Bang Out Your Bathroom Cleaning Routine

How do you like your bathroom cleaning routine? Short and sweet, you say? Though it might never be sweet you can definitely make it speedy and relatively painless with this 15-minute cleaning guide:

Round up your tools. Sure - if you keep the paper towels on the kitchen counter, your scrubbers under the sink and a spray bottle in the cabinet down the hall we can see how cleaning the bathroom can become exhausting. Keep a stash of all your bathroom cleaning essentials in one place, even if it means you have duplicate products within your household.

Get wiping. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar and add 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil. This multipurpose spray can be used to wipe down most surfaces in the bathroom and will keep it smelling the way you like it, too.

Keep the tub in tact. Pour some of that vinegar spray you created down the drain along side baking soda. This solution will fizz and help to dissolve built up residue, keeping your drains clear and smelling fresh.

Get organized. We promise - new issues of cosmopolitan are on their way. You can spare to recycle last year's May and make more room for necessities under the sink. Old makeups and expired medicines might be worth a toss, as well.

Finally, the floors. Have any old socks you haven't worn in years? We know you do! Get them on, water them up, and get mopping. Cleaning with your feet is quick and easy and you can finally 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. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information. 

Finding a New York Plumber for the New Year

New year, new plumber? If you've had plumbing troubles in the past and no reliable plumber to take care of your services, throw "find plumber" on your 2015 to-do list.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, our qualified and licensed plumbers have been serving the New York area, including Nassau and Suffolk County for over 50 years.

What home services can you expect us to cover? Our residential and commercial customers call for:

• pipe cleaning
• pipe rooting
• boiler replacement & repair
• hot water heater replacement & repair
• faucet installation
• leaking drain repair
• yard drain repair
• basement floods
• sink, tub or toilet installation & repair
• sewer cleaning

Our customers always receive the highest quality workmanship at a reasonable price. Start 2015 off on the right foot, backed by a plumber you can trust. Call us 24/7 at 516.874.7937.

Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions Answered

Let's make 2015 a year free of unanswered questions. Where to start? Plumbing, of course. The foundation of our living conditions.

5 frequently asked plumbing questions include the following:

How long does it take to install a faucet?
The challenge really comes with removing the old one. Once complete, installation with the proper tools can take about an hour. If it seems like it's out of your league, call a plumber.

Can a two-handed faucet be replaced with a single?
Most mounting hardware allows you to replace a two-handed faucet with a single model. If that is not the case, however, you can add a deck plate which provides attractive covering for your faucet.

What's the best type of faucet for a kitchen?
Both convenient and clean, a great faucet to install is a hands-free MotionSense faucet. Just a wave of the hand will turn it on and when motion discontinues it turns off. Conservative use of water as well!

How should I clean my faucet?
Keeping your faucet dry of excess water at all times is ideal for minimizing mineral deposits. To remove hard water stains, try a natural cleaner - half white vinegar, half water.

Why does a faucet leak or drip?
There are a variety of reasons your faucet could be leaking - none of which should be ignored. An internal piece might need replacing or re-positioning. A good plumber will do the trick.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is available for your plumbing installation, repairs and other home services. Call us today at 516.874.7937 for more information. 

5 Signs Your Boiler Needs Repair

Though never convenient, it comes as no surprise that boilers tend to give out in the winter. Realize something might be up but not sure when you should call in a professional?

Here are some warning signs it might be time for a boiler repair:

Pilot light is out. Your pilot should be lighting a blue flame. If it still looks lit, but has an orange or yellowish tint to it, your likely in need of a boiler repair.

No heat or hot water. There are quite a few technical problems that could have caused your loss of heat or hot water. This as an easy sign to pick up on and a quick call to your technician should solve the problem.

Pressure is off. Especially if you notice your water pressure has dropped, there could be a leak in your system. Replacement of the relief valve may also be the answer.

Inaccurate thermostat. If your thermostat is not reading correctly or turning the heat on or off when it shouldn't be, it could be time for a new one. Talk to your technician about getting your boiler replaced.

