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Great Long Island Plumbers Home Improvement Tips

October 28th, 2011

Taking on Long Island home improvement projects is a challenge best accomplished with the right tools and the right information. This article has many helpful tips and pointers that can keep you on track through the stages as your project progresses, and bring your own home improvement project to a successful completion.

Plumbing

To silence a toilet that runs intermittently or has a slow trickle into the bowl, check the flapper and flapper seat in the bottom of the tank. Clean the lip of the seat to ensure that mineral build-up isn’t preventing the flapper from seating correctly, and replace the flapper if it seems worn or cracked.

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Even if you are an expert and home improvement tasks, leave the plumbing to the professionals. With many people wanting to do a majority of home improvements themselves, they get tempted to going into areas that are meant for professionals. Plumbing is one of those areas that should be left to the professionals because they can be far too difficult or even dangerous.

When renovating a house for resale, remember that it is more important to attend to the outside look of the home first before you attend to items such as plumbing or installing central heating. The latter are items that cannot be immediately seen, but an exterior that looks neglected will affect the sale process both in terms of time and/or price.

If you notice that your toilet is clogged the first thing you should do is to try to unclog it with a plunger. There is no need to call a plumber without first trying to unclog the toilet yourself. You can typically plunge out any clog if you try a few times.

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For an inexpensive update to your bathroom, replace your old or worn toilet seat. Removing the old seat and installing a new one takes less than five minutes and adds cosmetic appeal to your bathroom.

Be prepared for the plumbing work to take longer than anticipated. Whether you are installing a shower, a sink or a toilet, have a backup plan in case you and your family have to go without for a while. Make sure everyone showers before beginning the work or arrange with a family member to let you spend the night if need be.

Always allow for extra time when you are doing a home improvement project that involves plumbing. No one likes to be without their kitchen or their bathroom for an extended period of time. You would like to hope that you can get the work done in a day or two and be back up and running quickly. However, rerouting pipes and installing sinks and other fixtures takes time, and unexpected things almost always come up. Plan on projects that involve plumbing to take longer than you expect them to take.

Is your bathtub stopped up again? Have your tried products like Liquid Plumber with little success? Well, before you call your plumber, try to use a plunger first! Yup, the same thing that can unclog your toilet works just as fine when you are trying to unclog your bathtub. Just add a little water in the basin to create a seal around the plunger and plunge away!
Here are some common things that will stop up a toilet: toys, hair, paper towels, condoms, sponges, tampons, pads, and tampon applicators. If at all possible, do not try to flush these items down your toilet (unless they say that they are safe in their instructions).

Some people hear the words home improvement and automatically think disaster, but this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. You are going to hit snags in most home improvement projects, so if you are attempting to tackle the plumbing, you might want to leave that to the professionals, to avoid a major home improvement blunder. A good rule of thumb is if your not sure ask.

The right tools and the right information, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, can make the difference in the planning, execution and success of your home improvement projects. As you take on your next home improvement project, use the helpful advice from this article to see you through the stages towards a job well done.

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Lynbrook Plumbers Installing Low Flow Toilets

February 11th, 2010

Ask some Lynbrook plumbers about low flow toilets and you will get varying opinions.  But ask the customers of Lynbrook plumbers and many might say they do not like their low flow toilets.  But why?  Read on….

Since 1992, the U.S. government mandated these low flow toilets.  These new units use about half as much water as the traditional old style toilets. The newer units use about one and a half gallons of water versus the older ones that use about three and a half.   But does half the amount of water equal half the efficiency when you go to flush the toilet.  Many say yes.

To be sure, technology is working to solve the problem but the issue remains: we are simply not getting the service out of our “thrones” like we once did.

Among the issues that Lynbrook plumbers come into contact with are that multiple flushes are needed to dispense of the same amount of waste, clogging problems, and additional maintenance. Also, they have been reported to overflow more easily.

Some of the above issues completely work against the issue of saving water. After all, if you have to flush 2 or more times, how does that save water. Beyond that, though, clogging and overflow problems result in potentially catastrophic expenses when flooring needs to be replaced due to an overflowing toilet.

A recent survey of new home builders and remodelers has shown that they, like homeowners, are frustrated with this new plumbing restriction. They have reported huge increases on service calls from unhappy customers.

Water saving techniques and technologies are certainly a good thing. And, one thing is for sure: they are here to stay. In fact, a home with low-flow toilets and low-flow shower heads can save thousands of gallons per year. And, who would not appreciate the savings in water bills? Let’s just hope that the Lynbrook plumbers installing these find better plumbing technology to increase efficiency.

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LI Plumbers Help with Bathroom Fixtures

February 10th, 2010

ONe question posed to LI Plumbers relate to bathroom fixtures.  It does not matter if you are a new Long Island home or remodeling one in Nassau or Suffolk County,  there are hundreds of plumbing fixtures and accessories to choose from.   All of the choices might be overwhelming, and you’ll want to make sure the items you choose are reliable, long-lasting as well as decorative.   Follow these simple tips to get some help relating to bathroom fixtures which your LI plumbers can install for you.

Fixtures for the bathroom should be practical and durable. They should be tough enough to withstand years of usage without wearing easily, rusting, or molding. Consider your entire décor including the colors of your floors and walls and the style used on other items in the room.

Choosing a Bathtub

When choosing a bathtub, 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 for your Home

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.

Water 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.  Always have your LI plumbers check any installations you have done to ensure it is done properly and according to code.

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Suffolk Plumbers Find Clogged Drains & Toilets Due to Homeowner Errors

February 5th, 2010

Many Suffolk County plumbers get calls of a clogged sewer, toilet or drain and have frantic callers on the phone.   These incidents are sometimes at the worst times and in many cases due to errors on the homeowner’s part.  But many homeowners have come face-to-face with either a clogged toilet or drain at one time or another.  Reports state that up to one in five Americans deal with a clogged up toilet with 3/4 of them having difficulty with clearing it themselves.

So how does one avoid the need for a Suffolk County plumber which could cost a bit of money as it is quite pricey on Long Island.  According to a survey commissioned by the Scott® Clog Clinic, an authority on common-sense solutions for avoiding stopped-up toilets, found that if a few proper steps are taken, consumers can avoid most clogs.

As part of its survey of toilet blockages, the Clog Clinic found that:

• Going down the drain. Twelve percent of people have dropped a toy ball down the pipes, while 6 percent have flushed a fish.

• Who did it? Thirty-seven percent of respondents maintain that no one takes responsibility for clogging the toilet in their home.

• Away from home. As for public restrooms, 30 percent say they have experienced a clog in a restaurant, 24 percent at work, 22 percent while at someone else’s home other than in-laws, 14 percent while visiting in-laws, 12 percent during holidays at their home, 11 percent while entertaining guests at home and 2 percent on a date.

• Take the plunge. To unclog a blocked toilet, 87 percent of consumers use a plunger to free the pipes (and 92 percent own one).

• Only you can prevent clogs. Forty-five percent “completely agree” that they can prevent toilet clogs by using a septic-safe toilet paper.

Which people are most susceptible to clogs?  Suffolk County plumbers say those who have older homes, septic-tank systems, low-flow toilets, and  boat/ RV are sure to have more issues of clogging than newer homes.  The best prevention is  using the proper toilet tissue and watching the items flushed down the drain and toilet.

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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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