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.

How to Prevent Basement Flooding this Summer

Worried about basement flooding this summer? With all the heavy rainfalls that occur on Long Island, we can’t blame you! The last thing you want is to be one of those houses on the block that gets damaged by a storm. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure your house stays dry. Whether you’re home for the summer or away on vacation, keep these tips in mind to help you prevent floods before they happen:

Clean your gutters and downspouts. If your gutters are clogged with flowers and leaves and your downspouts are filled with debris, the water from a rainfall will only make matters worse! Cleaning the gutter and downspout can allow water to drain properly - not run down your house and puddle on the ground.

Get a backup for your sump pump. The sump pump is responsible for collecting accumulations of water outside of your house. However, if the power goes out during a big storm, a backup power source will help keep your sump pump operating to keep rainwater from rising and entering your basement. 

Clear your outdoor drains. Do you have outdoor steps that lead to your basement? If so, make sure the drain at the bottom of the stairs is free of debris to prevent clogging. This is especially important if you have an older home, as these drains are typically on the smaller side and easily clog up.

For more tips on how to prevent your basement from flooding, click here.

If you need help protecting your home from floods, contact Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We offer all of the plumbing, sewer, and drain services you need to keep your safe from stormy weather. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information.

April Showers Bring...Reasons to Protect Your Sump Pump!

Don't let April showers ruin your sump pump or your home. With all the rain comes huge potential for flooding, and since sump pumps are a mechanical device that can eventually break down, it is important that you ensure your sump pump is ready to work! 

Angie's List provides us with 3 main things you should do this season to avoid unnecessary flooding in your home:

1. Get a battery-powered backup: If there is a power outage or your regular pump malfunctions, the backup sump pump would kick into action, assuming you have kept its batteries charged.
2. Have your pump checked: Plumbers, like us, recommend that sump pumps be inspected and serviced twice a year.
3. Check your insurance: Talk to your agent about your existing coverage for basement flood damage. Many policies will cover losses if the sump pump fails mechanically but not in the event of a power outage. If you're willing to pay a slightly higher premium, you can usually increase your coverage.

Call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter to inspect your sump pump today at 212-235-1436. We service all your plumbing needs in 30 minutes or less, that's our guarantee!