Celebrating National Hug a Plumber Day

Today is National Hug a Plumber Day! Can you remember the last time you needed your plumber to fix something in the home? Plumbers all around the country are trained and experienced to help you fix any clogs or draining issues you feel might be too complicated to tackle yourself.

If you’re the handy one at home, then chances are you’ve searched the following videos on YouTube:

•     How to unclog a toilet
•     How to fix a water heater
•     How to fix a sprinkler
•     How to clear the shower drain

 But there’s only so much YouTube videos can show you, and that’s when it’s time to bring in a professional. So how can we celebrate this day? Well, you don’t necessarily need to hug your plumber, but thank your local plumber for their hard work and dedication to provide top notch service for your home! From unclogging toilets to fixing your hot water heater, plumbers are on call with the tools and knowledge to tackle it.

Becoming a plumber takes years of comprehensive training and experience. Typically, you will need to complete an apprenticeship program through an organization like the Associate Builders and Contractors. After that, it’s necessary that you earn a license and pass the necessary qualifications.

Being a licensed plumber is no easy task, but the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter are ready to take on the job! For all of your sewer and drain cleaning needs, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website.

Best Blooms for Long Island Gardening

April showers bring May flowers! And on Long Island, there’s no such thing as a short supply of rain! We live in such a humid climate, that growing a garden couldn’t be easier. Here is a list of plants and flowers that thrive in our environment:

Sweetbay Magnolia - These 3 inch creamy white lemon-scented blooms look beautiful in summer and require lots of water - perfect for spring showers on the Island.

Snowdrop Anemone - These creamy white and yellow flowers do best in full sun or in a partly shaded area where the soil is well-drained. They grow about 6 to 12 inches wide and are perfect for brightening up your yard.

Tulip - These playful pink blooms are what define spring! Many gardens in the northeast region include a patch of tulips, which grow best in the bright sun and lots of precipitation.

Redbud - These flowers photograph extremely well, especially in springtime! Although they start displaying their famous pink color in as early as March, it’s still not too late to grow these beautiful trees!

Green-and-Gold - These yellow blooms blossom early in spring and through the summer. They also happen to be a native New York plant, making it ideal for humid and sunny summertime climates.

Lilac - The scent of lilacs are undoubtedly one of the most pleasant around this time of year! These 20 foot tall shrubs are healthiest in full sun and well-drained soil.

Once you know which blooms to grow this season, you’ll need to make sure your sprinkler systems are working properly - and that’s where we come in! Call Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 718-514-7145 for a thorough sprinkler system inspection today!

National Park Week: Water Facts

It’s National Park Week! If there’s one thing we love about national parks, it’s the beauty of nature in its rawest state, like the glow of red rocks and the ebb and flow of rivers. National park services make a great attempt to protect and preserve our water sources. If you ever visit some of the world’s most magnificent parks, you’ll see what we mean:

Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is home to the tallest waterfall in North America. Yosemite falls features a 2,425 foot drop with peak flow in May. Another popular spot in the park is Mirror Lake, which reflects glorious views of Half Dome and Mount Watkins during springtime, when the water level is at its highest.

Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most popular National Parks. It is also historically famous for the Colorado River, which cuts deeply into the canyon. For over 12,000 years, the river has been a significant source of water and of life for many Native American tribes. However, the Colorado River dates back to almost 2 billion years.

Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is a desert valley in Eastern California. It is known as the hottest and driest area in North America at an elevation of 82 feet below sea level. Anyone visiting the park is advised to bring ample water for drinking, as supply is low and the climate is dry. However, one source if water you will find is Ash Meadows - the discharge point for a groundwater system, which extends over 100 miles to the northeast. Ash Meadows has over 25 species of endemic plants and animals, including three endangered fish and a number of threatened plants.

Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a 47,000 acre Atlantic coast recreation area on Maine’s Mount desert Island. A fundamental part of this national park is Jordan Pond, the deepest lake in Acadia. Recreational activities include fishing, canoeing, swimming, and sailing. In recent years the park has developed a long-term monitoring program for freshwater resources and helps in monitoring threats to freshwater ecosystems.

Looking to go green and help protect the environment? Turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter to get water and energy efficient plumbing fixtures installed. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit us on the web to learn more.

Conserving Water in New York

Luckily we don’t experience many droughts in New York, but when it comes to conserving water - well that’s something everyone can benefit from.

In a state that is so populated, it’s easy to forget how much water we use - every single one of us. Little do people know that if we make minor changes to our daily lives, we can give back to our community and help our planet thrive. With Earth Day on the horizon, we wanted to put together a quick list of water conservation do’s and don'ts inside and outside the home:

Bathroom

• Do fill the bathtub halfway, instead of filling it up - you’ll save over 10 gallons of water
• Do take short showers and save 5 to 7 gallons per minute
• Don’t run the water while shaving or brushing your teeth
• Don’t use flush the toilet more than necessary

Kitchen

• Do run large loads of dishes in the machine and set to a short cycle
• Do install faucet aerators
• Don’t leave the water running while washing dishes or you can waste 3 gallons a minute
• Don’t defrost food by running under water

Outdoors

• Do use a self-closing nozzle on your hose
• Do set times for your sprinkler system
• Don’t overwater your plants
• Don’t water the driveway, but rather sweep them

Will you be more conscious of the water you use? We know we will! Let’s keep things eco-friendly this season! Contact NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter to get water and energy efficient plumbing fixtures installed. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more.

