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Archive for January, 2010

Plumbers on Long Island Bring Specialty Trade to Nassau & Suffolk Homeowners

January 10th, 2010

Plumbers of Long Island are a skilled and proud workforce which help the homeowners of Nassau and Suffolk counties deal with their plumbing and HVAC issues.  With devices in the home becoming more sophisticated, the need for these plumbers of Long Island to stay on top of the latest trends is needed.  But without the basic trade under their belt, new knowledge would be useless.

So what exactly is plumbing and the trade behind it and where did it come from?

Plumbers specialize in the installation and maintenance of water systems. Like electricians, they are required to obtain a license from a trade or vocational school and have a background in various aspects of industrial, domestic, and communal pipe work, water heating (steam- and gas- fitters), water treatment (such as water cleaning and purification), drainage, sewer networking, dynamics of water flow, water storage, temperature adjustment, and dangers of water hazards.

Plumbers get their name from the Latin Plumbum, for “lead,” since the ancient Romans used pipes made from lead. The term therefore refers to the metallic element out of which their main building material is made.

Interestingly, Einstein, the father of modern mathematics, admired the plumber:

“If I would be a young man again and had to decide how to make my living, I would not try to become a scientist or scholar or teacher. I would rather choose to be a plumber in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances.” – Albert Einstein, The Reporter, 18 November 1954

Not too long after this remark was published, Einstein was granted an honorary membership into the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, A.F.L., in Washington D.C., which made this genius, in effect, a plumber. The new title pleased Einstein, although he supposedly wasn’t looking for or expecting praise. When it comes to solving the great mathematical puzzles of the universe, Einstein would have been the first to be considered. Who would have known that he would be the person to call to straighten out the water pipes, too?

Plumbers from Long Island are unsung heroes.  These tradesmen and women work hard at very demanding jobs and have crucial knowledge and understanding regarding that basic necessity which every civilization and human being needs to thrive and survive: water!  The plumbers make sure that every single person has healthy water to drink every single day and clean water for bathing.  They are humanity’s lifesavers!

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Many Nassau County Bathroom Renovations Center Around Bathtub

January 8th, 2010

Those Nassau County bathroom renovations that end up costing thousands of dollars are often centered around which style bathtub is chosen.  Many different types of bathtubs in nassau county bathroom renovations have to take the size of the tub into account before plans are completed.  From whirlpools, extra-long, round or your standard rectangle, the pricing on these fixtures can vary greatly.

When choosing a bathtub for your Nassau County bathroom renovations, there are four basic bathtub styles. The old-type enamel cast-iron bathtub with the China-glazing finish is popular with new constructions. It is extremely heavy and offers quietness while being filled with water. This tub usually comes as a basic five-foot tub with few styles to choose from. The average price is about $250.

Next, there’s the molded plastic bathtub, which resembles the cast-iron tubs but is usually thicker. This tub is more lightweight and great for remodeling – especially when tile is already on the floor. This type of bathtub can come in several styles and colors, including a full shower/tub combination with built-in walls. It ranges in price from $250 upward.

The enameled steel tub comes in white or a variety of colors and is finished with a ceramic-glazed material. This tub is priced at around $250. Next is the fiberglass tub, which can be installed on a platform or in the floor. It comes in different shapes and sizes. Some have spa features as well. This type of tub is high-priced, some even costing in the thousands of dollars.

Shower stalls come in several styles such as a pre-built shower base, fabricated shower stall, and the fiberglass enclosed shower stall. Pricing varies according to size, style, and brand name.

Choosing a Toilet

The toilet should be comfortable and practical. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but sometimes paying more means getting better quality. There are now toilets with higher gallons/flush capabilities – up to the government’s standard of 1.6 gallons per flush. If you want to save on your water bill, opt for an efficiency toilet that flushes 1.3 gallons per flush. There are also dual-flush toilets that offer two flush buttons – one for liquid waste removal and one for solid waste removal. The liquid waste button, of course, uses less water per flush.

Bathroom Sink Options

The bathroom sink is important and has many uses – from brushing your teeth to shaving to facial cleansings each night! A popular bathroom sink is the V-shaped vessel sink bowl, which is made of glass, copper or stainless steel. There are also bathroom vanities with the sink already built-in for easy installation. Types of sinks include pedestal sinks, which provide no storage underneath, under-counter sinks, and above-counter sinks.

