What You Need To Know About Trees and Your Sewer

The sewer is not only a place for the ninja turtles, it could also be housing an unwanted guest-- the tree in your yard! As trees grow, their roots extend deeper into the soil and they look for water and nutrients anywhere they can get it. Their search might leave them inside of your sewer, and that is certainly not ideal. Let's take a deeper look into how root infestation starts and some possible ways to prevent it. 

What attracts trees to sewer lines? 

To homeowners, a sewer is just a convenient way to get rid of your excess water and waste. To a tree, a sewer is a pipeline of nutrients that are critical for survival. As warm wastewater travels through your pipeline, some of the moisture escapes into the cooler soil that surrounds it. If a tree is in the vicinity, it will naturally try and stretch its roots to the source of this moisture. Once it arrives, it can enter the pipe through even the smallest cracks and begin to expand once it is inside. 

How bad can it get?

Well, it really depends on how early you can diagnose the problem. Slow draining water, noisy toilets and backed up drains are all indicators of possible sewer line damage. If you have experienced any of these problems, you might want to schedule a video inspection of your pipes. This is the most effective way to determine if tree roots or anything else has infiltrated their pathway. 

Is there anything I can do to prevent it?

It can be hard to prevent damage that you can’t see approaching, but it isn’t impossible. Before you improve your landscape, you should be aware of where your laterals and main sewer lines are located. Try and keep all of your trees and shrubs at least 10 feet away from these areas. If you already have some large trees on your property, you should schedule regular maintenance with a professional. This will help catch major sewer blockages before they occur. 

At Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter, we offer a wide range of plumbing and sewer services to help ease your troubles. We have been in the business for over 50 years and that experience has given us the tools to handle any job.

To learn more about our water-jetting and sewer cleaning service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web! 

Garbage Disposal Tips for the Holidays

By now, you’ve probably heard that your garbage disposal needs a bit of TLC, especially around the holiday season. Between your Christmas dinners and New Years gatherings, your garbage disposal can get clogged up if you don’t take necessary precautions. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when caring for your garbage disposal this holiday:

Tip 1: Turn off the power switch if something seems to be going wrong.
Tip 2: Avoid using hot water to unclog your disposal, as this can make unmelted fats clog even worse! Instead, use cold water or ice cubes and a cup of rock salt and let it run for a few seconds.
Tip 3: Clean the area of silverware to prevent damage of your utensils or your disposal.
Tip 4: Do not turn the unit on unless water is running.
Tip 5: Always use tongs or other types of long-handled tools to remove food and other items from your garbage disposal, as placing your hands close to the blades can be dangerous.
Tip 6: Inform your guests about garbage disposal safety so they don’t make the mistake of throwing certain foods down the unit or injuring themselves.
Tip 7: Ask a professional plumber more about how to care for your garbage disposal, as each type is manufactured differently.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we know that plumbing and drain accidents can happen - the reason we offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! To learn more about how you can prevent plumbing and drain accidents in the kitchen this holiday season, call us at 877.713.8136 or visit our website.

Prepping Your Home for Holiday Vacation

Leaving for paradise this holiday season? Before you pack your bags and get going, don’t leave without knowing your home is safe and sound. Below is a checklist to prepare your home for your upcoming holiday vacation:

Set timers.
A dark home is an obvious sign that you’re out of town. Be subtle about leaving your home unattended by setting timers for lamps throughout the home. That way, the house will be dimly lit the same as when you’re home - except timers will ease your stress about the lights getting overheated.

Turn down the thermostat.
Don’t waste energy when you’re away and don’t need the heat. Instead, turn down the thermostat about ten degrees or so to make sure your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to pump out heat you don’t need.

Write down important info.
Do you have a trusted friend or neighbor who is willing to keep an eye on the house while you’re not there? If so, jot down some important information, including contact numbers, home security codes, and other relevant information about your home. Make sure you also let them know where you’ll be staying and how you can reach them in case of emergency.

Shut off the water.
Returning home to a flood is the last thing you want after a week of relaxation. If you leave the water running in your home when you’re on vacation, you might experience a leak (especially from the dishwasher or washer/dryer). Don’t let disaster happen when you’re gone by shutting off the main water supply. Not sure where yours is located? Call your local plumber to help you find out.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we are ready to help you with any problems you might come across before and after your holiday getaway. We are here to keep you and your home safe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.

