Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

Is a constant running toilet keeping you up at night? Aside from the annoyance, this plumbing issue can worsen overtime if not taken care of immediately. There are a few reasons your toilet keeps running. Below are the three most common culprits:

 

Culprit #1: Chain Problems
Check the flush lever and rubber flapper connection. To determine whether this is the culprit, jiggle the flush lever and observe the chain between it and the flapper - if it constantly pulls on the flapper then the chain is too short. Replace the chain with an aluminum ball chain. It might also be too long. If this is the case, simply move the clip down.

Culprit #2: Broken Flapper
The rubber flapper could break at the hinge in which case you will need to unhook the flapper from the base of the tank and pull it to the surface to observe more closely. Next, turn the flapper upside down and look for any discoloration. An off color could mean the flapper is warped and needs to be replaced. But before you replace the part, clean off any buildup that might prevent the flapper from properly closing.

Culprit #3: Float Position When the tank is full, the plastic balloon-looking part floats to the top of the water. And when the tank is full, the water level should be just below the top of the overflow pipe. If the overflow pipe goes over and the tank is still filling, then the float for the pump is too high. To resolve the issue, bend the rod connecting the pump and the float so that the float is lower - a signal to the pump to shut off sooner. And if the arm doesn’t bend, you might need to call a plumber.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, our professionals are trained and ready to help you fix your broken toilet. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your plumbing emergencies. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more.

#TipsTuesday for Improving Water Pressure in Your Shower

Know the uncomfortable feeling of having low water pressure in the shower? Low water pressure usually occurs when you’re forced to have two different plumbing fixtures running at the same time. But sometimes there’s another problem at hand.

Some common problems that can result in low water pressure are:

• Water leaks
• Home valves
• Pressure regulators

Water Leaks
No matter how big or small, any damage to the pipe in your bathroom that results in a leak will result in lower water pressure. To determine if you have a leak or not, read the meter - shut off all water taps inside and outside the home. Then, read the meter and return two hours later. If the water usage has increased, you probably have a leak. If this is the case, contact your local plumber.

Home Valves
Sometimes valves are accidentally shut off (either completely or slightly). Make sure two of your valves are in the “on” position (the customer valve and the home valve). If you notice the valve is even slightly turned away from the “on” position, this can affect the water pressure.

Pressure Regulators
This “bell-shaped device”, typically found in front of the hose connection of your home, usually doesn’t need to be adjusted. However, sometimes a pressure regulator simply stops working gets too old and needs to be replaced. Pressure regulators can easily be repaired or replaced by a licensed plumber, so give yours a call.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, our licensed professionals are ready to take on the job at hand! 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. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website.

10+ Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

It’s almost that time for home renovations! Is your kitchen looking outdated? Here are a few ideas to take your kitchen to the next level:

 Checkerboard - Make your floors pop with a color combination like white and orange or white and turquoise. Or stay classic with black and white.

White On White - Create a timeless kitchen by keeping everything white (white cabinets, countertops, floors, and backsplash).

Natural Green - Connect your kitchen to the outdoors by choosing a green island that is neutral and calming.

Splash Of Red - Breathe new life into a neutral kitchen by painting one wall red or installing a red oven.

Tall Storage - Running low on space for your kitchen tools and food? Add beautiful storage solutions (like frosted glass cabinets) from the ground, up.

Coastal Inspired - The ocean has shimmery hues and rustic finishes to inspire your next reno.

Complimentary Colors - Don’t be afraid to go bold in your kitchen. Pair complimentary colors, like red and blue. Add a red door and a navy blue countertop or stools.

Glamour - Hang a luxurious chandelier from your ceiling above your kitchen island for an upscale touch.

Open Storage - Assemble a storage solution for your beautiful pots and pans.

Contrasting Hardware - Got a country, white kitchen? Choose dark rustic hinges to accentuate your home’s country flare.

Cozy Touches - Try something different and add a coffee table and upholstered chairs to make a more comfortable seating arrangement.

For more kitchen redesign inspiration, click here.

If your kitchen remodel requires new plumbing fixtures, contact Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer everything from repairs to installations. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information. 

Celebrating National Hug a Plumber Day

Today is National Hug a Plumber Day! Can you remember the last time you needed your plumber to fix something in the home? Plumbers all around the country are trained and experienced to help you fix any clogs or draining issues you feel might be too complicated to tackle yourself.

If you’re the handy one at home, then chances are you’ve searched the following videos on YouTube:

•     How to unclog a toilet
•     How to fix a water heater
•     How to fix a sprinkler
•     How to clear the shower drain

 But there’s only so much YouTube videos can show you, and that’s when it’s time to bring in a professional. So how can we celebrate this day? Well, you don’t necessarily need to hug your plumber, but thank your local plumber for their hard work and dedication to provide top notch service for your home! From unclogging toilets to fixing your hot water heater, plumbers are on call with the tools and knowledge to tackle it.