DIY Green Cleaning Products

The cleaning products you buy in the stores leave a horrible smell in your home, and it’s obvious why - they’re incredibly bad for your health! And with Earth Day around the corner, what a better time to swap out those old toxic chemicals for clean alternatives!

Using simple ingredients you probably already own, you can make eco-friendly cleaners that are not only better for tidying up the home, but also smell pleasant.

 Daily Shower Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with half vinegar
Add several squirts of your favorite natural dish soap (about 2-3 tbsp. If you’re using a 32 oz. bottle)
Will the rest with warm water and shake gently to mix

Laundry Detergent
2 tbsp Borax Natural Laundry Booster
3 tbsp washing soap (such as Arm & Hammer)
2 tbsp Dawn Dish Soap
Pour all ingredients into a 1 gallon jug
Add 4 cups boiling water
Swirl until all ingredients have turned to liquid
Let liquid cool and fill almost to the top with cold water

Dishwashing Soap
1/2 cup liquid castile soap (unscented)
1/8 cup water
4 drops essential oil scent of choice
1 tsp homemade all-purpose citrus cleaner (or 1 tsp vinegar)
Mix together and store in an old dish bottle for recycling purposes

For more green cleaner recipes, click here.

For more assistance on green cleaning or installing energy efficient appliances in your home this spring, call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 718-514-7145! We can help you make a difference for your family and your community.

Easing Allergies at Home

The official start to allergy season is nearly upon us. For all allergy sufferers out there, we know you’ll be doing everything you can to escape the daily sniffles and sneezing. And antihistamine can only do so much.

It may surprise you, but your bathroom can be an even worse environment for your allergies than your backyard. With all those allergy-producing molds, it’s hard to avoid the daily itch. Good news is that you can take action to prevent allergies from getting worse. Here’s how:

Wipe down surfaces
Hot showers can create excess humidity, leading to more mold. So after every shower, make it a habit to wipe down every surface - wall tiles, countertops, and floors. Work your way from top to bottom using a mildew-fighting spray or bleach solution.

Filter the air
From pollen to dust, there are many allergy triggers that can accumulate in your bathroom. Fight them off with a HEPA filter, designed to trap harmful particles in your home and clear the air.

Upgrade wisely
If allergies are interfering with your lifestyle, you might want to consider remodeling your bathroom with allergy-friendly upgrades. For example, avoid textiles like rugs and carpeting and instead choose hardwood or tile - easy to wipe up.

Fix leaks
A leaky pipe can bring on mold and mildew problems in the bathroom, so make sure you keep up on plumbing maintenance. That way, you can prevent home damage and increase your level of comfort.

Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your plumbing problems, including leaks. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services. 

Are You Making These Laundry Machine Mistakes?

Pretty soon you’ll be spending more time outdoors, and you know what that means - more laundry! From wasting too much water to using the wrong settings, here are some of the most common laundry mistakes you probably don’t realize you’re making:

Mistake No 1. Overloading the machine
You might be busy and pressed for time, but imagine how much money you can waste by ruining your clothes in the washing machine. Even the largest capacity machines have their limits, so if they’re too full, the water and detergent won't be able to reach everything. As a result, dirt will get trapped and your clothes will remain dirty.

Mistake No 2. Using too much detergent
It’s best to follow your detergent’s instructions before using. Using too little or too much can affect how clean your clothes will turn out. However, if you have a large load it is OK to use a bit more detergent. Bonus tip: If you have hard water, you might actually need more than you are using.

Mistake No 3. Forgetting to switch up machine settings
Keeping your machine on light load when you’re getting ready to fill it up or forgetting to switch from hot to cold is a common mistake that many of us innocently make. Before turning on the water, make sure you’re not using too much or too little and make sure you follow instructions on your clothes before finding the correct water temperature setting.

For example, most of your black tops probably need to be washed with cold water, and if you use too much water for a light load, you’ll be wasting water you don’t need.

Mistake No 4. Keeping shirts buttoned up
This might sound like a good idea in theory, but the truth is keeping your buttons closed can lead to “poppage”. So before you throw your shirts in the laundry, take a moment to unbutton your shirts.

Mistake No 5. Not leveling your machine
Say your machine isn’t leveled, vibrations can damage your floor and cause a terrible sound. Fix this issue by placing a level on top of your machine and adjusting the feet.

For all of your plumbing, draining, and health concerns, contact New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We are available 24/7 for plumbing needs. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.