Tag: Plumbing

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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Spring Plumbing Tips For Your Home

Spring Plumbing Tips For Your Home

While the weather is cool and damp right now, that doesn’t mean it’s not going to change in a couple of short weeks. With warmer spring weather right around the corner, it makes for a good opportunity to clean out your house and check for overall maintenance you may have missed in the fall and winter. Your home plumbing system may be something you haven’t always thought to include in spring cleaning because it always seems to work- until it doesn’t! 

Spring cleaning for your home’s plumbing is just as vital as maintaining the HVAC system. Finding issues early on can save you money on expensive repairs and replacements, as well as prolonging the life and efficiency of your system. Most home plumbing systems are built with quality materials and professional assembly, but after a few years, even quality designs can show signs of breaking down. When you begin your spring cleaning, follow our plumbing system checklist! 

Plumbing Spring Cleaning Checklist

 

  • Examine the Fixtures – The handles and faucets on all water-releasing equipment should be given a once-over. What you are looking for is signs of leaks when the faucet is shut off, signs of mold or leak stains, and that the faucet works properly. It also doesn’t hurt to re-caulk the unit seal if it’s worn and old. You will find the fixtures in the bathroom sinks, showers, toilets, and the kitchen but don’t forget the outside garden handles too. Worst case scenario, you will find a crack or slow leak that can be easily fixed preventing a later disaster.

 

  • Clear the Drains – Hair, food, and washed-off material are the three big contributors to plugged drains. And many times the plug up is an aggregate of material caught over time. Every drain should be checked that water goes down quickly and doesn’t rise back up with backflow. If your drains are slow and sluggish or bubbling back with water, it might be time to call for drain cleaning to ensure you’re ready for the spring and summer. 

 

  • Check the Toilets – Toilet basins don’t just flow water, they contain it in the tank above as well. Over time, toilet ceramic can crack or the seals of feed pipes can age. Both start small leaks that get bigger and create surface area damage. A quick way to see if a seal needs repair is to put food dye in the water in the tank. If the bowl water changes color without flushing or you find dye stains on the floor after an hour or so, there’s a leak on one of the seals.

 

  • Place Strainers on All Drains – Drainage pipes work best when only wastewater goes down the drain. Putting strainers into your sink drains effective prevention methods of stopping blockage material from entering the pipe in the first place. Heavy-use sinks like the kitchen or the laundry cleaning sink should always have strainers in the sink bottom as these units see the most material getting washed down the pipe.

 

  • Proactive Management of the Water Heater– Sitting in your garage or basement, water heaters work for years and years and then suddenly break, often due to no maintenance being applied. In order to keep it working well, follow a few quick tips. First, the temperature should be sent no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Secondly, the heater should be flushed and drained annually to remove sediment that deposits at the bottom of the tank over time. The apparatus should also be inspected for any leaks at the top or bottom of the tank as these are signs of a bigger issue that needs professional attention. 

 

  • Sump Pump Check – For homes with a basement, the sump pump should be tested regularly with a few buckets of water to make sure it works. There should be an immediate response and pump out of the drainage. If not, the pump should be checked by a professional. 

 

Don’t forget to look around outside your home as well. Check all outdoor plumbing like spigots and drainage systems for damage. If you find any issues with your home plumbing, call Rebmann today!

5 Signs to Call For a Water Heater Replacement in New York

Your home’s water heater is an important part of your daily life, but it won’t last forever. One day, you’ll need to get a water heater replacement, and you’ll preferably want to get it before yours breaks down. To replace it before disaster strikes, you need to be able to tell when your water heater is having severe problems. At Rebmann, we know all about water heaters and can help give you the knowledge you need to keep your home dry.

Here are five signs that it’s time to order a water heater replacement:

 

Not enough hot water

Your water heater is the source of your home’s hot water. If you have the temperature properly set and you aren’t getting hot water, you know there’s a problem. There are many reasons this could be happening, and some are unique to different types of water heaters. Electric water heaters might require you to check the circuit breaker while gas water heaters may need their pilot light relit. In very cold weather, pipes and water heaters may freeze if they don’t have enough insulation. Other problems hurting your hot water supply may include a defective thermometer, a build-up of sediment, and a worn heating element. Also, you might have a water heater that can’t provide enough hot water for your home. Give us a call and we can help find the right water heater for you.