Becoming a plumber takes years of comprehensive training and experience. Typically, you will need to complete an apprenticeship program through an organization like the Associate Builders and Contractors. After that, it’s necessary that you earn a license and pass the necessary qualifications.

Being a licensed plumber is no easy task, but the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter are ready to take on the job! For all of your sewer and drain cleaning needs, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website.

Are You Making These Laundry Machine Mistakes?

Pretty soon you’ll be spending more time outdoors, and you know what that means - more laundry! From wasting too much water to using the wrong settings, here are some of the most common laundry mistakes you probably don’t realize you’re making:

Mistake No 1. Overloading the machine
You might be busy and pressed for time, but imagine how much money you can waste by ruining your clothes in the washing machine. Even the largest capacity machines have their limits, so if they’re too full, the water and detergent won't be able to reach everything. As a result, dirt will get trapped and your clothes will remain dirty.

Mistake No 2. Using too much detergent
It’s best to follow your detergent’s instructions before using. Using too little or too much can affect how clean your clothes will turn out. However, if you have a large load it is OK to use a bit more detergent. Bonus tip: If you have hard water, you might actually need more than you are using.

Mistake No 3. Forgetting to switch up machine settings
Keeping your machine on light load when you’re getting ready to fill it up or forgetting to switch from hot to cold is a common mistake that many of us innocently make. Before turning on the water, make sure you’re not using too much or too little and make sure you follow instructions on your clothes before finding the correct water temperature setting.

For example, most of your black tops probably need to be washed with cold water, and if you use too much water for a light load, you’ll be wasting water you don’t need.

Mistake No 4. Keeping shirts buttoned up
This might sound like a good idea in theory, but the truth is keeping your buttons closed can lead to “poppage”. So before you throw your shirts in the laundry, take a moment to unbutton your shirts.

Mistake No 5. Not leveling your machine
Say your machine isn’t leveled, vibrations can damage your floor and cause a terrible sound. Fix this issue by placing a level on top of your machine and adjusting the feet.

For all of your plumbing, draining, and health concerns, contact New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We are available 24/7 for plumbing needs. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.

Storage Hacks for Your Small Kitchen

Wish you could get more use out of your tiny kitchen? Just because your kitchen is on the smaller side, doesn’t mean you’re as limited on space as you might think. With freezing temperatures hitting Long Island this weekend, here are a few hacks we recommend you give a go:

1. Create a spice and herb rack on the back of your cabinet door. That way, you have all your cooking supplies in one place (your pots in the cabinet and your spices hanging inside the door). 

2. Lacking countertop space? No problem! Mount a cutting board over the sink. Not only will this supply you with more cooking space, but it also means you don’t need to find an extra place to stow your cutting board away.

3. Let’s not forget about all those cleaning products you’re probably stuffing under your sink. Create a more functional space for them by hanging a tension rod underneath the sink and hanging your spray bottles on it so you have even more space below. 

4. Pots can take up a lot of room in your kitchen drawers. Instead, hang them from an overhead rack - the perfect way to show off your attractive set of cooking utensils and add style to your small space. 

5. One of the simplest ways to get organized in a cramped kitchen is to label everything. Label the inside of your cabinets and even create pretty displays for mason jars. Place them on your countertop or even in the pantry so you know what’s what without having to wiff anything.

Remember, if you run into any plumbing issues while taking on these projects, Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is just a phone call away! We are here for your emergency needs 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.  

Draining Your Water Heater

Your water heater is one of the most fundamental parts of your household chores and hygiene. Why not do everything you can to boost its efficiency and life expectancy? To extend the lifespan of your water heater, the best thing you can do is drain it.

Why drain it?
Draining your water heater is a smart idea because sediment builds up overtime, causing it to lose its energy efficiency and clog the fixtures in your home. Upon draining your water heater, you might see that the water is clear and assume that clearing it is unnecessary. Not so fast! Removing sediment is a necessary step towards maintaining your water heater.

How do I drain it?
Draining your water heater is a four-step process:

Step 1: Check the water pressure-relief valve and make sure that the valve is functioning properly. First, switch off the power to the water heater (or switch to “pilot” mode if it burns gas). Second, listen for air and search for water. Notice either one? If so, chances are your valve isn’t working and you will need to move on to step 2.

Step 2: Run your drain line by attaching a garden hose from the water heater to the outside of your home. Give the water in the heater time to cool down after you shut it off. Bonus tip: taking a hot shower can speed up this process!

