FAQ

Let’s be honest—nobody enjoys a clogged drain. They’re inconvenient, messy, and can snowball into costly repairs if left unchecked. The good news? Preventing them is easier than you think. A few smart habits can keep everything flowing smoothly.

Here are some expert-backed, homeowner-approved tips to keep your drains in tip-top shape:

• Cold Water is Your Disposal’s Best Friend: When you’re using your garbage disposal, always have the cold water running. It helps everything grind up properly and wash away.
• No Garbage Disposal? No Problem: Just pop a drain strainer in your sink to catch all those pesky food bits before they cause trouble.
• Grease: Great for Cooking, Terrible for Pipes: Never pour grease or oil down the drain. It might be liquid now, but it cools and solidifies in your pipes, creating a sticky mess. Toss it in the trash instead.
• Hot Water Rinse: After you’ve washed dishes, give your drain a good hot water rinse. This helps clear away any leftover grease or soap scum that’s trying to hang around.
• Keep Drains Clear: The drain stoppers in your shower and tub are surprisingly good at catching hair and debris. Giving them a regular cleaning is a simple yet effective way to prevent significant clogs from forming. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference in keeping your drains flowing smoothly.
• Toilet Etiquette: Only flush waste and toilet paper. That’s it! “Flushable” wipes, dental floss, cotton balls, paper towels—they all cause major headaches down the line.
• Septic System Check-up: If you’ve got a septic tank, don’t forget to schedule a pumping every two to three years. It’s like a reset button for your whole system.
• Know Your Disposal’s Limits: Your disposal is awesome, but it’s not a magic trash can. Avoid sending coffee grounds, bones, big chunks of grease, fruit peels, or super fibrous stuff down there.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be a drain-savvy superstar, keeping your pipes happy and avoiding those frustrating plumbing surprises.

Hint: If it’s gushing, flooding, or smelling suspicious, it probably qualifies.

A plumbing emergency is any situation that can’t wait. It’s the kind of issue that puts your home, your safety, or your sanity at risk—and it demands immediate professional attention.

Whether it’s water where it shouldn’t be, a system that’s completely down, or something that smells like trouble (literally), fast action is the key to preventing bigger damage and higher costs.

You’re likely facing a plumbing emergency if:

• Safety is at Risk – Suspect a gas leak? Dealing with raw sewage backing up into your home? These are serious health and safety hazards that need expert intervention—now.
• Active Water Damage – If water is leaking, flooding, or seeping into places it doesn’t belong (like your ceiling or your light fixtures), it’s more than an inconvenience. It’s time to call in the pros before minor damage turns major.
• No Water or Hot Water – No running water in the house? Or no hot water during a frigid winter morning? That’s not just uncomfortable—it’s an essential service disruption that deserves emergency-level attention.
• It’s Out of Control -Tried to shut it off, mop it up, or fix it yourself, but the problem’s winning? Whether it’s an overflowing toilet or a leak that won’t quit, if you can’t manage it, it’s an emergency.

Stay Calm. Call the Pros.

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful—but you’re not alone. At NY Plumbing Pros, we’re ready to roll when you need us most. Quick, skilled, and always professional, we’re here to stop the chaos and restore calm.