Contemporary Bathroom Design Tips

Photo Credit: flickr.com

As you might have already known, contemporary and/or modern bathrooms are currently in-style. As the latest trend in bathroom design, we want to give you an outline on what makes a contemporary bathroom contemporary. This way, you can go right ahead designing the stylish and efficient bathroom you've been hoping for. First and foremost:

Simplicity

• Contemporary bathrooms contain clean lines and geometric shapes entirely. Therefore, when shopping for bathroom accessories, keep this in mind. For example, purchase a rectangular or square lamp shade. 
• Colors in a contemporary bathroom are no different. Keep it simple with neutral colors (black, grey, tan, white, etc.) 

Contemporary design is all about a pleasing design that perfectly combines form and function. Therefore pick materials that are:

Sleek and High Quality

• Stainless steal has a sharp, appealing look. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Wood, glass and ceramic are other great materials to consider.

A contemporary bathroom design is particularly useful for homeowners who only have a small space to work with. Here's why:

No Clutter
Contemporary design requires a practical use of space. Everything should have an exact place and be neatly stored away. According to HGTV.com, "One element of modern bathroom design that can be a great complement to a small space is a raised or pedestal sink, often in angular, rounded or gently curving stainless steel or porcelain. This efficient fixture choice can make a style statement while doing double-duty as a space saver, as it doesn't require the sink to be set in a larger cabinet, allowing for an elegant and airy effect."

Do you think a contemporary design is right for your bathroom? NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter can install your new plumbing fixtures today. 

Read more at property24.com.

5 Summer Plumbing Tips!

It's easy to want to jump right in to enjoying your summer. However, to keep yourself sane in the long run, take the time to address some plumbing concerns around your house at the start of the summer. These 5 tips below will allow you to rest easy all summer long, or even save you some money!

Image Courtesy of vectorolie/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Think of your washing machine - The kids are home and clothes just get dirtier. Your bound to be doing more laundry than you're used to doing all year long. Check the hoses behind your washer for damage and fix anything that looks like it may need fixing. Having to deal with a leak or burst half way through the summer is never fun. Also, no matter how tempting, avoid overloading your washer. Doing so could lead to problems that will put your washing machine out of commission when you need it most.

2. Keep your water heater temperature low - Turn it down, especially when you go on vacation. In the summer, you don't need your water heater higher than 120 degrees, even when your home!

3. Swimming pool maintenance - Check for leaks in the equipment and tears in the liner when you first open your pool. If found, call a professional at the beginning of the summer to avoid surprises during family barbecues or your favorite summer holidays. Plus, ensuring your pool works properly saves water.

4. Replace shower heads - Just like we do more laundry in the summer, we tend to take more showers too! Consider replacing old shower heads to save water. Water-efficient shower heads can easily be installed, which will also save you money. Also, since so much more water is used in the summertime, check for leaks in general around your home.

5. Be nice to your garbage disposal -  Are there a lot of left over celery sticks on that veggie platter you put out back for your guests? Keep them out of the garbage disposal! Either pack it in the fridge or toss it in the garbage. While big backyard parties lead to hectic cleanups, save yourself a headache and continue to dispose of things the right way.

For emergency plumbing problems all summer long, call us at 877-713-8136.

Great Gifts for the Handyman this Fathers Day

Looking for a unique gift for dad this year? As loyal plumbers, we love gifts that help us celebrate our hard work. If you have a man in your life that would love the same, check out some of the gift ideas below. We've compiled a list of gifts we think are perfect for any handyman below:

Working Man's Hygiene Kit ($50) from Uncommon Goods

Handy Dad, a book of 25 awesome projects for dads and kids ($15) from Uncommon Goods

Worst-Case Scenario: Man Skills, a survival book for dad, such as those plumbing emergencies! ($16.25) from Walmart

Glass Water Faucet ($50) from Uncommon Goods

Handy Dad's Fix-it Shop Father's Day Tshirt ($29.95) from Zazzle

Like any of these ideas? Let us know what gift you pick on our Facebook page. For plumbing emergencies even dad can't fix this Father's Day, call NY Plumbing & Sewer Rooter. 

A Checklist to Avoid Plumbing Nightmares

No homeowner likes plumbing disasters or surprises. Although NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is available for emergency service whenever you need, following the checklist below, especially if you have an older home, will help keep your headaches to a minimum (Property24):

Inspect your geyser regularly for any signs of leakage. Replace geysers that are old and warn to prevent it from bursting. Geysers that burst will cause damage to your home. When replacing, consider an energy efficient model that will even save you money on your electricity bill!

