Different Uses For Copper Pipe

Copper piping is valuable and should never be wasted. Most plumbing jobs result in scrap copper and that leaves people thinking of some creative ways to utilize it. You could always cash it in, but there are also some DIY copper projects that are worth looking into.

Toilet Paper Roll
You'll first want to clean your piping to give it that beautiful shine. Once you have done this, you'll need to go to the hardware store and pick up some fittings that coincide with the diameter of your leftover pipe. Wrap the fitting around your new holder, screw it into the wall and gaze upon your DIY bathroom decoration.

Garden Guarder
Have you ever crushed your flowers with the hose by accident? Well that is in the past once you start using your copper garden guarders. Start by caulking a copper cap to one end of a tube and drive the other end into the soil in front of your flowers. Your garden now has a 24 hour watch dog.

Wind Chimes 
Copper gives off a beautiful shine and an even sweeter sound. Take that scrap copper and cut it at various lengths; the longer the tube, the deeper the sound. After you have 6 or 7 tubes, drill a small hole in their tops and loop some fishing line through the opening. Attach the other end to a stick and hang the chime for your enjoyment.

Gutter Cleaner
Use your hammer to flatten the last 6 inches of a long piece of copper tubing. Then take that end and bend it into a 90 degree angle. You now have a long, effective hook to clean the leaves out of those gutters this fall.

Towel Racks 
Now you can make a copper towel rack to go along with your toilet paper holder. Once you purchase matching holders, cut the pipe into the appropriate length. Feed the tube into the hole and then drill the fixture into the wall. You might want to go to the store and buy some new towels to go along with your fresh, metallic look.

If you have some other copper projects you want to share, please do so on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

If you need pipe repair or any other plumbing service, call the experts at Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter! We have been serving the Long Island area for over 50 years and there is no job we can't handle. To schedule service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web!

What Can PVC Do For Me?

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

PVC Doesn’t Rust, Rot or Corrode

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

PVC is Flexible

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

PVC Lasts the Longest 

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

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

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.  

National Hug A Plumber Day

National Hug a Plumber Day - celebrated around the country on April 25th. Can you remember the last time you needed a plumber’s help? At one point or another, most of us look to their expert knowledge to help us solve those projects we can’t seem to tackle ourselves, no matter how many YouTube videos we watch.

So how can we celebrate? On this day, thank your local plumber for their hard work and dedication to provide the best service right to your home! From installing and maintaining systems used for drinking water, sewage, and drainage, a plumber has the tools and the knowledge to fix it.

Becoming a professional plumber requires years of training and experience.

Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is your trusted Nassau County plumber, ready to handle all of your sewer and drain cleaning needs! Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.

Tickle Your Taste Buds with NYC Restaurant Week

Foodie fanatic or just always interested in a night out on the town? With New York City's Restaurant Week in full force there is no better time to enjoy a classic and well-cooked meal than now.

Give your kitchen and plumbing a break! Put all of the ingredients for tonight's meal away and instead browse some of the great restaurants participating in the prix-fix menu. Receive a 3-course lunch for $25 or dinner for $38. This deal runs through next Friday, March 6th.

Looking for a taste of Italy? Try All'onda, a modern West village restaurant. The chef, Chris Jaeckle was awarded Eater Chef of the Year in 2014.

For some French food, on the other hand, there is Lafayette and Le Cirque, both participating in lunch and dinner.

You don't have to go with international cuisine to get a taste of something good this Restaurant Week! There are a whole slew of flavors that may fancy your taste buds.

Book your table today on nyc.go.com, then run on back and tell us how you liked your meal! Leave a comment on our Facebook page or in the box below »

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

World Toilet Day: What a Toilet Gives You

2.5 billion people around the world do not have access to toilets. That means that there are more people in the world, right now, that have access to a cellphone than a proper sanitation system.

No toilet means more than just discomfort and inconvenience. When you lack a toilet you also lack the following:

Respect: Girls without access to toilet systems are commonly victims of harassment and rape since they have to practice open defecation.

Health: People lack access to safe, uninfected drinking water because defecation is not kept separately.

Education: In many countries, when girls begin to menstruate, they often stop going to school because they will not have access to a bathroom.

That's not all! Learn why else toilets are important in the infographic below:

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for your plumbing 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.

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+.

2014 Fourth of July Events on Long Island

Image Courtesy of taesmileland/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Once 4th of July hits, the summer always seems to fly by. Enjoy it while you can! This will be easy with all of the events happening this year.

