Category: Blog

A Guide to Kitchen and Bathroom Drains

Just like any home or business owner, you’re probably aware of the importance if your drains. If not, it’s important to remember that even though they may be located out of sight, they shouldn’t be out of mind! Your drain and sewer system is one of the most important aspects of your home that you use several times a day.  If you don’t keep it properly maintained, all sorts of issues can occur, ranging from leaking pipes and clogged sewer lines to sediment buildup and blocked drains. One of the most important things you can do to prevent some of these issues from occurring is to keep your kitchen and bath drains in good working order.

Kitchen Drains

If you’re like most households, you make heavy use of your kitchen drain. You use it to wash your hands, wash dishes, and do food preparation. You might even have a garbage disposal you use to get rid of organic cooking waste. However, this heavy use can easily clog up the drain over time.

To prevent this from happening, you should avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Instead, you can dispose of this by pouring it into a bottle and throwing it away. Also, don’t throw any food waste down the drain unless you run the garbage disposal, and never throw anything made of metal, glass, or plastic into the drain.

In addition, you should clean the drain around once every two weeks. You can do this with a simple, homemade drain cleaning solution. Boil a kettle of water and pour it into the drain. Then pour in half a cup of baking soda and let it work for about 5 minutes. Next, mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of hot water and pour it into the drain. Cover the drain with the plug, and wait for five to 10 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with another kettle of boiling water. To clean your garbage disposal, you can fill it with ice cubes, cover it, and run it for a couple of minutes. The friction from the ice cubes will remove any grease and sediment buildup. Then rinse the drain with boiling water.

Bathroom Drains

Your bath drain might not be as heavily used as your kitchen drain, but it can still get clogged, especially due to hair and soap. You can prevent this from happening by cleaning it once a week. If you have a bath drain with a stop, remove the stop and clean it. Then use the same method as above to clean out the drain itself. You can also use a commercial drain cleaner, but be sure to wear protective gloves and follow the instructions to the letter.

Of course, it’s always possible that despite your best efforts, you can experience a clogged drain or other issue. If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, you’re best advised to call Rebmann as soon as possible. Remember: Paying a little bit of money for some repairs right now can save you a lot of hassle and expenses instead of waiting until the issue gets out of hand!

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Buyer’s Guide to a Heating System Installation

A heating system installation should be the number-one priority this fall but if you are a first-time buyer, you may run a high risk of installing the wrong system. Buying the wrong system happens more often than you may realize. Since the temperatures take a turn for the chilly and frigid at this time of year, the homeowner’s need for heat intensifies and they may just buy any system available for the sake of staying warm. Unfortunately, the hastiness gives way to mistakes that brings more headaches into their life than warm air. The wrong system can lead to pains like lower energy efficiency, increased spending on repair due to frequent breakdowns, and greater chances of seeking heating system replacement in the near future. In addition, when you consider home heating makes up nearly half of your home’s annual energy budget, making an unwise heating purchase may leave you in a far worse financial situation than you ever expected this fall.

Call Rebmann for Excellent Heating Service

Fortunately, Rebmann Plumbing is here to lead you down the right path for heating system installation. We provide heating service catering to a wide range of needs, whether you need furnace replacement or don’t even have a heating system currently in your home at all. Help from our local heating technicians will bring you more than just warm air. Once we provide you with the right heating system, you will enjoy lower spending on utility bills, reduced energy consumption, safer heating operation, and so much more. However, don’t wait too long to call us for service. If you prolong heating system installation, you may just wind up stuck in the cold after all. Be proactive and get the heating service you need to stay at a better peace of mind throughout the fall.

3 Common Types of Heating Systems

The awesome thing about looking for a heating system on the market today is that you have more than one option in terms of how you want to keep your home comfortable. However, this may make your final decision a bit harder. Since we want to make the installation process as easy for you as possible, here are 3 common heating system types you will encounter in your search:

  1. Gas Furnaces: You will be able to save 30% more, thanks to today’s highly-efficient gas furnaces. Compared to furnaces of the old, newer systems operate quietly, last much longer, and provide a more consistent flow of warm air for anyone in your household. They also boast a much smaller installation cost compared to other system. Furnaces are the most popular type of heating system for a reason, and it’s their ability to fit in homes of all styles that makes them a must-have for homeowners.