Hear strange noises. Rumbling noises could appear when your system builds up with lime scale.

NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter has proudly served heating customers in Nassau County for over 50 years! Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for a complete list of services we offer. Emergency service is available! 

Keeping Your Plumber Off the Holiday Party Guest List

Especially if you come from a big family, that holiday guest list is probably piling right up. Avoid having to squeeze the plumber in there too with these few plumbing tips:

1. Keep a strainer in your sink when clearing off dishes. The strainer will catch little bits of food before they head down the drain and cause a clog. 

2. Don't overload the garbage disposal. It works well for small bits of food at separated times, but it will not be able to sustain the leftovers from your entire family's meal. 

3. Freshen the disposal with a ground cup of lemon or orange peels. Harsh drain cleaners and bleach could damage pipes and blades. 

4. Request that overnight guests leave a 10 minute space between showers. Overload of water down the drains may cause your pipes to act up. 

5. Avoid hair build up with a hair stopper device. Placing one of these over your shower drain could save you from the trouble all of your guest's hair flowing down the drain could cause. 

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is available 24/7 for your emergency needs. If the holidays have you in a frenzy anyway, give us a call at 877-713-8136.

Have a stress-free and happy holiday! 

Tips for Keeping Tragedy Out of Your Holiday Décor

The holidays, as expected, are a time of love and joy. While decorations help to get you and your family in the spirit of the season, make sure you keep happy in the holidays with these few child safety tips:

Keep your greens watered. A dry Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush is a fire hazard. You'll also want to position them away from any open flames. Keep the candles in a different room and decorate with ornaments that have plastic hooks instead of metal, if possible.

Scan for choking hazards. Miniature décor may be a cute touch but it could also be dangerous for your young ones. If you have curious little toddlers on your hands you'll want to keep all décor that is small enough for choking out of their reach.

Secure the glow. Dangling lights should be secured and untouchable. Make sure your kids can't hang on, pull at or play with them. Staples could also be a fire hazards but securing with clips and setting lights on a timer are both good ideas.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is your neighborhood plumber. From plumbing repair to heating services, bathroom and kitchen installation and more, we are available 24/7 for whatever you need. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information. 

Prep Your Yard for Winter

Is the yard your favorite part of your property? For many, that's the case - and winter weather puts up some fierce competition that your lawn alone can't face.

Play your part before the deep freeze sets in so you can expect your beloved lawn to spring back into action when sunnier days set in.

Keep on mowing. If the grass is green, keeping going. Giving up on mowing too soon will make for an unattractive appearance.

Rake it up. If certain spots on your lawn are buried under piles of leaves they won't be getting the love from the sun that they should be.

Deal with the decay. Remove decaying and dying branches from your trees and bushes to keep them nice and healthy.

Bring in the mulch. Fresh mulch is an important factor in protecting your plants from freezing temperatures. When the first of harsher weather hits, spread two to four inches of mulch around tree bases and plants without packing it down.

Spruce up your garden. Remove all excess annuals that are well past their lifetime while leaving their roots for enriching the soil. Next, pick apart all plant debris from beds and borders as to avoid the growth of mold and infestations, including left over weeds, etc.

You have your yard in check, we'll take care of the plumbing! Call us today for assistance winterizing your home and to make repairs to your heating system. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information. 

Smart Plumbing: Is This a Scam?

You rush to call a plumber with an emergency situation and you're shocked by the unexpectedly low bid you receive. You may be thrilled will the initial cost you are going to pay, however, you should really be saying to yourself - "Is this a scam?"

Unfortunately, there are tricks to the plumbing trade that you need to look out for in order to protect your home and your wallet. While a quality plumber may offer premium services at a competitive price, it must be presented in a professional way. 

As the customer, you should expect to receive a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the job before it is performed. You should also only hire contractors that are properly licensed and insured. If a plumber offers you an unusually low bid when you first call, they may tack on other costs you didn't expect to pay before they complete the work that needs to be done. Since your stuck in a half solved situation, this requires you to pay more for the job than you would have ever agreed to otherwise. 