Common Winter Plumbing FAQs

Although we don’t like to admit it, freezing temperatures are on the horizon. Before the air outside becomes frigid, it’s important to learn about your plumbing system and how the cold weather can affect it.

As your trusted Long Island plumbing company, we’d like to prepare you for a few common problems we’ve come across in our profession:

Q: When do I need a water heater inspection?
A: Great question. The best way to avoid repairs is to be proactive. Prevent frozen or leaky pipes at home by having your water heater inspected before the first freezing day, which means now is the perfect time to schedule your appointment!

Q: How do I keep pipes from freezing?
A: Step one is to insulate your pipes to assure they won’t suffer from the change in weather. Next step is to seal air leaks around your pipes to keep cold air away, and lastly, be sure to wrap your pipes with heat tape to stabilize temperatures. However, if these tactics fail, give a professional a call immediately!

Q: How do I protect my outdoor plumbing fixtures?
A: Winterize your home before icy weather arrives by draining your garden hose and stowing it away for the winter. The same also goes for your swimming pool equipment. Then, shut off outdoor taps so that water has room to expand when it freezes.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we can help you prepare for winter weather and make necessary repairs. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your emergency plumbing issues. Call us today at 877.713.8136 or visit our website to learn more about our heating services and to learn more about our emergency service.

Dangers of Portable Heaters

Now that we’re well into December, chances are you’ve been doing all you can to stay warm at night. And even though your central heating is a reliable source for comfort, there’s always that one spot in the home that just won’t seem to warm up.

If you’re like most people, you probably turn to your portable heater to get that spot feeling more cozy. Although portable heaters are convenient and easy to use, they can also be a major fire hazard. Stay safe by keeping the following rules in mind when using these heating devices:

 

Give it space.
It sure feels nice to sit close beside your portable heater, but think twice before you do. These devices can heat up pretty quickly, and if too close to flammable materials you might be at risk of a house fire. So create a specific space for them, at least a few feet away from furniture and bedding.

Use it sparingly.
Go ahead and heat up that cool bedroom before dozing off or your living room before guests arrive, but don’t forget to shut it off (or set it on a timer to go off) before you leave the room or fall asleep. Leaving these devices unattended can be a hazard to your health and can add a larger expense to your electric bill.

Shut it off.
Don’t leave your portable heater on all day either. Not only should you turn them off before dozing off or leaving the room, but you must also turn it off before leaving your home. Of course, each portable heater is different, so be sure you read instructions before using. If you really need the extra heat, turn to your central heating system as a more safe option.

For all your winter heating needs, turn to the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer a comprehensive selection of services to ensure that your home receives the best repairs and maintenance for optimal indoor temperatures all season long. To view a full list of our heating services, click here. For more information, call us at  877.713.8136 or visit our website for more information.   

Holiday Plumbing Emergency Tips

Plumbing emergencies can occur when you least expect it. And when something goes wrong during the holidays, it may seem like a reason to panic, but don’t worry - there are a few tips you can use to take matters into your own hands and ease the stress:

Turn off the water source. When a plumbing emergency happens, the first thing you’ll want to do is turn off the main shut-off valve. If you’ve ever turned off the valve before going on a long vacation, you probably know where to find it. If not, find where the water meter is. The main shut-off valve should be located near it.

Unclog the toilet. This is one of the most common plumbing issues and also one of the easiest to fix. If you find a problem with your toilet when your guests arrive, try unclogging in with a plunger. If the problem persists, give your local a 24 hour plumbing service.

Repairing a leak. Sometimes a leak is a difficult fix, and other times it’s simple. Before calling a pro, try replacing the O-ring on your leaky faucet. That should fix the problem, but if it doesn’t you’ll want the help of a licensed plumber. 

Unclog a drain. When your shower or sink drain clogs up, try using a few DIY methods or temporary treatments until you can call a professional.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your plumbing emergencies. While we hope these tips help to ease your stress during the holiday season, know that we are here for any and all repairs you may need. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information on our services.

Tips for Safe Holiday Home Decorating

It’s the most wonderful time of the year - time to decorate for the holidays! Setting up a tree and lighting up your home with colorful lights is a sure way to get you in the spirit of the season. But if you’re not careful, you could cause damage to your home and your family.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, your safety is our number one priority. That is why we’ve put together the following tips for safe holiday decorating:

Water your tree. A dry tree is a fire hazard, so keeping your Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush hydrated is the number one safety rule. This means feeding it daily and checking water levels to make sure the soil isn’t dry. Bonus tip: be sure to keep your tree away from vents and other home heating sources, as this can also dry out your tree.

