5 Smart Ways to Recycle Water

It’s no secret that recycling water helps the environment. In fact, this issue is so big that more and more people are finding new ways to conserve. And you can jump on the bandwagon too! If saving water is something you’ve been meaning to do, then these five easy tips can help:

Collect rain water. One of the most efficient ways you can recycle water is to collect it in barrels outside. If you live in a rainy climate, like New York, you know you can expect it to rain sometime soon, so gather a couple of barrels (of different sizes) and place them in the yard. Wait for the rain to stop and use this water either in the home or outdoors.

Be kitchen-savvy. There are surprising ways that you can accidentally waste water in the kitchen. From cleaning dishes and vegetables to cooking meals, there’s a lot of water to be used. Instead of letting water flush down the sink, use it for your toilet bowl or for your garden. Either way, it will be better than letting it go to absolute waste!   

Wash by hand. Your washing machine can use up tons of unnecessary water. However, washing your clothes by hand uses a significantly less amount. Not to mention, it can also save you money on your next water bill! So if you have a small load of laundry and feel you might waste water if you throw it in the machine, consider hand-washing instead. 

Take baths. Studies show that 7 to 8 gallons of water is used for every five minutes in the shower, which comes to show that baths are the smarter option. However, if you do decide to use the shower, try to conserve by placing a bucket in the shower and collect water while you’re waiting for the steam to hit. 

Re-use water. For water that has been poured into cups and not used, or for those leftover sips in your water bottle, don’t let it go to waste! Instead, simply boil the water to kill germs and use it for feeding your houseplants or for laundry.

Do you have more recycling tips to share with your community? Share them with us on our Facebook page!

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we are dedicated to helping you help the environment. We are also available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 877.713.8136 or visit our website for more information.   

Getting Your Furnace Ready for Fall

Although it still feels like summer outside, you’ll want to be prepared for when the temperatures start to fall. Part of getting ready for cooler weather means checking up on your furnace, so you can switch on the heat as soon as you need it! Not sure how to get started? Don’t fret - we’ve got your checklist below:

1. Change the air filter. The first step to getting your furnace ready for fall is to replace the air filter in your furnace about once a month. The way you can tell if you really need a new filter is to remove it and hold it up to the light. If the filter is covered it dirt, it’s time for a change.

2. Check for cracks. Another way you can get your furnace prepped for fall is by checking for cracks on the blower belt. To do this, turn off the power switch near the main circuit breaker, remove the cover of the air handler, and look for the largest rubber belt that you can find. If you notice any cracks on the belt, you will need to replace it.

3. Clear the area. Dirt, debris, and clutter can be hazardous to your furnace. So, look around and make sure there aren’t any boxes of stored items or dust lying around. And if you do see them, your safest bet is to move them.

4. Open up the vents. Once you’ve tackled the above maintenance tasks, your last step is to open all your air vents. Any furniture or boxes in the way? If so, you’ll want to push them away from the vents.

If you need help checking on your furnace, turn to the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter and we will have your home ready for the first cold day! Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information on all of the services we provide.      

Your Fall Maintenance Checklist

If you live in New York, then you know how quickly it can take for chilly nights to creep up on you. Plus, we all know how frigid the winters can get around here! So while the sun is still out and the temps are still high, take a little time to go through your fall maintenance checklist:

Collect firewood. For those who have a fireplace in the home, you can start getting ready for cooler weather by gathering some firewood, whether that means you chop it yourself or buy a bulk at the store. Knowing that you’ve stocked up before you need it can put your mind at ease knowing you have a way to keep warm.

Remove your window AC unit. Don’t let the room get drafty from cool air sneaking through your AC! When temperatures start to cool down, make sure you take out your window units and store them in the attic or any other room where they will be protected.

Patch up the ceiling. The fall and winter months bring lots of precipitation, so it’s important to keep your home as dry as possible. One of the last things you want is for rainwater to leak through any cracks in the ceiling, so take brief walk through the house. Check out any potentially threatening spots on your ceiling and ask your pro contractor to patch them up!

Stow away the outdoor furniture. Protect your wicker chairs, glass tables, and swing sets by putting them way from the season. With heavy winds, lots of rain, and snow accumulations, it’s easy for your outdoor furniture to get scratched up or blown around, so finding a safe storage place for them is the best solution.

Get a furnace tune-up. It’s a good idea to have your heating system checked before chilly weather arrives, so you know you and your family can stay comfortable. Forgetting this important step can risk chances of a potential breakdowns or even cause you to waste more money on your energy bills. Give us a call today for a tune-up and inspection!

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

How to Add Pops of Color to Your Kitchen

This season is all about going bold in your home, so let’s start in one place you probably entertain the most: the kitchen. Below are a few surprising ways you can set the tone right this season:

Seating. If your kitchen is neutral, one way you can make the room pop is by adding two (or more) bar stools or kitchen table chairs. Blue is a calming hue that compliments neutrals well, but if you’re feeling brave you might want to opt for a shade of red!

Appliances. Another way you can really add a sense of character to your kitchen is by changing up your fridge, oven, or even your tiny toaster. While it might not be the best option if you plan on selling your house sometime soon, it’s a sure unexpected way to have guests asking where you discovered such a unique appliance!

Wallpaper. Spice things up by going bold from top to bottom. In other words, choose a patterned wallpaper that makes your kitchen feel a little more exciting! For example, opt for a print that’s either modern or classic and paint your ceiling crisp white (just to keep the space feeling airy).