Step 3: Now it’s time to flush your tank. First, open all the hot water faucets in your house and open the water heater drain valve. Now it’s time to let it drain entirely, and then turn on the water supply. In the event that sediment slows down or obstructs the water flow, remove the drain valve so the sediment can exit through a larger opening. Used a long tool, such as a screwdriver, can help you remove the sediment. Keep buckets on hand to catch the flow.

Step 4. Once you see the water coming out of your tank appears clear, turn off the supply, and close the water heater drain valve as well as the cold water supply. Turn the water pressure-relief valve back to its normal position. Next, shut off all hot water faucets in the house and restore the power to your water heater.

Draining your water heater isn’t always an easy job, so turn to a professional plumber to complete the task properly and efficiently! At Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter, we are ready to help you with all of your water heater needs. And remember - we are available 24/7 for plumbing needs. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.  

Quick Bathroom Cleaning

Do you have a bathroom cleaning routine pat down? If you need a quick guide to painlessly and thoroughly get rid of dirt and germs, look no further than this 15-minute cleaning guide to get a spotless bathroom from top to bottom:

Sink - Rid the sink of toothpaste and gobs of hair by wiping it up with white vinegar. Pat down with a paper towel. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to refill your soap dispenser and wipe down your toothbrush holder.

Toilet - Don’t forget about the hard-to-reach corners that easily build up dust and hair. Disinfect with a combination of ½ cup white vinegar, ½ cup vodka, 10 drops of lavender, as well as 1 1/12 cups of distilled water. This will keep harsh chemicals to a minimum while accomplishing a quick cleaning job.

Mirror - Mix half vinegar and half water in an empty all-purpose spray bottle. Add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent, such as peppermint or lavender.

Tub - Clean your porcelain tub with baking soda and a damp sponge. Then, pour vinegar down the drain with baking soda to get rid of any alkaline buildup. This will also get rid of bathroom mold and mildew - especially if you use daily after showering. All you need is a few minutes!

Floors - Finish up your quick clean with the floors. Instead of spreading around dirty water with a mop, grab a pair of “rag socks”, sweep up the dirt with your feet, and toss them when you're done.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is available 24/7 for plumbing needs in the bathroom and around the house. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.   

How to Easily Insulate Your Pipes

Are you ready for the anticipated snowstorm in New York this weekend? Don’t forget to insulate your pipes! Wrapping up your pipes can help to prevent them from freezing up when the temperatures drop. Here’s how even the most novice homeowner can insulate:

Buy the necessary tools. Shop for the following items at your local hardware store.

• Tape measure
• Pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation
• Fiberglass pipe-wrap
• A pair of protective gloves
• Acrylic or duct tape to secure the pipe-wrap
• A box cutter or utility knife
• A headlamp if working in a dark area or crawlspace

Step 1. Start at the water heater. Measure the length of insulation you will need to cover all of your accessible pipes. Bonus tip: cover the first 3 feet of pipe starting from the water heater.

Step 2. Cut the insulation at an angle that you will be able to push over the pipe. Then, wrap around so that the seam is facing down.

Step 3. Secure the insulation by taping (or wiring) the pipe sleeve in place every foot or two.

These three steps make for a simple DIY project for winter. But if you have trouble knowing which pipes you need to insulate, give the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter a call. In the event that your pipes do freeze up during a winter snowstorm, don’t panic! 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.   

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.  

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Long Island

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner - where will you be celebrating? From fine dining to live entertainment, there are plenty of ways to ring in 2016 on Long Island. Below are a few of the many special events happening next week:

Long Island Aquarium - Visit the Long ISland Aquarium in Riverhead for the Fishes & Wishes family-friendly bash. The dining hall features buffet tables and a mock ball-drop at midnight - the perfect event for families and kids of all ages!

The Black & White Masquerade Gala - For a classy, upscale night out, visit Glen Cove Mansion Hotel for a black-tie event that features cocktails and a three-course dinner. Toast to a special evening with a glass of champagne and let the night continue with friends and a glass of Scotch later on.

Philharmonic Annual NYE Spectacular -  Are you a lover of music and the arts? If so, then celebrate the New Year at Tilles Center in Brookville for songs by the “My Fair Lady” team of Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe. For tickets, visit tillescenter.org or call 631-293-2222.

Chateau Briand - Dance the night away at Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and live music for an all inclusive price. Click here to learn more. 

What are your New Years plans this year? Share them with us on our Facebook page. And remember, if you run into any plumbing issues around the holiday, Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is just a phone call away! We are here for your emergency needs 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.