How to Protect Your LI Home This Spring

April showers bring May flowers! Although winter is behind us and sunny days are ahead, doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods yet! For Long Island folks, spring can bring problems just as much as winter can. From plumbing to electrical complications, we've put together a few ways you can protect your LI home from the most common springtime issues:

Flooding
To say it rains often on Long Island would be an understatement. Some days, you wake up to a flash flood warning alert on your phone and head on the road only to run into road closures. But what’s worse is when these days affect your home. Especially if you live on a low part of the block or near the shoreline, home flooding can occur. To protect your home from such an event…

1. Buy flood coverage. Standard homeowners insurance typically won’t cover a basement under water, so know the different types of insurance and cover your property accordingly.
2. Choose a go-to plumber. Choose a plumber that offers 24/7 emergency services. Call them up and ask about their services - plug that number into your contacts for when a flood occurs. They can help drain your flooded home and even offer preventative solutions.

Power Outages
Though they haven’t happened yet, rest assured that thunderstorms are on their way! When lightning strikes, here is how to protect your home from possible power outages:

1. Purchase a generator. The best way to keep the power running (your fridge, lights, hot water, etc.).
2. Have backup batteries. Your flashlights from last season might run out of battery, so keeping an extra supply on hand for unexpected storms is necessary.
3. Store non-perishable meals. Beans, beets, soup, PB&J - you name it!

Sprinkler Issues
Now is a good time to check your outside sprinkler system, so you can have a luscious green lawn before summer arrives!

1. Check the outside hose valves. (Aka hose bibs). Make sure they are not broken from freezing temperatures.
2. Inspect all your valves. The valves on your sprinkler system might be damaged. If something looks out of the ordinary, call your local plumber.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, our professionals are trained and ready to help you with any and all of your spring plumbing needs. We offer several plumbing, sewer, and drain services, including basement flood clean out, yard drain repair, and leak repair. 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.

Spring Plumbing Tips

You know that winters are cold and problematic, but you rarely see how badly they wreak havoc on your plumbing. From pipe bursts to clogged drains, there are many reasons why you will need to inspect your plumbing when spring rolls around. For every space in your home, there are certain situations to inspect:

Bathroom

• Install a fan - Spring means that humid summers are only a few months away. If you don’t have one already, install a fan to prevent humidity from getting trapped inside your bathroom and shower,

• Flush - After a long winter, check your toilets to see if they are flushing properly. If the handle must be held down for more than a few seconds, it’s possible you need a part replaced or repaired.

Kitchen

• Clean the garbage disposal - It’s probably been months since you’ve checked to see if your garbage disposal is working properly. Grind ice cubes and orange rinds for about 30 seconds in the disposer. Pour a small amount of liquid dish detergent into it while it’s running, and then rinse away debris with cold water for another 30 seconds.  

Yard

• Check your drains - Are your drains, gutters, and downspouts filled with debris? If so, hose them down and pull out any twigs and other debris. When April showers arrive, the last thing you want is for the water to not drain properly.

• Inspect for leaks - Check your outdoor valve for leaks. A leaky valve means your hose won’t be work properly. If you suspect a leak, call your expert plumber to clear it out.

If you ever run into a plumbing problem that you can't fix by yourself, contact the experts at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We know that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, which is why we are here 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.