  2. Ductless Systems: Yep, that’s right; no ducts. Also known as mini split systems, this heating system type eliminates the chance of dust and allergen buildup, significantly improving indoor air quality without sacrificing its heating abilities. Though they feature a higher installation cost compared to furnaces, they are incredibly efficient. They will also separate your home into zones, giving warm air to all the right areas. Unlike any other system, it provides you with greater temperature control in terms of how much heat goes into your home, saving you tons of money on energy bills in the process.

  3. Heat Pumps: If you are looking environmentally-friendly heating, look no further than heat pump. It uses less fuel than your average heating system and instead takes heat from the ground or air to drop into your home. It also uses dry heat, eliminating the additional installation of a humidifier. Again, heat pumps have a higher upfront installation cost than furnaces but if you seek something more likely to reduce your carbon footprint.

4 Additional Factors to Consider for a Heating System Installation

After you have chosen what type of heating system to install, here are 4 additional points of consideration that will influence your decision:

  1. Heating Needs: What do you really want in a heating system? Your heating needs will vary. If it’s energy-efficiency, any of the three systems would be a good choice, although a furnace may be better if you want a lower installation cost. If you want environmentally-friendly warm air, you can’t go wrong with a heat pump. If you live with a growing family, a ductless system can provide you with heat directly tending to the specific needs of your household.

  2. Energy-Efficiency: Please pay attention to the heating system’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. It measures the energy efficiency of your system in terms of how it uses fuel. If the AFUE rating is high, you are getting a system guaranteeing long-lasting, highly-efficient heating for your home.

  3. Product Recalls: Always be alert of any product calls. If you read any customer reviews or news reports advising you to stay away from a particular system, heed the warning and search elsewhere. You can’t have a heating system putting your safety at risk.

  4. Heating System Size: While installing the wrong system can certainly bring its own hardship, buying the right system at the wrong size may be just as troublesome. Before any installation work begins, a heating technician from Rebmann will know to inspect the area and determine the right size of system you need. If not, you may find yourself dealing with frequent breakdowns and calls for emergency heating repair.

Cooler Weather Is Ahead, Schedule Your Heating System Installation Today

Contact Rebmann Plumbing today if you want to learn more on how to keep yourself warm with a heating system installation!

Questions To Ask During a Heating Tune-Up

A heating tune-up is in order if you are beginning to feel a certain chilliness in the air, that can only mean one thing: fall is on its way. The weather will only get chillier from here, and you need to make sure you are prepared for the low outdoor temperatures with a heating tune-up from Rebmann. Even if you are confident that your furnace will be able to withstand the season’s coldest weather, you need a heating tune-up once a year. If you have yet to get one in 2016, you need to get it done right now or else you may experience a long season filled with discomfort and cold nights. You may also have to spend more money on energy bills and experience worse indoor air quality that will make it difficult for you to catch a breath of fresh air in your home.

Expert Heating Tune-Up Services

At Rebmann, we want you to avoid those problems at all costs. Our team of licensed heating contractors can provide you with a heating tune-up that will take care of any existing issues within your furnace that will otherwise prevent the system from working at its best. Our work ensures your furnace is able to work efficiently for years and keep the risk of safety hazards like carbon monoxide exposure down to a minimum. We also work quickly so your furnace is delivering improved heating performance as soon as possible. Best of all, we can ensure you have comforting, steady heat through the fall and winter so you are not spending a single moment stuck in the cold.

