Beautify the Bathroom Before You Sell Your Home

While a full renovation to your bathroom before you sell isn't economical, there are simple updates you can make to present this important room in an ideal way. You might not have the bathroom of a 5-star hotel, but that doesn't mean you can't pull off a luxurious look.

Help your bathroom sell your home with these few tricks below:

Ditch the products. Not only will cosmetics and cleaning supplies take away from the experience your bathroom offers, it will also make buyers feel like they are in your personal space - not theirs. They want to be able to envision themselves enjoying this new space and clear, clean counters will allow them to make it their own.

Clean it up. We're talking squeaky clean. Though never fun, you want to prove to your buyers that your home has been well maintained and cared for.

Swap in the nice towels. This one little accessory can make all the difference in the way your bathroom appears. The nice fluffy hand towels make the room look cozy as opposed to the overused look your warn out and stained ones would reveal.

Stay neutral. When it comes to colors, you want to stay simple as to not detract any buyers that dislike a certain pallet. They may love the space but hate the color blue. By sticking with neutrals your eliminating one factor that can skew their impression.

Add flowers. Fresh flowers are a perfect accent piece for making the room come alive. It's a small burst of color with a homey feel that can quickly add elegance to your bathroom.

For plumbing maintenance needed before you sell your home, turn to NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We'll make sure your plumbing is in tip top shape so you have one less home project to worry about. 

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.

Outdoor Plumbing & Irrigation: Winterize It

Colder weather is coming! It is time to winterize your home - from the outside in.

Today, let's take a look at a few quick ways you can winterize your outdoor plumbing and irrigation system, as a way to avoid problems throughout the season and at the start of spring.

Replace Styrofoam insulated covers. All above ground plumbing fixtures are susceptible to freezing and should be properly insulated. Buy new covers if needed and ensure they fit just right for proper protection.

Ensure sprinkler settings are safe. For efficiency purposes, you want to avoid watering driveways and sidewalks all year round. In the winter, this is also important because you want to avoid coating pedestrian walkways with a layer of ice.

Adjust sprinkler timing. Plants still need to be watered in the winter, but less frequently. Reset your sprinkler's timer to something more appropriate.

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.

Putting a Stop to Those High Heating Bills

Colder days are coming to New York and to keep our toes toasty we love cranking up that heat. However, the quicker you crank it the quicker you'll see those heating bills fly up with it.

There are a few simple things we can do to maintain costs that we often just forget about. Here's a quick reminder so you can see 5-10% of savings on your heating bills this winter:

Set your thermostat back a few degrees. Set the heat to turn on only when you need it. For example, if your out all day at work or school, set it to turn on only an hour before you usually arrive home.

Replace your furnace filter once a month. This prevents your furnace from clogging and shutting down - making it more efficient.

Keep cold air out of your home. Stick old towels, rugs, sweatshirts at the base of your door to seal out any cracks that are letting cold air in.

For emergency heating repairs this season, call us at 877.713.8136. We'll have your system fixed in no time! Visit our website for more information.

Child Safety Protection Month: Avoiding Hazards in the Bathroom

November is Child Safety Protection Month and what room is really more dangerous for children than the bathroom? Plumbing equipment, electrical outlets, running water and most likely tile floor all make up this essential home room.

To ensure your children's safety in the bathroom this month and all year round, pick up a few of these positive habits below:

Keep unsafe objects out of reach. Toxic hygiene products, sharp objects like tweezers and razors, and medications should all be stored away and out of your child's reach. Your curious ones may get testy with perfumes or lotions they don't realize should not be swallowed.

Always unplug electrical devices. Hair dryers and curling irons are not safe around anyone in wet environments. GFCI circuits are a good way to ensure devices automatically shut off when they come in contact with water so nobody gets electrocuted.

Lock the door and toilet. A childproof doorknob cover is a simple way to keep children out of the bathroom when they are not in your line of vision. Same goes for a toilet lock.

Add slip resistant mats and rubber spout guards. Rubber mats are a great safety addition for both in and out of the tub. There is too much ceramic around that children can bang their heads on, which is why adding spout guards for extra protection is also a good idea.

Keep your water heater at 120 degrees. Kids have sensitive skin, especially babies. Eliminate the opportunity for burning water completely by setting your water heater no higher than 130 degrees.

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 Halloween on Long Island

While none of us like the spook in our own home (banging pipes, running water, toilets that continually flush on their own), many seem to love traveling around Long Island this time of year for one of kind haunted house experiences.