Backsplash. If wallpaper isn’t your thing, why not try something different with your backsplash? A tangerine orange or lime green backsplash can brighten up your space, especially when you mix it with neutral tones to compliment the space. Don’t forget to add just the right amount of lighting to illuminate this feature and make it the room’s main focal point!

For more tips on how to decorate your home this season, connect with Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter on Facebook and Twitter!

Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter offers all of the plumbing, sewer, and drain services you need to keep your home functioning properly. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information.     

How to Create a Classic, Kid-Friendly Bathroom

It’s not always easy for you and your children to agree on everything. However, when it comes to decorating your home, there are a few ways you and your kids can compromise. Below are a four tips to help you create a classic, yet kid-friendly bathroom that everyone will love:

Go with a neutral color palette. Steer clear of patterned wallpaper or vibrant hues. Instead, keep the wall color neutral with a calming shade of green or beige. That way, you can have fun decorating the rest of the room while avoiding a color or pattern clash! Check out Benjamin Moore to see some of the best selling neutrals on the market!

Make a splash. Of color, we mean! From towel racks to mirror frames, give your kids a few options. Then, let them pick out a few of their favorites. Giving them choices, but letting them decide is a great way to make sure everyone in your home will love your new bathroom updates!

Go to the beach. If you and your family are beach-goers, why not make a few memories that you can take home with you? For example, snap a photograph of your children building a sandcastle or fill an empty glass jar with seashells or sand - a fun activity that you can do together. Take these treasures back home and assemble them in your new bath - a chic, yet kid-friendly way to decorate!

Get personalized. Another way you can create a classic, kid-friendly bathroom is by personalizing your towels or waste bin. Whether you choose a monogrammed accessory based on your family’s last name or your children’s first names, you can be sure that both you and your kids will love it!

Looking for more bathroom decor ideas? If so, connect with Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter on Facebook and Twitter!

Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter offers all of the plumbing, sewer, and drain services you need to keep your home functioning properly. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website for more information.

How to Prevent Winter Problems at Home

Winter brings many potential issues for your home - like freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls. So if you’re a homeowner, consider the following tips to protect your house and your family from some of the most common winter problems:

Clean your chimney. Almost nothing beats sitting around your fireplace with your family during those cold winter nights. From water damage during snowstorms to air pressure problems, there are several reasons why it’s important to clean your chimney. With that being said, be sure to schedule a chimney sweep and inspection sometime this month so that you’re in the clear and prepared for unexpected storms next season!

Cut tree limbs. Another way you can prevent troubles at home this winter is to protect your roof from severe damage. For example, when a blizzard hits and snow accumulates on the tree limbs in your yard, the last thing you want is for branches to come crashing down. To make sure your roof (and your home) is protected from tree damage, look for any limbs that pose a possible threat and have them removed.

Vacuum regularly. Winter often brings pesky insects, like ants. And nothing attracts them more than trails of crumbs. So take action now by making sure you vacuum and sweep your floors as much as possible - you’ll be glad you did when you hear a neighbor mention a similar issue!

Check for pipe insulation. One of the most common winter issues that can occur at home is frozen pipes. To prevent your pipes from freezing before, be sure that they are properly insulated. Ask your local plumber to check for holes and cracks, and install a foam-rubber pipe insulation to protect the pipes that are more exposed to the outdoors.

If you’re unsure about your pipe’s insulation or need plumbing upgrades, contact Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooting. We can have one of our trained professionals at your door in no time with all the right equipment to get your home ready for colder weather! Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information. 

How to Get Jewelry Out of Your Sink or Shower Drain

We’ve all had those “uh-oh” moments when it comes to plumbing. But there’s almost no worse feeling than dropping your favorite piece of jewelry down the sink or the shower drain. If this has happened to you, don’t panic! Just when you thought you lost it for good, we’re here to help you get it back. Here’s how:

The Sink

Step 1. Try a magnet: Before trying to revive it from the drain by hand, see if you can try to snatch your jewelry using a long magnet. However, if you’re not having luck with this trick or your jewelry is anything but gold or silver, move onto the next step.

Step 2. Turn off the water. If you can find the shut off valve under the sink, your next best bet is to shut off the water supply. Call your plumber if you’re unsure where yours is located.

Step 3. Take apart the P-trap. Do you see that U-shaped pipe under your sink? You’ll want to remove that, but first place a bucket underneath the pipe to save yourself a potentially big mess. Next, if your trap has a drain plug, go ahead and remove it to release the water. Then, take apart the P-trap by loosening the slip nuts on both sides. Dump out what’s left of the water and your diamond should be there.

The Shower

Step 1. Remove the drain cover. If there aren’t any screws holding down your drain cover, go ahead and pop the cover off by “wedging” a screwdriver behind it and popping it off. If the screws are there, you’ll need your screwdriver to loosen them.

Step 2. Look for the artifact. If you see your jewelry, you can retrieve it by using a flexible retrieval tool. You can buy this at your local hardware store if you don’t have one already. 

Step 3. Vacuum it up. If you can’t see your jewelry, you next plan of action is to try sucking it up with a wet-dry vacuum. First, you’ll want to turn the wet setting on and put the end of the hose into the shower drain as far down as it can go. While the vacuum is running, remove the hose and hold it straight up in the air. If your jewelry is there, great news - it will fall into the vacuum tank! Lastly, shut the vacuum off, remove the top of the tank, and dump out the gucky contents onto an old towel. You have to do a little digging to find your piece of jewelry and shine it up.

Step 4. Put the drain cover back on. Be careful putting your drain cover back on, especially if it needs to be screwed on - screws can fall down the drain too, which is a whole other problem you want to avoid!

If you need help retrieving your (almost) lost jewelry, contact Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We are here to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.