Questions to Ask Your Heating Contractor

Many homeowners are unaware as to what a heating tune-up actually entails. Our procedure is extensive and it may be tough for the average homeowner to keep track of it all. In that case, you may have a lot of questions for the heating contractor so you know what service you are getting for your furnace. Then next time you feel a little lost during the heating maintenance process, please ask any of the following 10 questions:

  1. Have the Air Filters Been Replaced? The air filters within the furnace need to be cleaned and replaced frequently. Though the filters are responsible for establishing steady air flow from the furnace, they will eventually become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris. This can result in poor indoor air quality and force the furnace to work harder to produce warm air. It’s important to ask your heating contractor if they have completed this step so you know air flow from the system will continue uninterrupted.
  2. How are the Electrical Connections? Sometimes your furnace problems will have something to do with faulty electrical connections. Frayed or loose wiring will not only prevent your furnace from working at its best, but also prove unsafe as it will lead to a higher risk of electrical shock or residential fires. Ask the heating contractor if there are many problems with the electrical connections to ensure they are tightened and reliable.
  3. Are There Contaminants on the Burner? The burner of your furnace will mix air and fuel to create heat. However, due to a buildup of contaminants, it may not be able to work properly. The contractor will usually inspect the burner for any contaminants and determine if it needs to be cleaned out so overall system efficiency is not impacted in any way. If you are unsure on the status of the burner, ask the contractor if contaminants have been found so you will have a better idea on what work will need to be done to ensure burner is working at its best.
  4. Are There Leaks in the Gas Line? A leak in the gas line of your furnace is a huge safety risk and puts the lives of your family in jeopardy. Worse, a gas leak can heighten the risk of residential fire or combustion. A heating contractor should be making this a top priority, especially when it can mean all the difference between being able to live in your home safely. It’s good to ask them just to make sure your gas line is safe.

A Few More Heating Tune-Up Considerations

  1. Has the Heat Exchanger Been Inspected? The heat exchanger is the most essential part of the furnace, so you have every right to ask the contractor whether it has been inspected thoroughly. This component is responsible for distributing heat throughout the home. Fortunately, heating maintenance from a contractor at Rebmann will ensure your heating system is distributing heat evenly and without disruption.
  2. Why is the Furnace Making Loud Noises? Your furnace may be running into a problem where it is making loud, highly disruptive noises whenever you turn it on. If this problem does indeed apply to your heating system, you need to make sure the heating contractor is inspecting the source of the noises. It could be indicative of a wide range of problems with your furnace’s internal components and will need to be fixed by the contractor immediately before they grow into something much worse.
  3. Did You Replace the Thermocouple? The thermocouple is the part of the furnace that measure the temperature within the system. However, since it can also prove a major source of heating failure, you may want to consider replacement. The heating contractor will make this a part of the tune-up procedure by determining whether replacement will be needed, so it’s always good to ask just to make sure.
  4. How are the Safety Controls? The safety controls of the furnace may include a pressure-relief valve, pressure alarms, flame monitoring systems, etc. Your safety should always come first no matter what, so it is certainly helpful to ask the contractor this question. You need to know if the furnace’s safety controls are working at their best, and a contractor should check them to ensure they are not hindered by any issues.

Contact Rebmann today if you want to learn more about our excellent service from one of our licensed heating contractors. Especially if you think you’ll need a heating tune-up!

How Can You Avoid Clogs with Your Kitchen Drain in Oyster Bay, NY?

Proper maintenance of the kitchen drain in your Oyster Bay, NY, home, is critical to the health of your entire plumbing system. Read on to find out why and get our top tips for avoiding drain clogs.

Tips for Maintaining Your Kitchen Drain in Oyster Bay, NY

If you’ve ever had a clogged kitchen drain, then you know how inconvenient it is. First of all, it usually occurs either when you’re cooking, which means you’re dealing with pots and pans on the stove, chopping vegetables, and so on—and you need your kitchen to function properly, or it happens after you’ve finished eating, at which point you really want to relax and let your meal settle. And second, while you can usually unclog a kitchen drain yourself, there are those instances when you need to call in a plumber to fix the problem. Plus, the longer you leave a clogged drain without unclogging it, the more unhygienic of a situation it creates in your kitchen!