To give you the creeps all in one place, we're providing details on some of LI's most wanted Halloween attractions:

Bayville Scream Park: Voted scariest haunted house on LI!
Open every day through November 2nd (and Nov. 7th & 8th)
8 Bayville Avenue

The Franklin Square Horror: Only open one night a year!
October 31st, 7:00 to 11:00pm (Rain Date Nov. 1st)
1148 Norbay Street

The Rise of Jack O'Lanterns: A unique all-ages Halloween extravaganza!
October 29th - November 2nd (Advanced tickets are required)
71 Old Westbury Road

Haunted Mansion of Melville: A doctor invites his "guests" in for a thrilling experience.
October 29th - November 1st, 7pm - Midnight
26 Pinelawn Road

Voodoo Haunted House: Hallways filled of surprises!
Open Friday - Sunday, through November 2nd
210 Montauk Highway, Speonk, NY

Don't forget - many favorites are still closed due to Super Storm Sandy or other conditions. Turn to longislandhauntedhouses.info for a complete list of local attractions.

How will you be celebrating the season? Let your neighbors know on our Facebook page!

Floor Heating Benefits for Your Home

Considering installation of floor heating in your home? As a homeowner it is important to understand the various benefits that come with the projects you are about to undertake.

Floor heating (typically referred to as radiant heating) is specifically advantageous for people with allergies. Since it is not a forced air heating system, it does not blow allergens into the home. Plus, it is more efficient for this reason because it eliminates duct losses.

Other benefits of radiant floor heating include the following:

• You can place furniture anywhere in the room since there are no vents or baseboards involved.
• The even distribution of heat throughout the room creates an optimal level of warmth.
• This energy efficient alternative allows you to maintain lower energy costs than other heating methods. 

For more on floor heating visit Energy.Gov and Red Beacon. 

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter we handle a comprehensive list of heating services including wall furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, heat pumps, thermostats and more. For heating services and to receive your free estimate, call us today at 516.874.7937.

Energy Action Month: Ways to Save

Did you know that energy and water usage actually go hand in hand? When we rely on our water heater to deliver hot water to our shower, we're using energy just as much as we are water.

Since October is Energy Action Month, were sharing a few quick ways you can reduce energy use when it comes to your plumbing.

• Replace old shower heads with water-efficient ones 
• Install low-flow aerators on faucets which cut down on water use
• Ensure your water heater has an insulating blanket
• Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

• Clean or replace filters in your furnace and heat pump
• Insulate your hot water pipes 
• Check for both air leaks and water leaks in your home 

Learn more about how others are saving energy and how you can too!

Take action and call New York Plumbing & Sewer Rooter for assistance today. We'll install your energy and water efficient fixtures and answer any questions you might have.

Connect with us on social media for updates on energy & water conservation, homeowner tips and more. LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter and add us to your circle on Google+.

Identifying Plumbing Problems in Your Bathroom

It's National Kitchen and Bath Month! A large part of your love for these rooms in your home is plumbing that works. Think about it. How great is your bathroom shower if the water won't drain?

To help keep your bathroom in tip top shape, we're sharing three great ways to identify plumbing problems in your bathroom:

Check the bathroom sink: At first glance your might not notice any leaks under your sink. However, to catch the sneakier leaks, fill the sink with water and then let it drain entirely. Keep a close eye on the fixtures in the meantime. The full force of water will reveal leaks that may not be seen otherwise. Plus, if it's draining really slowly, you know you have a clog in there somewhere.

Inspect the toilet: Standing over the toilet, give the bowl a little nudge with your leg to ensure it doesn't wobble. A loose fixture is more likely to leak. Next, flush the toilet a few times in a row. Look around at all parts of the toilet to ensure there are no leaks.

Take a look at the tub: To inspect a bathtub, you need to find access to the drain. Similar to the sink, fill the tub with water all the way and then check the access point for leaks. Also, while draining the tub, ensure the drain isn't leaking either.

For more on inspecting plumbing fixtures in your home, click here.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter we can help you inspect and fix all leaks in your bathroom, kitchen and elsewhere. Call us for the plumbing services you need at 516.874.7937. LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates on plumbing information.

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!

7 Steps for a Quick Kitchen Clean Up

Love a good meal but hate the mess that comes with cooking one? Lucky for you, Consumer Reports has some great advice. Here's just 7 simple steps to get clean quickly:

Choose a speedy dishwasher: The downside of more water- and energy-efficient machines is a cycle time that can approach 3 hours. Some models are quicker, such as the $700 Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC.