Check for mold or dampness. Mold or dampness in bathroom or kitchen walls is a sign of leaky pipes. If found, repair quickly!

Check the base of your toilet. Dark stains around the base of your toilet are a sign of mold. As in the previous step, you may have a crack or leak that needs quick repairing.

Look out for calcium deposits. If your tap trickles or your toilet refills slowly, you may have calcium deposits in your pipe. Since this can affect your water pressure, contact a plumber. They can help you clear or replace the pipes.

Let us know how this checklist helps you on our Facebook page. 

Common Ways People Ruin Their Plumbing

Are you guilty of any of the common plumbing mistakes people make below? If so, you definitely are not alone. However, consider making small changes to protect your plumbing! 

Leaving hoses connected in the cold. While leaving hoses connected during the summer is okay, if it gets cold and those hoses are still connected you have a problem. Outdoor faucets will freeze if the hose is still connected. The pipes leading up to hose will be damaged if this is the case. 

Pouring too much drain cleaner down a slow drain. Drain cleaner bottles usually list a recommended amount that should be poured down the drain. This is important to identify because if you use too much, pipes can become corroded or a clog can be made even worse. Since these are major issues that should be avoided, try contacting a plumber regarding usage or other drain cleaning options if your don't see them on the bottle.

Pouring other unwanted items down your drain. Various chemicals and fats, specifically grease from bacon and oils from various foods, are not meant to be handled by your drain. Take the time to dispose of these products properly, in the garbage. While it is not always the most convenient, it will certainly save you larger inconveniences in the long run. 

Using the toilet as a trash can. Whether or not your toilet seems strong, it is not smart to test it. The pipes are not designed for large items meant for the garbage, especially not on a regular basis. Avoid this at all costs to avoid damage to your pipes and constant clogging. 

Let us know if your guilty of any of these mistakes on our Facebook page. Call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter to deal with any plumbing issues that have already arose. 

Read more at newswire.com.

How to save Money on Your Energy Costs

We're talking about ways to save again. Between everything you have to pay for in your home, it is normal to find that the price is becoming overwhelming. That's why NY Plumbing and Sewer wants to share with you a 3-step plan by Oprah, from basic to advanced, that helps you curb your energy costs:

1. Do a home energy audit: If you know your home, you are better equipped to manage the energy it is using. Certified energy raters can identify the extent of air leakage with a blower door test. For this test, they put a powerful fan in your doorway which sends air through your home and all the tiny holes that may be letting in cold or heat. A home energy audit would require no personal labor and costs up to $500.

2. Identify leaky spots: Air infiltration is one of the easiest problems to correct and may be part of wasted energy in your home, especially if your home was built before 1970. Sealing leaky spots in your home can save you as much as 9 percent on your energy bill and all it takes is a trip to the hardware store for a caulking gun and some caulk. Moderate labor is required, however, the cost is low (under $50).

3. Reinsulate your home: Even with the heat or A/C turned all the way up, it is impossible to keep a good temperature in your home if your walls are not insulated properly. Places to check for poor insulation are your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Different kinds of insulation are valued at different prices and it may take a few years to cover the investment. However, as many investments go, reinsulating home saves you money in the long run, especially if you have already done a home energy audit and identified leaky spots in your home. Both the labor and costs associated with reinsulating your home are high in the short run. 

For all heating services and installations, call us at 718-514-7145. Let us know what you think of this 3-step plan on our Facebook page. 

Add Some Green to Your Cleaning Routine

Looking for eco-friendly cleaning product alternatives? Keeping your house clean while protecting the environment can be a challenge. Below are a list of green cleaners that really work and what makes them green, as listed on Oprah.com:

Method Smarty Dish Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
"The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, and petroleum distillates. The lightweight packaging uses 87 percent less plastic than traditional rigid plastic containers."

Bon Ami Liquid Cleanser
"The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates and chlorine. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic."

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Glass Cleaner
"The Claim: Skips ammonia (a potentially toxic irritant) in favor of plant-based cleaning agents sourced from sustainable coconut-palm-oil farms. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates."

Method Floor + Surface Cleaner
"The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled material."

Caldrea Dish Soap Liquid
"The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. Plant-based cleaning agents are sourced from certified sustainable palm-oil farms."

Bill by Eco-Me All-Purpose Cleaner
"The Claim: Uses only ingredients that are food-grade and plant-sourced, such as vinegar and sugar-based cleaning agents. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates."

Green Works Oxi Stain Remover
"The Claim: An oxygen-based bleaching agent helps make this cleaner versatile, biodegradable, and nonallergenic."

Some chemical products can damage your drain. Let us know how these green cleaners work for you on our Facebook page and call us for all your plumbing needs.