Clearly, it’s best to make sure your kitchen drain doesn’t get clogged in the first place. Keep the following tips in mind:

  • Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. It will congeal and lead to clogs.
  • Avoid washing bulky items down the drain. Instead, use the garbage disposal to grind up all organic waste and wash it away with plenty of water.
  • Don’t flush any metal, glass, plastic, or fibrous materials down the drain. They can get stuck and cause clogs.
  • Always rinse the drain with some dish detergent and a lot of water at the end of the day.
  • Use a home-made drain solution once a week to keep it clean. Pour half a cup of salt and half a cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by a pot of boiling water. Let it sit for a while, then pour in another pot of boiling water. Finally, rinse the drain with cold water.

Contact Rebmann to Unclog Your Kitchen Drain in Oyster Bay, NY

If, despite these precautions, you still wind up with a clogged drain, then don’t worry. Just call the team of master plumbers here at Rebmann. We’ll come to your home and solve the problem quickly and cost-effectively, so you can get back to enjoying life!

Why is Your Hot Water Heater Leaking in Oyster Bay, NY?

Is your hot water heater leaking in Oyster Bay, NY? Well, in that case, you may be a little mystified. How can your highly functional water heater suddenly start leaking? Are there evil spirits at work? Is this just a government conspiracy set out to prevent you from living comfortably and conveniently in your home?

Your imagination may be running wild with possibilities, but the truth is that the reasons behind your hot water heater leaking in Oyster Bay, NY are usually practical. But no matter the reason, there’s no denying those leaks need to be cleaned up and fixed immediately. A single leak can grow into something much worse if you don’t treat it in a timely fashion and eventually cost you a high amount of money on utility bills.

The team at Rebmann is here to ensure you know the reasons for your hot water heater leaking in Oyster Bay, NY so you’ll avoid any trouble in the future. We want to ensure you have the most effective water heater in your home. Leaks can get in the way of it though, which is why we’re more than willing to provide any assistance in keeping your water heater leak-free!

3 Reasons Your Hot Water Heater is Leaking in Oyster Bay, NY

While there are several odd reasons for a hot water heater to be leaking, we generally find these 3 to be the most common:

  1. Tank Corrosion: Corrosion is a natural part of your water heater’s aging process. But while the tank will continue to work despite this, it can eventually be the cause of leaks. Since it will eat away at your water heater, corrosion will allow for a water to drip out of your tank easily, meaning you could waste gallons of water if not treated immediately.
  2. High Water Pressure: You may have the most durable hot water tank installed in your home, but high water pressure can leave it leaking like there’s no tomorrow. The higher pressure will force your hot water heater to release water from the tank. This usually due to the water temperature on your tank being turned up too high so the next time you suspect a leak is imminent, turn down the temperature by a few degrees.
  3. Condensation: Sometimes your water heater leak may not even be a water heater leak at all. When the water fills up cold water and begins heating up, it may result in the tank dripping with condensation, similar to an ice cold glass of water on a hot day. All you need to do is wipe off the tank with a towel to prevent any puddling.

Contact Rebmann Plumbing today if you want to learn more on the reasons behind your hot water heater leaking in Oyster Bay, NY!

Why You Should Consider Water Heater Repair in Manhasset, NY This Summer

With most of the country experiencing near record-breaking temperatures, water heater repair in Manhasset, NY might be the last thing on your mind. After all, it’s so hot and humid outside that most of us are ready to take the Ice Bucket Challenge any day of the week!

But as your trusted plumber, we’re committed to giving you solid information that can help you save money and prolong the life of your plumbing system. And that’s why we’re going to discuss water heaters right now!

Why Summer Is a Great Time for Water Heater Repair in Manhasset, NY

Even if a hot bath is the last thing you want right now, it’s important to remember that we still use lots of hot water during the summer. Every time you turn on the dishwasher and every time you do a load of laundry, you’re using warm or hot water. (Unless you’re washing delicate fabrics like wool or silk, of course!)

But the main reason that you need to get your water heater repaired during the summer has more to do with human nature: nobody is thinking about their water heaters, so it’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your plumber and have the appliance cleaned, tuned up, and repaired. During the winter, you might have to wait days before you can get an appointment, but during July and August, you’re most likely the first on the list. And best of all: since it’s so warm out, you’re not going to be inconvenienced if you don’t have hot water for a couple of hours!