For more red flags to look out for when hiring a plumber, visit rimedia.com.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter are licensed and insured professionals with over 50 years of experience in the plumbing industry. Call us today for a FREE estimate. We offer one flat affordable rate for every job and we never bill by the hour. 

Connect with us on social media for more plumbing updates. LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+.

Customer Service: Our Number One Priority

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, customer service is our number one priority! And what better time to remind you than the beginning of Customer Service Week?

We're kicking it off with a commitment to our outstanding reputation for customer satisfaction in everything we do. Need a quality sewer and drain cleaning? Heating repair? No matter the service, we send our trained team of professionals who value both our residential and commercial customers.

Proudly serving plumbing customers for over 50 years, you can rely on us for a job well done. Need a job done in just 30 minutes? You can rely on us for plumbing emergency service, too! A large part of serving our customers right is serving them when they need us most.

If you're a first time customer, call us today for a free estimate. Returning customers - we're proud to service all of your plumbing needs.

We're excited to share our social media community with our customers. LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for updates on plumbing information.

Most Widely Used Material on the Market: PVC

With the need for piping on the rise, why not learn a little more about our options? Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC piping, is the most widely used material on the market - and for a good reason.

Becoming popular for home plumbing use in the 1950's, this piping material has some major advantages that has allowed it to shine:

Flexible & durable. Sometimes strength is in the flexibility. PVC is a material that can resist vibrations, water hammering and even earthquake damage.

No rust or corrosion. This inexpensive alternative can help you avoid the problems that come with buildup due to rust and corrosion in copper and steel pipes!

Lengthy Lifetime. PVC is a piping you can count on. When installed properly, PVC can have a lifetime of up to 100 years - almost double that of other piping options.

Budget-Friendly. Both the initial cost and maintenance costs are lower for PVC than other piping options. Sounds like a smart choice to us!

Thinking you like the sound of PVC? Learn more here.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we can provide you with the pipe repair or installation services you need. Call us today at 516-874-7937! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more plumbing updates and homeowner tips or information.

Flushable Wipes Aren't That Flushable

"How convenient!" consumers think. "A soft and effective wipe that I can throw down my toilet just like toilet paper." The truth? These 'flushable' wipes that have been on the market for years are actually clogging up septic systems everywhere. 

As sales accelerate, so do the number of clogs in our world's sewer system. According to Bloomberg, "the hygiene fad costs governments millions of dollars a year." 

The moral of the story? Not everything that clears your toilet is truly flushable and not every product advertised as flushable actually is. Using greater precaution and thinking twice before putting things down the drain might save our city, with the largest U.S. sewer system, up to $18 million dollars over the next few years. 

Read more about these flush-defying wipes on Bloomberg. 

Have a clogged drain? At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

When is it Time to Call the Plumber?

Have a handyman at home? They probably cover some of the basic home care needs on their own. Saving money where you can is smart. However, tackling more difficult projects can lead to other damages that will cost you more money in the long run.

Not sure when it's a good idea to pick up the phone and call a plumber? Turn to the most common examples below:

You notice low water pressure throughout your home. There are a number of reasons your water pressure could be low. A licensed and professional plumber is trained to pinpoint the exact cause quickly and get your water flowing freely again.

There's no hot water. Again, determining the cause could take quite awhile. Professional plumbers know everything there is to know about heating appliances and can find the right fix quickly.

You need to replace your water heater. Installing a new water heater is no easy feat. To ensure your new water heater will begin working properly, turn to a plumber who has the routine down pat and installs them on a regular basis.

Your sewer line is backed up. Plumbers have advanced technology that can inspect and repair your sewer line efficiently. Attempting to dig up your yard on your own and fix the sewer line may actually end up being more costly.

Your pipes are frozen. If the pipe has already burst or cracked, you'll need a professional plumber to make the repairs. Even if the frozen pipe is still intact, you may want a plumber to take a look at it to prevent more sever damage.

