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.   

What to Do During a Power Outage

When a blizzard hits, there’s a chance you can lose power in your home. And if you’re not prepared to take action, you can put your safety at risk. So as your Long Island plumbing experts, we’d like to provide you with a few tips on what to do during a power outage in winter:

Carry these items on hand

• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Candles and matches
• Battery-operated radio
• Supply of food and water

Be sure you also follow these tips

Layer up - Dress warmly in several layers if losing electric also means you lose your heat. The more layers, the more body heat you will generate.

Stay in one room - Move to one room in your home (preferably on the south side of your home where there’s more sunlight or a room where you have a fireplace). You’ll feel much safer and warmer, especially if there are few windows to create a draft.

Run the water - Run a stream of water in your bathrooms and kitchen to prevent pipes from freezing during the storm. But if you can insulate your pipes as a preventative measure, you won’t have to worry as much about the possibility of frozen pipes.

Talk to neighbors - Communicate with your neighbors about the electricity in their home. It’s possible they have a backup generator or did not lose power. The more you stay in touch, the better you are all able to help each other.

Remember, if you run into any plumbing issues this winter, 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. 

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.  

Winter Snowstorm Checklist

Although we’ve lucked out so far, it’s only a matter of time before Long Island will experience a snowfall or two this winter. Last month, we gave you some tips on how to prevent frozen pipes. Now we want to help you prepare for any snowstorms that might be on the horizon:

Keep a shovel on hand. If the temperatures drop below freezing, be prepared for snow by placing a shovel outside both the front and back door. That way, you don’t have to trudge through the snow to retrieve your shovel in the garage.

Prepare the salt. Be sure to also keep a bag of salt nearby so you can avoid slipping and sliding. If you don’t have one yet, now is your chance to take a quick trip to the grocery store as part of your snow preparation checklist. 

Keep generators dry. Because generators run on electric, it’s crucial to keep them dry. Provide it with a rainproof cover and keep it on the generator all winter long, as you might need it when you least expect it.

Check the furnace. Snowstorms oftentimes come with power outages, so prepare your home by making sure you’ve had a furnace tune-up. The last thing you want is to have a problem with your furnace, and therefore, your home heating, when a cold front creeps in.

Fill the tub. By filling your bathtub with water, you provide yourself with enough water for cooking and flushing, should the electricity run out.

Run the water. As always, prevent freezing pipes by turning on the faucet and letting the water slowly drip - especially if you expect that the temperatures could drop in the middle of the night when you’re sleeping.

For more tips on how to prepare for the next snowstorm, click here.

And don’t forget, if you need a helping hand with your plumbing this winter, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We offer a wide array of heating services and plumbing repairs for frozen pipes, hot water heaters, and more! For all of your home’s needs this winter, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 877.713.8136 or visit our website for more information.    

Quick Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Out of all the rooms you use in your home, your kitchen probably receives the most use, so dedicating time to clean everything from appliances to the fridge is important. Can’t find time in your busy schedule? No worries - we’ve got your shortcuts here to quickly and efficiently tidy up the room:

 

Garbage Disposal - To deep clean your disposal unit, make quick and easy ice cubes: blend half vinegar, half water and grind the ice cubes. Repeat on occasion, especially after you have guests over.

Refrigerator - Empty any expired or unwanted food, then push the rest to the side. Clean shelves using a sponge, dish detergent, and warm water. Shift items around to wipe up the other areas until your fridge is completely clean.

Stainless Steel - A streak-free cleaning solution for stainless steel requires an olive oil-based stainless steel spray. This should remove noticeable fingerprints and grease stains.

Sink - No matter what kind of skin you have, fill it with hot water, add one cup of bleach and let soak for approximately one hour. Then drain and rinse thoroughly. Take it a step further by scrubbing with baking soda or giving it an extra shine with a glass-cleaning spray.

Supplies - Clean your kitchen supplies by disinfecting them in the dishwasher. This includes sponges, dish racks, refrigerator drawers, utensil organizers. The steamy water and detergent will help kill germs and

If while you’re cleaning the kitchen, you come across and plumbing or sewer problem, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. 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. 

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.