Secure electrical cords. Keep cords away from water and sinks, especially in your bathrooms and your kitchen. Between washing up and preparing meals, there are many obstacles that can get in your way and pose a threat to your decorations and your health.

Keep it kid-friendly. Dangling lights and ornaments can be tempting for your little ones to toy around with, which we all know to be dangerous. That is why it’s crucial that you secure all lights and keep small decor away from your children. 

Opt for LEDs. Lighting candles in your bathroom or kitchen can really warm up the holiday atmosphere in your home, but they can also be second cause for house fires. That being said, choose LED candles, as they typically run on lower temperatures.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is your neighborhood plumber. 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.   

Avoid a Thanksgiving Day Plumbing Disaster

What’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year? From turkey bones to potato skins, there’s plenty of opportunities to slip up when it comes to plumbing.

Your garbage disposal can handle many things, but your Thanksgiving turkey isn’t one of them! Avoid having to call a plumbing this holiday by keeping the following plumbing-friendly tips in mind:

1. Always keep your water flowing when the garbage disposal is on to make it easier for tiny scraps to wash down.

2. Keep grease out of the drain unless you want a quick clogging problem!

3. Avoid toss these items down the garbage disposal:

• Fruit peels and seeds
• Potato skins
• Turkey bones
• Stringy Vegetables
• Starchy foods (like rice or pasta)
• Egg shells
• Ground coffee (for that after-meal dessert)

4. Keep blades sharp by flushing ice cubes down the disposal.

5. If your guests offer to help clean up, kindly ask they use the trash can for all of your leftover scraps.

6. Do not force large amounts of food down the garbage disposal all at one time.

7. Keep silverware away from the unit, as they can easily fall down the disposal.

8. Drop some lemon juice down the disposal to keep it smelling fresh after you’ve cleaned up the holiday mess!

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we know that accidents happen. 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.

#TipsTuesday: Choosing the Best Kitchen Sink

Between washing the dishes and scrubbing your hands, your kitchen sink gets a lot of use on a daily basis. That being said, it’s important that you have the best kitchen sink for the job.

Not sure where where to start? Here are three questions to ask yourself before shopping for your new kitchen sink:

What are my options?
Most sinks are made from either stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, and composites. Depending on how often you use your sink and how it looks with the rest of your kitchen design, take a look at your options and choose a sink material that best suits your functional and aesthetic needs.

How many sinks do I need?
Do you need one sink or two? If you hand wash your dishes often, you might want to consider an equally sized double bowl sink, as this makes it easier to separate clean and dirty dishes. Single and different sized doubles are also an option if you don’t need a double function.  

Which is the best functioning sink?
Faucets come in all different shapes and sizes, and each one has a different function. For example, rectangular shaped bowls hold more volume than oval shaped ones, which means they’re capable of holding more dishes, etc. In addition, a rectangular bowl with rounded corners means it might also be easier to clean.

For more tips on how to choose the best sink for your kitchen, click here.

Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter offers all of the plumbing, sewer, and drain services you need to keep your home functioning properly. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information.      

How to Prep Your Plumbing for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving guests will be knocking at your door soon! Are you prepared? Part of getting your home ready for the holiday means taking a few plumbing precautions. There’s no denying that your plumbing system will get a lot more use on Thanksgiving, but here’s how you can keep it in working order all weekend long:

Check fixtures - Do you use your guest bathroom often? If not, be sure to check all the essential fixtures (faucets, toilets, showerheads, and all)! You might have a leak or cold water problem. Tackle these potential issues before the holiday arrives so you can breathe a sigh of relieve!

Be prepared - The holidays can certainly put extra stress on your plumbing, so be prepared by 1) having a plunger at hand and 2) keeping a garbage bin close by - that way your guests aren’t tempted to throw non-flushable napkins down your toilet.

Share friendly reminders - If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, chances are you’ll be doing most of the dirty work. But if your guests lend a hand when it comes time to clean up, politely remind them what should not be tossed down the garbage disposal. This includes potato peels, fruit pits, and rice. They’ll be glad for the reminder and so will your plumbing!

