooting

Just like your computer you can preform troubleshooting in an attempt to find the problem.  This can be a very helpful first step that can save you a lot of money.  Identifying the problem before taking action will allow you to address the problem without potentially damaging other parts of your plumbing. 
The actual act of fixing your sink, tub, drain or toilet is really a task best left to the professionals.  However diagnosing the problem can be done with a little bit of research and a keen eye.  Please visit http://goo.gl/ltX4Hd for more information on Plumbing Troubleshooting and some common plumbing problems and fixes.

When you have finished you troubleshooting and have determined the problem, call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at  516-874-7937. 

Pumpkin Pulp is not Plumbing Friendly

Every year, more than one billion pounds of pumpkins or produced in America many of which are carved into jack-o'-lanterns for  home decorations each year, around Halloween.  This creates a lot of left over pulp after each pumpkin is hallowed out.  Each year plumbers spend many days removing gobs of pulp and seeds from clogged drains before the end of the Halloween season.  Local plumbers have  become as common a Halloween visitor as little vampires or ghosts thanks to sticky pumpkin pulp and seeds. 
In the weeks leading up to Halloween, calls from homeowners struggling with pulp-clogged garbage disposals and stopped-up kitchen drains seem to roll in.  Pumpkin carvers should know that the number one rule is to never dispose of the pulp, in any type of drain.  The slimy gunk is ideal for clogging plumbing.  Some believe that it is safe for disposals because it is soft and mushy, but the truth is that it will dry and harden, choking the pipes and causing clogs.  For more info on how and where to dispose of pumpkin pulp please visit http://goo.gl/fYFi4p.

If it's too late and you have already flushed some pumpkin pulp down one of your drains, call NY Plumbing & Sewer Rooter at: 516-874-7937.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

Designing your home is different for everyone.  Each person has their own preferences and ideas about how they want their home to look.  When it comes to designing your kitchen there is one thing that every kitchen needs, a sink and faucet.  When you are selecting your sink and faucet, style should come second.   You want to choose one that will work well and withstand years of daily use. 


It is also important to take into account what you will  be using your sink for and how often.  A few things to consider when making your decision are:

• Sink options - Sinks are typically made from stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, solid surfaces and composites. 
• Number of Sinks - Equally sized double bowls are typically for washing dishes.  Single and different sized doubles are also available.
• Faucets that Function - Faucets come in all shapes and sizes with different functionality.

For more advice on how to choose your kitchen sink and information on the different options please visit http://goo.gl/OB098z.

After you make your decision call New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937, to have it installed by the professionals.

Winterize Your Plumbing

The cold winter months can wreak havoc on the plumbing system in your home if you are not prepared for the drop in temperatures.  Frozen water in pipes can be a nuisance at best and a disaster at its worst.  It is important to make a checklist to winterize your plumbing.  New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter has made a checklist for you to use in you own home:

1. Fix Leaks: Even the smallest of leaks can cause big problems once the temperatures drop low enough.  As water freezes it expands which will make your small problem into a large one.
2. Insulate Pipes: Make sure that exposed pipes are well insulated.  Exposed pipes, if you have any, are usually located in your attic, crawl space, and garage.  Pipe wrap insulation is cheap and easy to install and can also save you on heating costs while protecting the pipe.
3. Pump House: Proper insulation of the pump house where your water comes from can keep pipes from freezing.
4. Outside Hose Bibs: Protecting the hose bibs and pipes from the cold is very important to your plumbing.  Remove any garden hoses that are connected to outdoor faucets.  Drain water from hoses before storing them. 
5. Sprinklers: Turn off the water to your sprinkler system and drain it before it can freeze.
6. Locate Water Main: Be sure to know exactly where your water main is in case of an emergency.  If a pipe bursts be sure to shut off the water main quickly to minimize damage.

For more instructions on this list please visit http://goo.gl/0LIn6y.
New York Plumbing will help you inspect your home to make sure it is completely ready for the winter months. Call us at 516-874-7937 and in the event of an Emergency please call 877-713-8136. 

Flushable Wipes Clogging US Sewer Systems

Bathroom wipes are becoming increasingly popular.  These pre-moistened towelettes are often advertised as flushable, meaning they are safe to dispose of in your toilet.  Recently these bathroom wipes are being blamed for creating clogs and backups in the nation's sewer systems.