We've compiled a list of some of our favorite. Plan ahead and enjoy your Independence Day with family and friends: 

Cheer on the Long Island Ducks, followed by a fireworks extravaganza!

Friday, July 4th: 7:05pm

Bethpage Ballpark

Price of tickets vary. 

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in NYC - can be viewed from lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn for the first time in years. You don't want to miss it!

Friday, July 4th: 9:00pm - 9:25pm

Along the Hudson River (Best viewing locations)

Free event.

Stars Over Montauk - if you're not from out east, take the drive! Why not? You have the whole weekend.

Friday July 4th: 9:00pm - 9:45pm

Best viewed from any town beach.

Free event.

Annual 4th of July Parade - sponsored by the Port Jefferson Fire Department.

Friday, July 4th: 10:00 am - 11:00am

Main Street, Port Jefferson

Free event. 

Bellmore Striders Independence Day 4 Mile Run - features a 4-mile run and a 1-mile youth run (ages 12 and under)

Friday, July 4th: 8:30am

Streets of Bellmore

$0 - $20 based on age.

Let us know if you are celebrating with any of these events or others on our Facebook page. As always, stay safe and enjoy! 

Green Plumbing: Low-Efficiency Plumbing Ban Clears Colorado Senate

The Plumbing world is certainly looking at a huge change when it comes to choosing and installing appliances. Colorado is modeling the way as the senate mandates a phase-out of toilets, faucets and shower heads that use too much water. 

"Senators voted 19-16 in favor of a bill to prohibit the sale of low-efficiency plumbing fixtures by 2016." No one would have to replace their current plumbing fixtures, however, builders of new homes would be required to at least offer water-efficient indoor plumbing fixtures, even if homeowners choose otherwise. 

With the drought in mind, water conservation is a movement that is and should be supported by everyone. NY Plumber and Sewer Rooter is happy to install or replace any and all plumbing fixtures in your home. We are also interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter. Should this be a movement in other states? What about New York? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page. 

For more information visit cbslocal.com. 

Romance Chilling Snow May Disrupt Valentine's Day

Snow has been on our mind a lot this winter, and the holiday that warms our hearts may be chillier than ever this year! As 6-10 inches of snow are heading toward the Northeast tomorrow night, traveling on Valentine's Day may not be the best idea.

According to silive, "A southern storm will track close enough to the Northeast coast prior to cupid's favorite holiday to directly impact travel in and out of Staten Island and the rest of New York City. Flight delays and cancellations may begin as early as Tuesday."

New York Plumbing and Sewer hopes you keep this in mind as you finalize your Valentine's Day plans with your loved ones! Perhaps a cozy night at home will do the trick? Make sure your heat can brave the storm or visit our website to get the heating services you need in time.

Read more at silive.com

Learn About Plumbing - The Ultimate Basic Plumbing Quiz

We’re almost half way through January, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to take on something new this year. Maybe 2014 is the year for you to learn something new! Maybe even learn a little more about your plumbing system? After all, NYPlumber & Sewer is here for your emergencies, but it would be pretty impressive if you knew something about your own plumbing too!

Curious how much you already know about the plumbing in your home? Try taking TheUltimate Basic Plumbing Quiz. It’s a 20 questions quiz with 3 answer choices for each question. It even lets you know the right answer as you go along and tallies your score!

Let us know if your score proves you’re a plumbing expert on our Facebook Page! Be sure to check our blog regularly to learn more useful plumbing information. And as always, call NYPlumber & Sewer with any other questions you might have.

Good Luck!

Winter Plumbing Q&A

Winter isn't over yet. It's important to learn about your plumbing system and how it is affected by frigid temperatures. Due to recent horror stories because of record low temperatures, NY Times records a Q&A with William B. Rose, a senior researcher at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.

Here are some of the questions and answers provided to help give you a few more tips and tricks until we hit spring:

Q. So when it gets really cold I should turn on every faucet in the house?

A. You can be strategic about it. If the water is being fed from the center of the house and you’re not abandoning your home, those pipes are O.K. But if a pipe goes into your crawl space, or if it’s close to an outside wall or especially a vent, it’s a real good candidate for bursting in really cold weather.

So if you’re concerned about your pipes possibly bursting and you have a faucet with a gearshift lever, when you turn it on so it trickles, make sure it’s warm water so you’re getting both the hot and cold. If you run it overnight on a cold night and lose a quart of water, nobody will complain.