There are many ways you can prevent clogs at home this holiday season. But in the event that an accident occurs, Nassau Plumbing and Sewer will be ready to help! For any and all of your emergency plumbing and drain problems, our professionals are just a phone call away, with the proper tools ready to return your plumbing to normalcy. For more information on our services, give us a call at 877.713.8136 or visit our website.

World Toilet Day: Why Your Toilet Is Important

Did you know that over a billion people worldwide are left without toilets? In fact, more people have access to a mobile phone than they do to these plumbing fixtures! If you’re one of the lucky ones, then you know very well about its many benefits. Aside from comfort and convenience, your toilet also offers the utmost sanitation. Here’s how:

Health - Did you know that 1,000 children die each day due to diarrhoeal diseases? A large majority of these deaths are a result of poor sanitation, but by providing each child with clean a toilet, these numbers can drop significantly. 

Dignity - Many girls without access to a toilet are more likely to be victims of harassment or assault in school settings. And for this reason, many of these girls miss out on education. But if they had access to a clean, safe toilet, they could stop being victimized.

Privacy - Open defecation is still a worldwide issue. As a matter of fact, 15 percent of the population still practices open defecation. Lack of access to a clean toilet not only means an unsanitary lifestyle but also lack of privacy.

That’s not all! To learn more about the importance of toilets, click here.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we offer all of the plumbing, sewer, and drain services you need to keep your home in working order - and that includes your toilet! If you come across any plumbing issues in your bathroom, don’t wait! Contact our professional plumbers by giving us a call at 877.713.8136 or visiting our website.

Signs You Need Your Drain Cleaned

Getting your drain cleaned is one of the most fundamental things you can do in your home. Although it’s easy to forget about, a clean drain means you’re likely to experience less problems. Not sure if you have a clogged drain? Here are 3 signs that may indicate it's time to call a professional:

Clogged Drain - Sometimes a clogged drain is harmless, and other times it needs fixing. If your clog is recurring, you know you need a professional and the right tools to solve the problem. Oftentimes it’s hair, food, or soap scum that damages your drains. Either way, if a clog reoccurs, you’ll need to get rid of it for good.

Foul Odor - A constant sewer odor smell means your drains might be damaged. If so, you will need to call a professional to unclog your drains and eliminate the stench. It’s also possible you may have broken sewer pipes that need replacing so that the issue doesn’t reoccur.

Flooding - What’s worse than clogs and foul smells? Water flooding! If you spot evidence of water flooding in your basement, in the skin, or near a floor drain in your bathroom, you may have a problem on your hands. The moment you see excess water, call a professional to come take care of the problem.

The more proactive you are with your drains, the more you can eliminate large repairs down the road. But we know that drain clogs are common, so give the pros at Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter a call if you run into trouble. We offer drain cleaning services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you protect your family and your home. Call us today at 877.713.8136 or visit our website to learn more.

Halloween Festivities on Long Island

We’re just two days away from Halloween, which means many of us may already have plans. But others might still be searching for ways to have a frighteningly fun time. If you live on Long Island, you’re in luck! From costume parties to scream parks, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday this weekend:

Woodside Nursery. Looking for some family fun this weekend? If pumpkin picking and haunted attractions put you in the Halloween spirit, then check out the Family Fun activity happening all day, every day through Saturday. Catch all the details here.

NYZ Apocalypse. Have you been preparing for the impending Zombie Apocalypse? If so, then round up a group of friends and check out this unique, interactive zombie survival experience. Learn more by clicking here. 

Monster Bash Costume Party. Dig out your 1970s attire and dance the night away at Blossom Hollow Ranch on Halloween night! Food, drinks, and good times will be had by all! Plus, all proceeds will go to the support of rescued horses. To check out more information about this celebration, click here.

Bayville Scream Park. Last but not least, don’t miss Long Island’s Halloween Theme Park, featuring five thrilling and chilling haunted attractions. Explore the Temple of Terror or the classic Bloodworth Haunted Mansion - we can’t think of a better way to get spooked this holiday weekend! All dates and rates can be viewed here. 

Whether you go pumpkin picking with the family or dance the night away with friends, we know you’ll have a spook-tacular time! From all of us at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we wish you a happy and safe Halloween!

Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter offers all of the plumbing, sewer, and drain services you need to keep your home functioning properly. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information.      

