Plumbing FAQ's

It takes a special person to be a plumber, and that leaves the rest of the world wanting to know their secrets. How to fix this, how to fix that, and all that knowledge lies in the brain of a single plumber. We can't tell you all of our secrets, but here are just a few of the answers to some of your most common plumbing questions. 

Why Is My Toilet Running? 

A running toilet might not seem like a big deal-- until the water bill shows up! Constant re-filling tanks are relatively easy to fix and well within the knowledge of most homeowners. It could be something as small as fixing the connection between the handle-flapper and the bar. If it is more complicated than that, you should call in the professionals at Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter and let us take a look at your fill valve.

Why Is My Water Brown? 

Hopefully you don't have another Flint situation on your hands! This could be related to a number of different things and most of them are fixable. The Fire Department might be flushing out hydrants or your pipes could be old and rusted. This is something you should take seriously, but it might be out of our hands if it is non-pipe related.

How Long Should a Hot Water Heater Last? 

In most cases, water heaters last around fifteen years. Some longer, some shorter depending on your ability to maintain and repair it.

What Should I Do If Something Falls In the Toilet? 

When it comes to paper clogs, a plunger should suffice. But for those irregular shaped objects like jewelry or toys, you'll need the help of a professional.

Why Are My Pipes Noisy? 
Noisy pipes can give your home a spooky feeling, but their not that hard to fix. Often times, the noise is related to a loose fitting or air bubbles inside the line. Both are very fixable for you DIY-ers out there. A loose pipe can be secured with a proper fitting from your local hardware store. If air is your problem, your pipes need to be bled to relieve the pressure. 

If you have any more questions for us, we would love to answer them on your next appointment. Whether you need a drain cleaning, water heater repair or pipe installation, call Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter and ask about our 24/7 Emergency Service. 

To schedule an appointment, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web!

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!