Many of these wipes, even the ones labeled flushable, are going down the toilet but not breaking down quickly.  This is costing some municipalities millions of dollars to hire crews to unclog the pipes and pumps and even replace and upgrade machinery.  Manufacturers insist wipes labeled flushable aren't the problem, blaming it instead on things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products and baby wipes clearly marked as non-flushable.  The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry recently specified seven tests for manufacturers to use to determine which wipes to call flushable.  For more information on how these bathroom products are affecting our sewer systems please visit http://goo.gl/P0lMEL.

Be sure to carefully check the label of any bathroom products you intend to dispose of in your toilet.  If you experience any problems with your plumbing call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at
516-874-7937. 

Prevent Drain Clogs

Nassau Plumbing & Sewer Rooter

30 Minute Emergency Service

 Call: 516-874-7937

http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com

 
Taking steps to prevent drain clogs from ever happening is much easier than dealing with the mess afterwards.  One of the best ways to prevent slow or clogged drains is to be careful about what you are putting into them.  Four of the worst things you can put down a drain are cooking grease, coffee grounds, hair and soap scum.  Here are some alternative methods to dispose of these things.

• Save cooking grease in an old coffee can or cardboard milk container, then dispose of it in the trash later. 
• Throw coffee grounds away in the garbage or add them to your garden.
• Use a screen or drain-grate on the drain's opening to minimize problems with hair and soap scum. 

After taking this preventative steps try:

• Running hot water through the sink after each use.  Hot water keeps oils in food products from sticking and building up on the surface of pipes. 
• Throw a handful of baking soda into the drain and follow it with hot water.  Baking soda is great for cleaning and absorbing odors.
• Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes followed by very hot water.  Vinegar's acetic properties act as an organic solvent in removing organic buildup in pipes.

For more drain cleaning ideas visit http://goo.gl/y9KXip
Or Call New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937 and visit us online at http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com/. 

DIY Shower Valve Gone Wrong

In todays economy, DIY is becoming a popular method to try and save some money, in your home improvements.  Some of the braver money savers try their hand at fixing their leaky faucets.  DIY plumbing usually costs you more money than it saves you.  There are so many stories of people trying to fix their plumbing problems by themselves and end up making them worse. 

This is a story of a typical homeowner embarking on a DIY mission to fix a shower valve.  The task seemed simple enough with a quick Google search.  Buy the shower valve, turn off the water to the house, install the new part and turn the water back on, but small repairs are often not so simple.  This mission starts at the hardware store, scouring the shelves for the parts that he thinks he needs.  The next step is turning off the water to the house, which is rarely done correctly by first time DIYers.  Operating the tools necessary, requires some training.  Most of these fixes are done outside of normal working hours when homeowners have the time to tinker with their DIY project.  So when something goes wrong the homeowner will inevitably have to call a plumber.

A quick fix can easily turn into something much more complicated, which will be even more expensive when you decide it is time to call a plumber. Call the trusted professionals at NY Plumbing & Sewer Rooter and get it done correctly the first time. 
Call: 516-874-7937
Website:  http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com/

Preparing Your Home For the Fall

Fall or Autumn is a very beautiful season, with all the beautiful colors and crisp cool nights.  Fall is also a reminder, that winter is just around the corner.  Just as the environment changes around us, we have to make changes to our home to prepare for the colder weather.  Sometimes it helps to make a checklist.

1. Keep warm- The low temperatures are coming, have a professional inspect your heating system. Replace all dirty filters and if you have a fireplace make sure all vents are clear in the chimney.
2. Seal the Cracks- Check for spacing around all the windows and doors of your home. 
3. Check Surroundings-  Replace any missing or damaged shingles to prevent further damage from rain and wind and stop leaks before they happen.  Inspect gutters for rust damage, also keep clear of debris, a clog can cause damage to the roof or trim of the house. 
4. Use Fans: Use the reverse switch on your fan to push down the warm air as it rises.
5. Hurricane Prep.- Always keep your fingers crossed and hope we don't experience a hurricane, but it is always good to be prepared.  Make sure windows and doors are ready for a storm an keep handy window boards.  Keep canned food, water and batteries or generators stocked in your home. 

For a more complete checklist of Fall preparation please visit http://goo.gl/fYwJ0e.

If you need any help preparing the plumbing in your home for the fall with tasks that include maintenance of hot water heater, exterior water, exposed pipes or anything of that nature Call New York Plumber & Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937 or visit us online at http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com/.