Faucets and Other Bathroom Items

Choose durable faucets made of materials that are rust-free and provide an even flow of water. With small children, you’ll want to be sure the faucets have temperature settings built in to prevent scalding. For decor purposes, choose matching faucets for the bathtub and sink. Also, be sure the faucet will last for many years without dripping. Faucets come in many shapes and styles – some are plain and some are fancy. They are priced from $40. Some popular finishes for faucets include brass, brushed nickel, oiled bronze, and the popular chrome plate.

Accessorize your bathroom with other fixtures and accessories to complete your decor. You can go online to find great products in almost any style you need. Also, you can find other home accessories online such as ironing centers, door hardware, cabinet hardware, towel warmers, and more.

Choose your bathroom plumbing fixtures wisely for a pleasant and long-lasting bathroom.

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Nassau County Plumbers to Call For Plumbing Problems in your Home

January 2nd, 2010

Nassau County plumbers can help with most any job in your home.  Whether it is a condo, house, or apartment, these licensed contractors have the tools and skills to fix or install your plumbing equipment.  But when can you do some installations yourself and when is it best to call someone in?  Use these quick checkpoints to determine the best course of action of installing it yourself or calling in a qualified Nassau County Plumbers company.

When Do I Need to Call a Plumbing Contractor for my Nassau County home?

Some common problems found with plumbing include:
Rattling pipes; may be caused by several factors, most commonly because they are not sufficiently secured or strapped to the wall frame. The pipes may need to be properly secured.
Slow drains; may be partially clogged. If a kitchen sink, the dishwasher may be improperly plumbed. The drain may need to be unclogged, or the dishwasher plumbing corrected.
Loss of hot water when another faucet is turned on; especially in older homes when hot and cold water pressures are not balanced. A pressure balance valve may be required.
Toilet tank leaks; plumbing parts inside the tank or seals may need replacing.

To make sure these plumbing repair problems are properly addressed, or when doing a remodeling project, you may want to enlist the services of a licensed plumbing contractor.

Plumbing a Remodel or New Construction in Nassau County

A remodeling project might include new plumbing design or new plumbing installation. You will want to meet with the plumber and all contractors involved and develop a timeline, so everyone works together and the project goes smoothly.  Also check with your local town or the county to ensure you have all proper work permits.

Before taking bids from potential plumbing contractors, make sure you have detailed plans. Provide each candidate with an identical copy of the plans. Rule of thumb is to get at least three different bids for a project.

Ask candidates if they are licensed to do plumbing. Also request references. Ask each candidate when they could start, and when the project would be completed. Take the time to check references on other projects they have completed.

To find a licensed Plumbing contractor in your area, use references from people you know, check online for reviews of some of the more popular plumbers, call town hall or Nassau County Building Department or check with a local union.

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Nassau County Air Conditioning HVAC Maintenance Tips

January 1st, 2010

With home repair prices costly, Nassau County air conditioning needs routine maintenance to operate in peak HVAC operating mode.   There are some simple tips to follow that can easily help with the length of time your system will last. Doesn’t everyone want their air conditioning to last a long time, especially in the ultra expensive Nassau County, New York?

If your air conditioner goes bad or has problems, chances are calling in an expert will be costly.  So it’s always better to maintain it to help it last longer. That way, you will be able to save up a lot of your finances throughout life.

To help you keep your air conditioner running smooth and trouble-free, here are some tips which you may follow:

1. Keep an eye on the hoses to check if there are any leaks on them. Do this at least twice a year—once before you start using it for the summer months and another when you stop using it with the coming of winter. These are the best times to check leaks and in case you spot any, you can repair it right away before it gets worse.

2. Keep the compressor always clean. It is the most valuable part of the air conditioning unit and costs a lot to replace. And of course, it catches dirt in all the pollution around. So a little bit of spray cleaning of the compressor can ensure a longer life for it.

3. Every two years, call a professional to clean the ductworks for your air conditioner. This is not anything great or hard, nor a must. But keeping them clean assures better life for the whole machine.

4. The compressor should be kept covered when not in use, especially in the winter season. It must always be well-protected from harsh snows or sleet or rains. Some companies have their own compressor covers for the unit. So ask for one when you are buying your air conditioner. These covers are easy-to-fit and hassle-free. But if you don’t get such covers, manage on your own. But protect the compressor always.

These simple do-it-yourself maintenance steps should ideally be followed by every owner of an air conditioner if he/she wants the machine to last longer and better.

NOTE: For any repairs or expert service or installation, always call in a licensed professional in Nassau County.

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