Skip the pre-rinsing : Most modern dishwashers don’t need it. You’ll save time, and you could reduce your household’s annual water consumption by up to 6,500 gallons.

Let all-purpose cleaners settle in: Manufacturers of those products often make “spray and wipe” claims. However, letting them sit for a few minutes results in better cleaning power, which could save you time in the long run.

Clean smoothtops quickly: Cleanup is easy with smoothtop cooktops. But food that contains sugar, such as tomato sauce, can bond with the glass if you let it cool. For routine care, use a cleaner made especially for smoothtops.

Consider a robotic vacuum: They can’t deliver the deep carpet cleaning of a regular vacuum, but they’re perfect for collecting cereal, crumbs, and other surface debris from the kitchen floor.

Clean as you go: Put ingredients away once you’re finished with them, or enlist someone else to do so, including a child who’s old enough. Keep a bowl on your work surface for food scraps. 

Time refrigerator cleanings: Wait until it’s almost empty, then push any remaining items to one side. Clean shelves with a sponge and a solution of dish detergent and warm water. Rotate the items and repeat until the entire refrigerator is clean.

Have any other secret tricks your willing to share? Let us know on our Facebook Page. For kitchen problems you can't solve, NY Plumber & Sewer has your back. 

For more information visit consumerreports.org.

New Year, New Bathroom: 2014 Top Trends

New Years are a great time for a new look, maybe starting with your bathroom? Given the amount of time spent in this single room, it’s easy to want to keep it up to date and looking good. Metro West Daily News has given us an insight in to the top bathroom trends for 2014. Check them out:

Tile, Tile, Everywhere! Showers are making a major comeback; especially open showers without a lip or "curb" between the shower and the bathroom. Showers without clear edges also feel less confining, while also making the bathroom more spacious.

Low-flow toilets. These toilets offer 2 great advantages for bathroom design. 1. They save water and 2. They tend to have a more modern less intrusive look: Exactly what you want from everyone's least mentionable bathroom fixture.

Standalone tubs. Especially soak tubs, are growing popular. These items were once for luxury homes only, but thanks to a range of options from different manufacturers, they're getting more affordable for everyone.

Bold colors. They are projected to be big, which is great news for those of you who aren't ready for a full-scale bathroom remodel, but who might want to update a few things.

Let us know what you think of these top trends on our Facebook Page. As always, for any plumbing emergencies in the bathroom, NY Plumber & Sewer is here to help!

Read more at metrodailynews.com.

Wrap Up Your Home This Winter

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Simple Tips to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

As plumbing professionals we see the designs to thousands of bathroom ideas. One of our most popular questions we do get is, "How do we make our bathroom look bigger than it is?"  Here's a simple guide to designing your bathroom to look bigger and brighter!

Mirror Your Mirrors
Using several mirrors is a great way to give the illusion of more space. When properly placed, mirrors will give a never-ending appearance.

Switch Out Bulky Cabinets for a Vanity
Large cabinets will take up too much room in a small space. Opt for a small super-chic vanity to give the bathroom that glamorous look.

Pedestal Sink
If a vanity is still too big, then think about using a pedestal sink. The Pedestal-style takes up the least amount of space of any sink on the market.

Add Wall Storage
If you don't have room for a closet or traditional storage, carve-out some additional storage in the walls to make recessed shelving.

Go with Glass
Ditch the traditional shower curtains and opt for glass shower doors. This gives a more open sense, instead of created a blocked off barrier.

We hope this tips helped inspire you! Stay tuned for more blogs! If you're in of the plumbing experts make sure to give us a call! For more information please visit our website http://www.nyplumbingandsewerrooter.com/.

Why You Should Get Your Drains Cleaned Annually

A clean drain means fewer headaches for homeowners, but clean drains are actually rare in most homes. This may be because drains are the most frequent used plumbing device in any home. Another reason we suffer from clogged drains is our inability to be able to see what is actually happening inside the pipes. If you want to avoid constant backup issues and clogging, we advise getting your drains cleaned professionally at least one time a year.

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'll be there within 30 minutes, 24 hours per day 365 days a year.

Call our office anytime at (718) 354-8013 or visit our website http://www.nyplumbingandsewerrooter.com/index.html for more information.

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.

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. 

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.

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/