 

Rusty water

There are two common reasons your home’s water looks and tastes rusty. The exact reason generally depends on what temperature the rusty water is. If you’re only getting rust in the hot water, you likely have a damaged water heater. However, if every temperature is resulting in rust, a pipe in your plumbing may be having problems. Either way, you should call our professionals as soon as you can to confirm the source and prevent any damage. Also, you can help confirm your water heater has a problem by draining a few buckets of hot water from the heater directly. If you’re still getting rust by the time you fill the third bucket, your water heater needs a replacement. You can often see rust around the water inlet or pressure release valve if the tank is having rust problems.

 

Leaks

Old and damaged water heaters are prone to leaking. However, you might not spot the leaks if you’re not keeping an eye on your water heater. Some leaks aren’t as severe as others. If a leak is coming from any fittings, connections, or the temperature-pressure-release-valve, a plumber can fix them with little difficulty. However, if damage to the tank is causing the leak, your only option is to replace the tank.

 

Strange noises

You don’t have to worry about the occasional mild noises from your water heater. Plenty of appliances make some slight noise once in a while. However, loud popping, cracking, or rumbling noises are a serious concern. Those noises are signs of sediment build-up in the tank, which makes it hard for the unit to run. As tank water heaters operate, sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank, and will eventually harden as it heats and cools. The air pockets the sediment makes can make noise, and the sediment can also make your water heater less efficient and more likely to crack. If not fixed with flushing and cleaning, the tank can become damaged and start leaking, which can only be fixed with a replacement.

 

Old age

Water heaters are not something that gets better with age. On average, well-kept tank water heaters can last ten to fifteen years. For best results, start thinking about replacements when your water heater is nine or ten years old. Don’t know when yours was installed? Look at the water heater’s serial number and the manufacturer’s information.  The serial number can tell you when it was manufactured, but each manufacturer has a different way of displaying the manufacturing date. You’ll need to do some research, but the manufacturer’s website can be a good place to start.

 

Who should I call when I need plumbing assistance?

For three generations Rebmann has provided trusted plumbing, heating, and air conditioning expertise to Long Islanders spanning both Nassau and Suffolk counties.  The ongoing Rebmann legacy is committed to providing Long Island’s commercial and residential plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems with superior quality, craftsmanship, and professionalism.

We provide 24-hour on-call emergency and stoppage service while consistently working to create lasting relationships with our clients.  We foster our customer relationships through our commitment to preventative maintenance care, repairs, remodeling, and replacement options.

Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, Rebmann holds a Master Plumber’s License and is fully licensed, bonded, and insured.  Our customers can rest easy knowing that we provide a minimum one-year warranty on all products and services. Call Rebmann today to get help with our water heater replacement!

4 Benefits of Frequent Drain Cleaning in New York

Like any area of your home, drains can fall into disrepair and need some attention. Whether its loose hairs, food debris, or dried cleaning products, it’s likely that you’ll have to deal with drains clogging. You can call Rebmann to help alleviate your drain clogs and perform a professional drain cleaning. However, what you should be doing is performing frequent drain cleaning so they don’t clog in the first place. There are many benefits to getting frequent drain cleaning for your New York home.

Here are four drain cleaning benefits for your New York home:

 

Efficient draining

Unsurprisingly, clogged drains have difficulty draining water and any debris that goes down them. When they’re clear, water will quickly drain down them and you won’t have to worry about overflowing or instances of standing water. This is especially important for toilet drains, as backflow problems involving sewage can be especially nasty.

 

Improved pipe lifespan

Among the things that can buildup in your drains are various chemical deposits. These chemicals can cause damage to the pipes they’re in and eventually cause a leak. By getting routine cleaning for your pipes, you can keep your pipes from getting corroded, improving their lifespan.

 

Prevent foul odors

You probably think toilets are the only parts of your plumbing system that can get smelly. However, any dirty drain can raise a big stink if it doesn’t get a proper and regular cleaning. Mold spores grow best in dark, damp areas, and your drains have both in excess. Even the regular flow of water may not be enough to wash those spores away. By diligently cleaning your drains, you can prevent the buildup of mold spores and bacteria that could make your home reek.

 

Avoid damage to your home

Did you know that chemicals that buildup in your drains can corrode the pipes and cause leaks? Also, you know how backflow can happen from a clogged pipe? When these things happen, your home can face water damage that requires repairs. It’s especially nasty when the leak comes from a clogged pipe full of sewage. All of those disgusting chemicals and bacteria will be able to get loose and damage your walls and floors. Frequently cleaning your drains can prevent the problems that lead to backups and water damage.

 

Why call Rebmann to clean my drains?