Other than these common plumbing emergencies above, calling a plumber for regular routine maintenance is also a smart idea. Being proactive with your plumbing is the best way to avoid those little surprises throughout the year.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

Tankless Water Heaters - Making the Switch

Tankless water heaters are all the "rage" right now and homeowners everywhere are wondering if they should make the switch. Should you? Well, just like any other home heating or cooling appliance, it's all about what is right for you and your home.

Here's a little breakdown on the advantages and disadvantages of going tankless, so you can make a well-informed decision when it comes to making the switch:

Advantages

• Energy efficient and saves on heating costs
• Endless supply of hot water
• Smaller than a conventional heater and can be installed almost anywhere 
• No build up of rust or sediment
• Lasts longer than a conventional heater (about 20 years)

Disadvanatges

• More than one tankless heater may be needed based on home hot water usage
• Complex venting systems are required
• Electrical components and gas lines need to be set up and working properly 

For more on tankless water heaters, click here, or call us at 516-874-7937 to discuss your unique home heating needs. 

Baby Safe Plumbing Tips

New parent or not, everyone can use some help keeping their baby safe from harm day in and day out. Since September is Baby Safety Month, we're giving you some pointers where your home's plumbing is concerned.

There are a number of steps you can take, regarding your water heater, toilet and more, that will help keep your baby out of harm's way. Find some tips below:

• Never set your water heater higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the risk of scalding
• Keep a water spout guard on your bathtub faucet to avoid burning
• Never leave standing water in a bathtub to prevent drowning
• Hair dryers and electrical appliances should be stored away from wet areas at all times
• Keep toilet bowls closed or even install lid locks

On the twist side, your plumbing isn't as tough as it may seem. To keep your plumbing safe from your baby, always dispose of baby wipes properly - never flushing them down the toilet or drains! 

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

Every Mom's Favorite Kitchen Cleaning Tricks

It's no secret that every child's favorite after school activity is snack time! That's why every mom loves learning clever tips to keep her kitchen clean.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer, we're happy to give you the support you need. Whether it's for routine plumbing maintenance or every day home improvement tips, you can count on us.

5 Kitchen Cleaning Tips

1. For those juice boxes that spill all over, use hydrogen peroxide in water. With a few drops of ammonia this concoction is the answer for stone counter top stains. 
2. Half a cup of baking soda and two gallons of water is all you need for a sparkling clean tile floor. These are ingredients you can grab on the way to work in the morning, and their cheap!
3. Nine parts warm water and one part white vinegar is your solution for shinier wood floors. Getting your kids to leave their shoes at the front door may be hard, but cleaning up after them doesn't have to be.
4. Have a little artist in your house? Crayons on wall paint can be washed away with mild dish-washing soap mixed with water. 
5. Squirt a little ketchup on your kid's plate of chicken nuggets and then add a little to your pots and pans. Rinsing copper and brass fixtures with ketchup and warm water removes tarnish. 

For more clever kitchen cleaning tips, click here. 

Find a leak during your little cleaning spree? No worries! At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

#ThirstyEnergy: World Water Week 2014

For many here in New York, this week means back to school shopping and the first day of school. However, for many around the world, specifically in Stockholm, Sweden, this week is World Water Week, a time to foster new thinking and develop water solutions.

What's on their to-do list? One thing they will be talking about for sure is how energy consumption and water consumption go hand in hand. Energy is thirstier than you may realize and with energy consumption said to increase by 35% in the next 20 years, water consumption will be increasing by 85%.

How can you help make a difference? Water-efficient plumbing fixtures is not a bad place to start! Not only will you be contributing to water conservation by installing low-flow appliances, you'll also see savings on your water bill.