Call Rebmann Plumbing for Water Heater Repair in Manhasset, NY

If you want your water heater to be in perfect shape to get you through the fall, winter, and spring, then call the team of master plumbers here at Rebmann Plumbing. It’s our mission to make sure your water heater is in the best possible shape so you don’t have to worry about being stuck without hot water on a wintry Monday morning when you’re facing a long, cold commute. Be smarter than most: schedule your appointment with Rebmann today!

Improve Home Cooling with Air Conditioning Replacement in Oyster Bay, NY

Right now, the temperatures are inching close to the triple digits and you need to improve home cooling for the better. Is your current air conditioning system not up for the challenge? Well, in that case, don’t stick with it, or else this summer can wind up being one you’ll want to be over as soon as possible. Worse, you may have to pay so much more on future repair & energy bills. You need air conditioning replacement in Oyster Bay, NY immediately to ensure you escape the heat. And if you’re looking for professional assistance, allow Rebmann to help.

Our cooling experts can supply you with the latest make and model of air conditioning guaranteed to provide highly-efficient cooling for years. Before any replacement work, we can consult with you in determining what system would be perfect for your home. We certainly don’t want to see you installing the wrong system in your home. That’s why we’ll make sure you have air conditioning that will give you your money’s worth.

Air Conditioning Replacement in Oyster Bay, NY: Why Should You Call Rebmann?

Don’t pass up a chance to improve home cooling this summer by equipping your home with the latest in cooling technology. Replacing your old air conditioning now can help you:

  • Improve Efficiency: You shouldn’t spend the summer paying high costs on energy bills. That old air conditioning will can only increase energy consumption, so don’t wait a single moment in replacing it. A new system can help lower those costs without lowering its cooling abilities. It will strike a balance between efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Guarantee Cool Air for Years: New air conditioning systems can guarantee you cool air for years. That means you won’t just have cool air for this summer, but many summers ahead. You’ll stay cool knowing you have a system ready to operate for a long time to come.

  • Lower Costs on Repairs: Newer air conditioning systems are also durable and can withstand anything, meaning you won’t have to call for repairs as often. Sticking with your old air conditioning system this summer will only result in more calls for repair service due to frequent breakdowns.

Contact Rebmann today if you need air conditioning replacement in Oyster Bay, NY that will guarantee you and your family keep cool for the remainder of the summer!

3 Reasons Why Rebmann is the Best Drain Cleaner in Manhasset, NY

Are you struggling with slow moving, sluggish drains? That can be a nightmare. Aside from being unsanitary and annoying, if left unchecked clogged drains only worsen over time. Don’t ignore the problem. Instead call on us. We’re here to help! Keep reading to see why Rebmann Plumbing is the best drain cleaner in Manhasset, NY.

1. Experience: With almost a hundred years of experience under our belts, we know the plumbing industry inside and out. No one unclogs a drain as cleanly and quickly as we do. We’re so confident in our drain cleaning service that we proudly offer our customers a one-year warranty on all the products we sell and all the services we offer.

2. Expertise: Not only do our years of experience work in your favor, those years have also provided us with a wealth of expertise. Check out our website for testimonials from satisfied customers. Our skilled, trained, professional servicemen know their stuff! We’re proudly certified by the Better Business Bureau and the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Contractors Association.

3. Expense: We proudly provide you with service you can depend on at a price you can afford. Our drain cleaning services offer affordability and reliability that naturally go hand-in-hand. Call or visit us online anytime for a fast, no-obligation quote. We’ll also fill you in on our financing options and service contract agreements. In no time flat, we’ll have your drains running like a well-oiled machine.

Founded in the early part of 1930, we still take a great deal of pride in our family owned business. Let our family meet the needs of your family and make your home a more comfortable place to be. Simply put, we are the best drain cleaner in Manhasset, NY, and we intend to stay that way. Call us today and see why so many NY area customers make Rebmann Plumbing their preferred choice for residential and commercial plumbing.