With nearly a century of experience in the Long Island plumbing business, our licensed technicians and professional staff share a breadth of service industry expertise. We offer a wide variety of plumbing, heating, and air conditioning restoration in a variety of residential homes, commercial buildings, and large facilities across both the north and south shores of Long Island. In addition to our experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, our one-year warranty on all products and services allows our customers to be confident in making Rebmann their choice for home and business plumbing service needs. Call Rebmann today to schedule your drain cleaning!

5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs a Repair in New York

As one of your home’s major appliances, it’s not surprising to hear that water heaters can come across their share of problems. However, this doesn’t mean you should run out and get a replacement whenever something goes wrong. Many of these issues are ones that can be fixed by trained professionals. By calling for a repair, you can save money by fixing a problem before it becomes permanent. Rebmann can help you learn when you should call for a water heater repair in your New York home.

Here are five issues that can be solved by a water heater repair in your New York home:

 

Noise issues

Like all major appliances, you can expect a bit of noise to come from your water heater. However, sediment build-ups can cause louder popping and crackling noises that necessitate some maintenance. As sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank and solidifies, it makes noises when the air pockets inside the solid sediment start boiling. Too much sediment inside the tank can cause it to corrode or even crack. Annually flushing the tank can go a long way to preventing sediment issues.

 

Rusty water

Having your home’s water supply become rusty generally means you need new pipes. However, if the rust is limited to your hot water, the problem is with your water heater. Both of these are serious issues that should have you calling us. Oftentimes, when your water tank is corroding from the inside out, you’ll need to buy a new one before the old one breaks.

 

Mineral problems

If your home has hard water, you might have to deal with various problems from the minerals in it. Minerals can build up around your water tank’s heating elements. This will make it harder to heat the tank or even cause the heating element to overheat. Also, minerals can build up in the pipes themselves and block off the water, reducing the water pressure. Buying a water softener for your home can help make your water softer.

 

Heating problems

Water heaters are supposed to heat water. If yours isn’t doing that, then you have a problem. Depending on what your water heater uses to heat the water, you’ll have to either relight the pilot light or check the circuit breaker. Sometimes you might not have enough heat because it’s very cold outside and your pipes need more insulation. However, if power, heating, and insulation aren’t helping, you might be dealing with built-up sediment, a faulty thermostat, or a worn heating element.

 

Leaks

A leaking tank is an obvious problem. However, it’s one you might not notice if you don’t regularly check the tank. At best, the leaking might be coming from the fittings, temperature release valve, or connections. If those aren’t leaking, the tank may have developed a crack and needs replacing.

 

What makes Rebmann the local water heater experts?

Rebmann Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning have been the trusted choice in New York for over 80 years. With so many years behind us, we know more than a thing or two about how to best keep your water heater running. Rebmann is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, holds a Master Plumber’s License, and is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Call Rebmann today to learn more about how we can keep your water heater running smoothly!

The Benefits of Backflow Prevention in New York

As you might know, the public water system gets treated by a water treatment plant before it reaches your home. However, there are a variety of ways that this treated water can get recontaminated. One of these ways is backflow. The contaminants that get into the water via backflow can cause a variety of health problems in ingested. That’s why it so important to get your home backflow prevention in New York. By doing this, you’ll keep your water supply from being contaminated by backflow.

 

What exactly causes backflow?

Backflow contamination refers to when clean water gets contaminated by water that has been already used. This usually happens when there’s an abnormal water pressure differential. For example, if a fire hydrant gets opened up, this can drop water pressure. When this happens, water starts flowing backward into public lines. If you’re using pesticides on your lawn, water near your sprinklers can get sucked into the water line and contaminate the public drinking supply. This is where a backflow prevention system comes in handy.

 

How does backflow prevention in New York work?

The first step in getting a backflow preventer is to test for backflow. If you call us, we can tell if backflow is happening in your system. From there, our company can recommend a backflow preventer to keep your water supply safe. Backflow prevention systems work by only letting water flow one direction. They work best when put at cross-connections where contamination can occur if backflow happens.

Backflow preventers are very important in keeping your water supply safe. This includes both your personal water and the public’s water. In fact, some districts in Long Island require homes to have backflow preventers and properly maintain them. Despite this, many Long Island homeowners either don’t have one or don’t know what one is. With over 80 years of industry experience, we want to help everyone in Long Island and the surrounding areas have a safe water supply.

 

Why choose Rebmann as my primary source of home service assistance?

For three generations over 80 years, Rebmann has worked hard to provide New York residents by solving their plumbing, heating, and air conditioning issues. Our company offers 24/7 service so we’ll always be there to fix your backflow preventer no matter the time. In addition, we provide a one-year warranty on all of our products and services so you’ll be confident in our work. Call Rebmann today to learn more about how we can help you prevent backflow!

