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Posts Tagged ‘plumbing’

Wantagh Plumbers Help with Clogged Toilets

May 12th, 2010

Many Wantagh plumbers are called in for the good old clogged toilet.  Using Wantagh plumbers to fix this type of problem in your Nassau County home is the best way to resolve it as they are licensed professionals.  Besides that, they understand how the systems work and have the proper tools to do the job.

Wantagh plumbers perform this task often and if you have faced a clogged toilet, you are not alone.   Reports indicate that more than one in five Americans cope with a blocked toilet and 70 percent surveyed recently agreed that clogs trigger a real headache.

The 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.

Those with older homes, septic-tank systems, low-flow toilets, and people who own a boat or RV are most at risk of clogs and plumbing issues. The first line of attack to prevent toilet clogs is to use a septic-safe tissue such as Scott 1000ct or Scott Extra Soft.

While many homeowners make an attempt to clear the clogged toilet, many times calling in Wantagh plumbers would be best as they can help with their vast knowledge and toolset.

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Mineola Plumbers Help Save Water in the Kitchen Sink

February 17th, 2010

While Mineola plumbers deal with water issues every day, many people these days are concerned with conserving water.  Many mineola plumbers install low flow toilets which use only about 1.5 gallons per flush.  But there are many other ways that homeowners can save water and help nature at the same time.

People often do not see that basic and simple conservation efforts can have when we are bombarded with negative information regularly.   Here are some basic changes in the activities around the kitchen sink can do.

Rather than running the tap when cleaning vegetables, use a bowl of water.   Then, use it to water outdoor plants. Reusing water from rinsing out the coffeepot for outdoor plants, the compost or lawn is something we do all the time. Rich in nitrogen as well as some trace minerals, coffeepots should be diluted with water before using.  Choose a different group of plants every day and you may find you no longer have to water or fertilize them very often at all.  Cooking water (pasta, steamed vegetables, boiled potatoes etc.) can be used in the same way – just let it cool first. All of these water sources contain extra nutrients that will aid your gardens immensely. Very hot cooking water can be used to kill weeds – simply pour it directly on the weed and around its roots.

After meals, scrape your dishes into the compost bucket before rinsing.  While rinsing, place other soiled dishes, jars and utensils underneath while you work; it will begin the presoaking process – reducing labor and water use. Anything caught in the sink basket can be contributed to the compost, too.

Here’s a nice tip from Mineola plumbers – Save about 5 gallons of water per washing by doing dishes in a few inches of hot soapy water. It may seem funny to do this – but by turning the hot water tap on to rinse the dishes into the sink the level will slowly increase and will maintain a hot temperature. This way, another sink full of water solely for rinsing is no longer necessary. We sometimes use rinse water to pre-soak stuck on dishes as well.

In the winter, the water from washing or soaking dishes should be left to cool. This way it releases its valuable heat into the home, rather than the sewer. Dishwashers, that are not built-in, allow reuse of the water for pre-rinsing heavily soiled dishes because they drain into the sink. The water can be trapped in the sink, or a soiled pot, where the heat is slowly released into the home, saving energy costs in the winter. Of course, the opposite applies in the summer, when extra heat is not desirable.

Very hot water is not always necessary for all washing and rinsing needs. Usually, by the time we are finished washing our hands, the water is just beginning to warm up – so really, all we have done is heat up our pipes. We can conserve water easily by turning off the tap while lathering hands. The running water is really only necessary for initial wetting, then rinsing – so running water in between is really a waste.

Now, if you measured the amount of water saved each day by those simple methods we just described – there would be dozens of gallons of pure, drinkable water left untouched in the reservoir. By reducing hot water consumption, our energy bills are a little bit smaller. All this, just from the kitchen sink!

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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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