4 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Drain Cleaning in Syosset, NY

Perhaps you’re a homeowner who isn’t afraid to roll up the sleeves and get their hands dirty, especially when it comes to drain cleaning in Syosset, NY. And, hey, we respect that.  Just remember, as with anything involving your plumbing, you need to make sure you’re taking the proper steps to get drains cleaned. Since most homeowners who decide to do some DIY drain cleaning aren’t licensed professionals, they are more prone to make mistakes that will damage the plumbing system more than anything else.

The team at Rebmann Plumbing is here to help you make your next round of DIY drain cleaning in Syosset, NY one that doesn’t result in a total plumbing disaster. The space for mistakes is wide, but we want to narrow it a little more. In addition, we are also available at any point this summer to provide quick, comprehensive drain cleaning service aimed at keeping clogs far away from drains. Our plumbers are licensed and experienced to know what drain cleaning solution is perfect for your plumbing system.

Drain Cleaning in Syosset, NY: What Should You Avoid?

All too often, we see homeowners make the same mistakes over and over again with drain cleaning. Don’t fall into a similar trap and instead avoid:

  1. Over-Reliance on Chemical Drain Cleaner: Many homeowners will simply drop as much chemical drain cleaner down their drains as soon as possible and think that will be enough to fix the problem. While there’s no denying chemical drain cleaner is effective, it should be used sparingly. The chemicals can actually cause physical damage to your drains if you’re not careful.

  2. Using a Garden Hose: Yes, believe it or not, plenty of homeowners think it’s okay to use a garden hose at high pressure to clean out drains. The effect would be something similar to hydro jetting. However, since it’s done without any regards to water pressure, this method also brings more damage to your drains than intended.

  3. Misusing Garbage Disposals: A garbage disposal is a great tool in chopping up larger pieces of waste before they enter your drains, but over usage or misusage can prevent it from working properly. This includes having the blades of the disposal begin to dull, or inserting foods that simply don’t belong there like larger pieces of produce and paper products.

  4. Taking Apart Piping: Some homeowners will even be so inclined to take apart piping to remove a clog. Only one problem though: it can be difficult putting it back together, especially if a person doesn’t have the know-how.. This leaves homeowners in a tricky situation where they aren’t only paying for drain cleaning, but also on repiping service.

Contact Rebmann Plumbing today if you want excellent service on drain cleaning in Syosset, NY!

3 Reasons to Consider Commercial Air Conditioning in Manhasset, NY

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your commercial property this summer, you should consider commercial air conditioning in Manhasset, NY. The temperatures are getting hot, but you still have employees and customers to satisfy. Even if you have the most booming business in town, a lack of a reliable cooling system can sink the credibility and reputation of your property significantly. Plus, without cool air, the productivity of your employees may take a hit and customers may stay far away from your property altogether.

Rebmann Plumbing wants to keep your business cool and comfortable this summer. We are guaranteed to have a make and model of commercial air conditioning perfect for your business. Our years of experience installing air conditioning in a wide range of commercial properties lends itself greatly to supplying you with a cooling system that meets the needs of your property down to the last detail. Even if you feel you don’t feel the need to upgrade, remember this: you can never be too comfortable!

Commercial Air Conditioning in Manhasset, NY: Why Should You Get It?
Call Rebmann for air conditioning installation now to receive a cooling system that can improve your commercial property by:

  1. Improving Property Value: Upgrading commercial air conditioning in Manhasset, NY will actually help you boost the value of your commercial property and make it a positive investment on the market. Potential buyers will be so much more interested in your business knowing it’s equipped with a reliable cooling system.

  2. Improving Productivity: If you own a commercial property with a huge staff of employees, their collective productivity may take a hit if indoor air is too stuffy. Fortunately, commercial air conditioning from Rebmann will provide them with a blast of cool air that will keep them busy bees and meet deadline without a problem.

  3. Improving Customer Satisfaction: Depending on your business, commercial air conditioning may be a crucial element in retaining customers and ensuring they keep coming back to your property for more service this summer. The combination of great service and comfortable indoor atmosphere is enough to put a smile on any customer’s face.

Consider Rebmann Plumbing today if you need commercial air conditioning in Manhasset, NY that will keep employees productive and customers happy!