5 Signs You Need Drain Cleaning

The drain system is the heart of your family’s sanitation needs. It allows you to shower, clean dishes, eliminate waste, and get fresh drinking water right from the tap. But what happens when your drain system isn’t performing up to snuff? You may need to call the professionals at Rebmann Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a drain cleaning. There are 5 telltale signs that you’re in need of a drain cleaning in Long Island this year.

Slow Draining Sinks and Showers

Is your sink slow to drain lately? Does your toilet have a sluggish flush? If you are constantly using chemical drain cleaners that don’t fix the problem, then you are a candidate for drain cleaning in Long Island. When you’re noticing these symptoms each time you run the faucet or flush, it might be a sign of a larger drain issue. 

Water Backup

If your bathtub or sink fills with water each time you use them, it is a sign of a clogged drain. If you have drains in other parts of your home, these backups can lead to water damage. It is important to have a drain cleaning in Long Island when you first notice issues before they turn into damaging plumbing events. 

Foul Odor

Do your drains smell? If so, there may be something in there causing an issue. This can be a clog of old grease that is rotting away, or perhaps a rodent stuck in the pipe. If you can smell any type of sewage, then the problem may go beyond an ordinary clog. No matter the reason, foul smells coming from your drain is a sign to call a professional.

Toilet Overflows

Toilets clog and overflow on occasion. But if you find yourself constantly cleaning up an overflowing toilet, there is an underlying issue. Especially if you notice that two toilets are clogging at once, this is a sign to call a professional for drain cleaning in Long Island. Toilets have a direct line to the sewer, so if two are clogging together it means a bigger problem.

Sewage Backup

In the most advanced cases of blocked drains, it can lead to sewage backup. This can present itself as puddling on your lawn as the sewage escapes the drains and leaks into the ground. This process is extremely unsanitary and a serious warning sign to call a plumber.

 

Why Choose Rebmann Plumbing to handle your drain cleaning?

  • 3 Generations of serving Long Island
  • Master Plumbing license
  • 24-hour Emergency Service
  • Better Business Bureau Accreditation

If you are experiencing two or more of the issues above at once, call us sooner rather than later. A small plumbing issue can easily escalate into a bigger one.

Save yourself the hassle of slow drains and backups by getting a drain cleaning in Long Island with Rebmann Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. 

Top Plumbing Tips to Save Money in the New Year

Are you looking for ways to help protect your plumbing this winter? Harsh weather and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Here are a few plumbing tips from Rebmann that can help:

Repair Leaks

As the cold weather really sets in around Nassau County, it is best to check for any leaks around your home. It is easier to fix a small leak before it turns into a full-blown burst pipe. When you find a leaking pipe or unexplained puddle around the house, call your trusted plumbers at Rebmann to handle the repairs. These small leaks left unchecked can cause water damage to your home and leave you scrambling to fix them. Repairing leaks the moment you notice them, instead of waiting for warm weather, will save you from the dangers of water damage, burst pipes, and destroyed equipment.

Drain Your Water Heater

A simple money saving tip for Nassau County homeowners is to drain your water heater at least once a year. Sediment builds up in your water heater throughout the year which affects its efficiency and lifespan. The sediment causes uneven heat transfer and can corrode heating elements inside the hot water tank. Regular draining is a part of all water heater maintenance to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. If you live in an area with “hard” or mineral-heavy water, it can be beneficial to schedule a water heater draining more often than once a year. When you do this regular upkeep, it extends the life of your water heater and saves you money. Start your year on the right foot by scheduling a water heater maintenance appointment with Rebmann!

Disconnect Hoses and Shut Down Exterior Faucets

This is a very important plumbing tip for when it gets cold outside! The last thing you want to come home to is a frozen or burst pipe caused by an outdoor faucet. It is easy to go around your home and disconnect any outdoor hoses and shut off water exterior faucets. This simple step will prevent any chance of ruining the hoses or developing a frozen pipe in that part of your home. 

Set Your Thermostat to 55 Degrees When Leaving Town

This plumbing tip is especially important during the holiday season, or any time you may be traveling. It may be tempting to completely shut your heat off while escaping the frigid Nassau County winter. But it will save you money in the long run to resist that temptation. Imagine coming home from a warm, relaxing vacation to find your basement or attic has flooded. By keeping your heat on a low setting while you are away, it will prevent frozen pipes from bursting in your home. You can rest easy while away knowing that your home has a layer of defense against frozen pipes. 