To have your new water-efficient plumbing fixtures installed by a quality and reliable plumber, call us! For more on World Water Week and why the energy sector needs water, click here.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

Fall Furnace Maintenance: Why You Shouldn't Wait

No one likes to admit that cooler temperatures in New York are coming. However, the ability to maintain optimal indoor temperatures is a decent compromise. That's why fall is a perfect time to schedule routine maintenance appointments, such as furnace and heating system check ups.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we offer a comprehensive selection of heating services, to ensure your home is receiving the repair and maintenance it truly needs.

What are some winter hazards you can avoid by scheduling your fall furnace maintenance early?

• A quick system breakdown
• Carbon monoxide pumping into your home
• A shortened furnace life
• Wasted money on your bills

For more on what makes fall a perfect time to service your heating system, click here. 

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

Celebrating Labor Day Weekend on Long Island

How are you celebrating Labor Day Weekend? NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter wants to help you wrap the summer up right with a few great events happening on Long Island:

Shinnecock Powwow: Celebrate with native dances, ceremonies and foods!
Where: Southampton, NY
When: Friday, August 29th - Monday, September 1st
Cost: Prices Range from Free to $15
Learn more

Hamptons Classic Horse Show: Enjoy one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the US.
Where: Bridgehampton, NY
When: Friday, August 29th - Sunday, August 31st
Cost: Prices range from free to $35
Learn more

Labor Day Live Music: Enjoy all the tunes you can think of out in wine country.
Where: Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard
When: Monday, September 1st 1pm to 5pm
Cost: Call 631-722-2220
Learn more

Eisenhower Park Fair on the Green: Enjoy outdoor craft shows and free parking at Field 8.
Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY
When: Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free entry
Learn more

Old Bethpage Village Restoration: Enjoy old time music and a piece of history.
Where: Old Bethpage Villiage Restoration
When: Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st beginning at 10am
Cost: Museum Admission ranging from from free to $10
Learn more

Whether it is with one of these events or another, let us know how your celebrating Labor Day Weekend on our Facebook page. As always, we're available for your emergency plumbing needs so you can keep on enjoying your labor-free weekend!

New Efficiency Standards On Residential Water Heaters

Your water heater is the second biggest energy-consuming appliance in your home! Did you know that? The U.S. Department of Energy does. That's why they are putting new efficiency standards into effect for residential water heaters. We know that your plumber is your go-to guy for up to date water heater information, and that's why we want you to be the first to know!

When will this new energy efficiency standard take effect? April, 2015 - sooner than you might think. As a result, water heaters utilizing new energy-efficient technology will be introduced in to the market. There are a great deal of benefits that come with having such appliances in your home. 

As stated in the Federal Regulation Fact Sheet for Residential Water heaters, the new legislation will:

• save approximately 3.3 quads of energy
• result in approximately $63 billion in energy bill savings for products shipped from 2015 to 2044
• avoid about 172.5 million metric tons of C02 emissions
• decrease energy usage of large electric water heaters by 47%

Looking to be the first customer on board? Call us for your new water heater installation. 

For more on these new water heater standards, click here!

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

National Curb Appeal Month: Budget-Friendly Updates

We talk a lot about perfecting the plumbing inside of your home. With August being Nation Curb Appeal Month, we thought now is a good time to take our tips outside.

Looking for budget friendly ways to celebrate? We have a few ideas we think you'll be excited about:

1. Dazzle up the door - A new coat of color on your front door can make your home feel brand new. To find out what color is right for you, take this Quiz.

2. Devote a day to gardening - A well maintained garden and flower bed makes a home look loved and cared for. Annual flowers are your best bet in a color that adds accent to your home.

3. Wash it right up - The sidewalk, your driveways, front windows; spray it all! A garden hose on its strongest setting will do the trick, and the only cost is the one that will show up on your water bill.

4.  Update light fixtures - Replace light fixtures with brighter ones or just give them a quick paint fix. In the evening, front lights draw the eye to certain parts of your home and can make or break your home's curb appeal.

5. Trim and tidy - Keep garbage bins stored away and bushes from overgrowing. Remove branches that block driveways and windows, and reseal cracks in your blacktop.

For more on budget-friendly curb appeal projects, click here.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.