Q. The trickling-water idea is obviously for when I have good reason to think those pipes are in danger. If I insulate those pipes, I can breathe a little easier, right?

A. Yes, but a poor pipe insulation job is worse than no insulation. If you’re going to insulate, don’t leave blank spots, especially at elbows and T’s, where pipes can be more vulnerable to freezing. And make sure all the fittings are insulated as well. There are also thermostat-controlled heating cables you can buy at the hardware store.

Q. What if I forget one faucet in the house and I wake up and no water comes out of it when I turn it on, but the pipe hasn’t blown yet?

A. O.K., here’s an important thing. If that happens, it’s critical not to close the faucet. Ice has created a blockage and it’s still growing toward the fixture. If you shut the faucet, there’s nowhere for the pressure to go, and it can burst. If you leave it open, even slightly, you’re O.K.

For more questions and answers visit NY Plumber and Sewer Rooter or post your question on our Facebook Page. We provide emergency response to all of NY!

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.

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.

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/.



Trees That You Can Plant Over Your Water Pipes

Trees are very important elements in the landscaping process, but they may sometimes pose a threat to sidewalks, buried utilities and other features, including water pipes.  Most sturdy pipes are able to withstand some amount of contact with tree roots.  Although, roots have been known to penetrate or damage water pipes when they are perforated drain pipes, or the tree has a particularly strong aggressive root system. 

Not all Trees will penetrate of damage your pipes, choosing a suitable tree species as well as correctly preparing the site for the tree will help protect your pipes.  For areas near water pipes the safest choices are small, slow-growing trees or shrubs.  Older pipes made from concrete or clay are particularly vulnerable to root penetration.  Your planting site should always be at least 10 feet from the water pipe.  Tree roots grow and spread along the path of least resistance, particularly through cultivated soil that contains adequate moisture, air and nutrients.  A large, deep area of broken up soil leading away from the water pipe will encourage growth in that direction. 
For more information on how to properly prepare the site for your tree please visit http://goo.gl/taqryA.

Before planting anything in your yard you should be sure of where your water pipes run and have them inspected by New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter.  Call today: 516-874-7937. 

You Could Have Hidden Plumbing Leaks!

Plumbing leaks are not always as obvious as a dripping faucet or a puddle on the floor.  Many times leaks can go unnoticed for long periods of time before being discovered.  The plumbing pipes themselves are often hidden behind walls or under countertops, making it difficult for you to even realize that a leak is present.  To ensure you have a leak free home you should check a few common areas for hidden leaks:

1. Walls- Old or damaged pipes located behind or inside walls are a very common source for plumbing leaks.  Leaks inside a wall can go on for days or even weeks before being noticed, but after time wet spots and paint bubbles will form.
2. Basement- Mold an wet areas are usually the first signs of a leak in your basement.  Basement water leaks usually originate from corroded or damaged pipes, which will need to be replaced immediately. 
3. Sinks- Hidden leaks often start in the pipes located underneath kitchen or bathroom sinks.  Inspect the cabinet or area underneath your sink regularly to ensure there is no dripping. 

If you notice problems with any of these areas call New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 516-874-7937 or our Emergency Line at 877-713-8136 or visit us online at http://goo.gl/ifjUyr.  For more information on common plumbing leak areas please visit http://goo.gl/cPMV81

NY Plumbing & Sewer Rooter What We Can Do For You!

Our highly trained professional plumbers provide sewer and drain cleaning services as well as other plumbing services.  We Specialize in clogged sewer lines, clogged drains to residential and commercial customers.  If you have any sewer or drain emergency then call us and we will be there within 30 minutes, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.  We unclog any sewer or drain:

• Sewers
• Toilets
• Sinks
• Showers & Bathtubs
• Yard Drains
• Laundry Basins
• High Pressure Water Jetting
• Video Camera Inspections
• Floods Pumped

We service all of Nassau County as well as Brooklyn, Suffolk County, Queens and much more, we can handle any and all sewer or drain clogs, and get there in 30 minutes or less.  That is our guarantee!  We charge by the job, not by the hour, which can save you money.  Our customers always receive the highest quality workmanship at a reasonable price! 

Call us at 516-874-713-8136 or visit our site online at http://www.nassaucountyplumbingandsewerrooter.com.