Why You Need Furnace Maintenance Now

We love that the weather in New York is still pleasant. But soon enough (though we don't like to admit it), the cold temperatures will arrive. That is why it’s a perfect time to schedule your routine maintenance appointment to ensure your furnace is ready to go when you need to heat your home.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we offer several heating services to protect your home and family, and repair your furnace when necessary. Without furnace maintenance, here are a few winter hazards you might run into:

1. System breakdown - Without furnace maintenance, your system could stop working all together, leaving you without heat for the winter - something no homeowner wants. 

2. Carbon monoxide - A worn down system can pump out carbon monoxide into your home without you realizing it, which poses a dangerous threat to you and your home.

3. Short furnace lifespan - The more often you neglect furnace maintenance, the more problems you will experience. Like any other home investment, your furnace needs tending to. Otherwise, it might not reach its maximum life expectancy.

4. Higher energy bills - When your furnace is worn down, it needs to work harder to provide your home with heat. And the harder your furnace needs to work, the more fuel you will use, which ultimately means more money spent.

To learn more about how furnace maintenance can save your heating system, click here.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we can help you with all your emergency needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To learn more about our services and more, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website. 

Avoid This Halloween Plumbing Problem

Getting ready to carve your jack-o-lanterns for Halloween? Before you dig in, find out the two main rules when it comes to disposing those extra gobs of pulp and seeds:

Don’t toss pumpkin down the drains
Pumpkin pulp can wreak havoc on your plumbing, especially your drain and garbage disposal. Although it might be easy and convenient to do so, you can cause backups and clogs that you will need repairing. Why? Because pumpkin pulp is thick, sticky, and gets stuck on the way down the disposal. And much like fruit pits, seeds can damage your garbage disposal.

Don’t flush pumpkin
Flushing pumpkin guts down the drain is another big no-no when it comes to disposing these bits and pieces. It’s not uncommon for us to receive calls about clogging due to pumpkin pulp getting flushed down the toilet. This is because the pumpkin forms deep down in the pipes and gets backed up similarly to the garbage disposal.

The best method for disposing pumpkin pulp and seeds is to toss it in the garbage bin. And to avoid any smell in the home, wrap it up in paper towel or newspaper and place it in a sealed bag first. But if you do run into a problem this month and need help clearing your garbage disposal, drains, or pipes, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. Our trained technicians have the right tools and expert knowledge needed to fix all your plumbing and drain issues. To learn more about the services we offer, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website. 

3 Tell-Tale Signs That You Need a Boiler Repair

Has your boiler ever given out in the thick of winter? It’s common for boilers to give out when you need hot water the most. But avoiding plumbing issues can be easy if you know what to look for. Get a head start this season by checking for these 3 tell-tale signs that might indicate it’s time for a boiler repair:

No heat or hot water. The most obvious sign of a boiler that needs repairs is that you lose heat or hot water throughout your home. If this happens to you, calling your technician can easily solve the problem. 

Water pressure dropped. Is the pressure in your home off? If you notice that your water pressure has dropped, you might be looking at a possible leak in your system. In this case, you may need to replace the relief valve.

Strange noises. Strange noises that resemble a rumbling sound is another obvious sign that your boiler might need to be inspected. This tell-tale sign could be letting you know that either the pressure inside the boiler is increasing or it’s building up with limescale.

At Nassau Plumbing & Sewer Rooter, we understand how crucial it is to take precaution when it comes to heating your home. That is why we are here for all your plumbing needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our trained technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to fix any boiler troubles that come your way. To learn more about the services we offer, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website.

Why You Need a Tankless Water Heater Before Winter

Cold weather is approaching quickly, and chances are you’ll be spending a ton of money heating your home. But wouldn't it be great if you could save that money or even use it towards your holiday gifts? Switching to a tankless water heater can change all of that.

So before you find yourself knee deep in holiday preparation, here are three reasons why you should invest in a tankless water heater:

Save energy - Your current hot water tank uses a lot of energy and is considered to be the biggest consumer of energy in your home. When you switch to a tankless heater, you can lower your energy bill significantly, which means you can save up!

Save space - While a standard tank takes up nearly 9 square feet of space, a tankless water heater doesn’t take up any space on your floor - that’s because it’s attached to your wall instead. So especially if you're short on space in your home, a tankless water heater is a smart option.   