Wrap Exposed and Vulnerable Pipes

Even with the heat running in your home, you may have pipes that are still at risk. Leaving cabinet doors open under faucets will prevent freezing in those pipes, but there are others in your home that do not have such an easy fix. Pipes in exterior walls with no insulation, typically those in your attic or basement, can still freeze if left unprotected. By calling the professionals at Rebmann, you can know that the utmost precautions have been taken to protect your pipes.

Check Sump Pump

If you have an exterior sump pump hose, it may be best to disconnect it for the winter. This will prevent the hose from freezing and bursting open, which will save you during the rainy months. The last thing you want to discover after a spring downpour is that the sump drain hose is not functioning. If you do not want to disconnect your sump for the winter, then checking the drainage area will be key. Do not let snow and ice block where the water comes out and check for frozen hoses. By maintaining your sump pump, you can prevent a costly flooding accident from striking your home.

By following these simple plumbing tips from Rebmann, you can save money all year.

Start off on the right foot by booking maintenance with Rebmann and replacing out of date equipment!

Long Island Plumbing Myths Busted!

Long Island Plumbing Myths Busted!

We put together a quick list of common plumbing myths we tend to run into quite frequently. Please keep in mind that in spite of any plumbing myths or misconceptions, we will always go the extra mile to provide quality customer service to our Long Island customers.     

Myth #1: Plumbers Are Unprofessional

We get it. We know plumbers get a bad rap.  We are unfortunately never positively portrayed in movies or on television, but the reality is very different.

–         Plumbers sustain years of education and hands-on apprenticeships.

–         Plumbers must receive ongoing certification training and renewal in order to maintain plumbing licenses.

–         At Rebmann, we ensure that our plumbing team is continuously trained in the latest technology and safety measures.

–         Our plumbers arrive on time, in uniform, prepared to work through to completion.

Myth #2: Throw Anything You Want Through the Garbage Disposal

Common sense should tell you this simply is not true. Disposal blades and drain pipes will deteriorate over time especially if stressed with inappropriate foreign objects and food projects. Beware of dairy, grease, bones, and coffee grinds to ensure that garbage disposal stays safe. Be sure to rinse food through the disposal with cold water.

Myth #3: Do-It-Yourself is Cheaper Than Hiring a Plumber

We commend do-it-yourselfers. DIY projects bring about a sense of accomplishment, and perhaps even community. The thing to keep in mind though is that a project is still just a project. Commercial and residential plumbing problems must be managed by a professional. Hiring a plumber from Rebmann is like investing in your home or business. With our quality repairs, replacements, and installations you will save money and time in the long run.

We are a third generation family-owned business and have been serving the north and south shores of Long Island’s Nassau and Suffolk counties for nearly a century.

Contact Rebmann Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning to help provide simple solutions to your Long Island residential and commercial properties. Call us at 516.746.5678.

Tips on Keeping Your Garbage Disposal Safe

Tips on Keeping Your Garbage Disposal Safe 

Have a garbage disposal?  Congratulations!  Garbage disposals save time by making cioking and cleaning a far more seamless operation.  Garbage disposals are convenient and help keep your kitchen the sanitary oasis you want it to be.

Now, just because you have a garbage disposal doesn’t mean you can simply throw anything down the drain.  We understand the temptation, but as Long Island’s premier full-service plumbing company, we believe it’s our duty to break the news.  It’s time you knew your drain is not some empty abyss.  It is a complex piping system that can be susceptible to certain food products or other foreign objects.

Wait! Don’t Throw Everything Down Your Drain!

At Rebmann Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning we have helped alleviate drain clogs across the north and south forks of Long Island for nearly a century.  We thought it would be useful to share a few tips we’ve picked up along the way.  Our aim is to help keep you keep your drain pipes clear and your garbage disposals from malfunctioning.

Here’s a list of a few things not to toss down the drain:

–         Dairy products: milk, yogurt, cheese

–         Stringy foods

–         Bacon grease

–         Coffee grinds

–         Bones

–         Foreign objects, non-food items

Your best bet is to use common sense.  Tempting as it may be, don’t toss an entire turkey down your drain.  A few other tips:

1.     Use cold water when the disposal is running.  Hot water melts fats allowing them to more easily stick to disposal blades and pipes causing quicker deterioration.

2.     Do not stuff the disposal full of waste and then turn it on—this may overrun the system.  Your best bet is to add small chunks at a time.

Still stuck?  No problem.  Contact Rebmann for garbage disposal repairs and replacements in your Long Island commercial or residential space.