Save money - Another drawback of a hot water tank is that it’s constantly running all day long to heat up water. But when you make the switch, your new tankless water heater will only run when you need it to, saving you money on your gas bill. Plus, it lasts much longer and more efficiently than a traditional heater, which will save you money on costly repairs and installations as well!

There are many perks to buying a tankless water heater from saving money to creating more space at home. At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we offer efficient water heaters and can install or repair before the first cold day! We work around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure your safety and comfort. For more information about our services, call us today at 877.713.8136 or visit our website.

When to Call a Plumber

Do you have a handyman in the house? Chances are they can probably fix most of your home’s basic needs. But when it comes to plumbing there’s a lot of things that can go wrong, so you'll want to call a plumber. Not sure when to pick up the phone and dial? Below are some common issues you’ll want some help with:

You have no hot water. When cold water is coming out of your shower and sinks, a licensed plumber will know how to pinpoint the source of the problem and get your hot water up and running quickly again.

Your home has low water pressure. There are a number of reasons why your water pressure is low. Finding the cause of this problem can be tricky and time consuming. And the last thing you want is to go days with a shower that only gives you two little streams of water, so contact an expert to be safe.  

You need a new water heater. Installing a water heater on your own can lead to potential problems down the road. To ensure that your new system is working properly, turn to a plumber who is used to installing them regularly.    

Your toilet is running. When your toilet is making unusual noises, it’s common to want to troubleshoot the issue without help. But if you don’t have backup you can actually cause worse damage than you had to start with, so again, you’ll want to call a pro.

Your pipes are frozen. If your pipes crack or burst, you’ll want to call your plumber right away. When they come for repairs, not only will they solve the problem but they can also take necessary precautions to prevent it from happening again.

For all your plumbing needs whether big or small, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer a wide variety of plumbing services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you protect your family and your home. Call us today at 877.713.8136 or visit our website to learn more.    

National Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Kitchen Fires

Now that we’ve entered the fall season, you might find yourself spending more time indoors, which also means more time spent cooking at home. According to the American Red Cross, cooking is the number one cause of home fires. So in honor of National Fire Prevention Week, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you keep your family safe from kitchen fires:

1. Always tend to cooking - Leaving your food unattended can be a fire hazard waiting to happen, so stay in the kitchen when using the stove top, oven, or microwave. And if you must leave the kitchen, make sure to turn these appliances off - even if it’s only for a minute.

2. Keep it kid friendly - When cooking in the kitchen, ask your kids to stay away from the stove - especially if they’re playing. Tell them why it’s important and how being too close can increase risk of accidents.

3. Wipe up grease - It’s easy for grease to accumulate on your stove and countertops, which can be a threat to your home if it catches flame. But you can prevent buildup by cleaning all your cooking surfaces on a regular basis.

4. Install a smoke alarm - If you don’t have one already, now is the time to install a smoke alarm in your kitchen. In doing so, you have a better chance of stopping a flame from spreading if anything happens. Once your smoke alarm is installed, be sure to test it each month and replace batteries as needed.

5. Purchase a fire extinguisher - It’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in an easy-to-reach place in or near the kitchen. Call your local fire department to learn how to properly use one in case of an emergency.

At Nassau Plumbing & Sewer Rooter, we understand how crucial it is to take precaution when it comes to matters like house fires. That is why we are here for all your plumbing needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To learn more about how we can help you keep you and your family safe, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website. 

My House is Flooded! Now What?

Although Hurricane Joaquin might be a no-show this weekend, be prepared for some heavy rain and potential flooding. In the event that your house gets flooded, there are a few steps you can take to recover and protect your family:

Stay safe. After a flood, your home’s foundation can be damaged. Between electricity and muddy waters, there’s a lot that can go wrong if you’re not careful. So read safety precautions and education yourself on how to avoid injury or infection.

Take pictures. Before you start removing your items and making repairs, it’s important to document the damage that’s been done to your home. That way, you have proof for your insurance company and can get the OK to remove water. Take pictures from every angle, including close ups of cracks and tangled wires. Keep these photos stored somewhere safe so they can easily be copied if necessary.

Seek help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and neighbors. It’s also a good idea to call a telephone “hotline” to provide you with information on voluntary programs and other types of flooding assistance.

Call a plumber. Once you take primary precautions, document the evidence, and call your insurer, be sure to contact your local plumber to help remove the water. They have the tools necessary to repair the damage done to your home.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we offer flood services to fully repair your home's damage. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website to learn more.