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Tuesday, August 25 2020
Should You Have Water Conditioning In Your Home?

Water is fundamental to life. In modern civilization, we tend to take this vital substance for granted. Every time we run the sink to wash our hands, enjoy a warm shower, and even flush the toilet, we’re putting faith in the fact that our water is clean and safe to use.

Yet even if your water looks perfectly fine, well, it might not be. There could be unseen pollutants in it, such as minerals or chlorine.

You’re likely not in immediate danger if these substances leach into your water. However, they can damage your plumbing system, affect your appliances’ performance, and, most importantly, negatively impact your health.

Scheduling professional water testing is a good idea if you suspect your water is contaminated. You can then determine which actions to take based on the results.

If you’re noticing any of the following signs in your water or your home, it might be time to call a professional.

Signs You Need Water Conditioning In Your Home

1. Stains or Residue Buildup

Water isn’t supposed to cause constant stain or scummy residue buildup. You may have gotten used to it over time and accepted it, but stain and residue could mean bad water. Installing water conditioning in your home will minimize buildup on your plumbing fixtures and in your sinks and shower.

2. Strange Odor or Taste in Water

Water shouldn’t have much of a taste or smell — so if it does, that’s a sign there are pollutants in it. Water that smells like chlorine, metal, or rotten eggs is bound to have pollutants harmful to you and your family’s health.

3. Skin and Hair Issues

Does your skin feel irritated after you shower? Is your hair excessively dry? Your water may have a high concentration of minerals in it. These minerals react with the soaps and shampoos you use, leaving your skin and hair feeling dried out and unclean.

4. Your Utility Bills Are Rising With No Explanation

Untreated water slowly damages your plumbing system and reduces its efficiency. It then has to work harder to provide you the same amount of water, resulting in rising utility costs.

5. You Have to Make Repairs Often

Again, hard water causes damages to pipes and other parts of your plumbing system. If you’ve been making frequent repairs recently, the culprit might be minerals or other chemicals flowing through your water.

If you need your water treated in Bucks County, PA, look no further than Barner Murphy. Our expert plumbing professionals will work quickly and accurately to diagnose and fix the problem.

You should be able to rely on having clean, safe water coming out of the tap every day. Contact Barner Murphy today so you can get your water back to normal.

Posted by: AT 01:29 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, August 24 2020
Toilet Paper Alternatives: Are They Safe For Your Plumbing?

The lockdowns of early 2020 led to the widespread buying of many items — toilet paper being among the most purchased. Stores sold out everywhere (both brick-and-mortar stores and online), and had to put limits on how much customers could buy when new inventory arrived.

Many people who now struggled to find toilet paper looked to alternatives — desperately searching the web to see if various toilet paper alternatives were toilet-safe.

It’s tough to find an answer online nowadays with so much conflicting information, though. Some people resigned to using toilet paper alternatives anyways. As long as the toilet didn’t break when they flushed the alternatives down, then things should be fine, right?

Not exactly. Keep reading to learn the facts about toilet paper alternatives.

Are Flushable Wipes Safe?

Flushable wipes manufacturers show evidence of their wipes being safe for your plumbing system. They state that the products are biodegradable, and will thus decompose.

That may be true, but some evidence shows that these wipes simply don’t degrade fast enough. They mix with other items flushed down the toilet and cause clogs.

So although flushable wipes are excellent for a variety of situations — such as potty training your child — it might be best to seek an alternative disposal method.

Keep These Things Out of Your Toilet

Sometimes, it's tempting to flush certain items instead of throwing them in the trash. That way, you can wait longer before taking out the trash.

But you should avoid doing so. Numerous items — even very small ones — can cause expensive damage to your plumbing over time. Don’t flush the following down the toilet:

  • Coffee grounds

  • Cotton balls

  • Dental floss

  • Diapers (cloth, disposable, even “flushable” diapers)

  • Eggshells

  • Facial tissues

  • Fats, oils, and greases

  • Hair

  • Napkins (paper or cloth)

  • Nut shells

  • Paper towels

  • Plastic

  • Q-tips

  • Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, or any non-organic material

  • Toilet bowl scrub pads

  • Vitamins, medicines, or other pharmaceuticals

  • Wipes (baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, moist wipes, etc.)

Sometimes, these things make their way into the toilet by accident and cause a clog. In that case, you may want to call a plumbing professional to unclog your toilet and get things back to normal.

Toilet Paper Alternatives That Work

One alternative that’s safe (for yourself and your toilet) and clean is a bidet. This is a little device mounted in your toilet that sprays water to clean you up after using the bathroom. These were invented as far back as the 1700s and are now widespread in places like Europe and Asia.

Bidets cost a few hundred dollars up front. However, you’ll never have to worry about toilet paper again. You’ll save thousands on toilet paper over your life — but more importantly, if the stores ever run out again, you’ll be fine.

If you’ve run into any toilet clogs — whether from flushing items down the toilet or not — Barner Murphy is happy to help. Call us today to get your toilet fixed!

Posted by: AT 09:09 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, June 05 2020
Why Monday is the Plumber's Busiest Day of the Week

Most people aren’t 100% ready to get back to work on Monday. They’re still in “weekend” mode. They take things slowly as they shift into “work mode”.

This is not the case for plumbers. For some reason, plumbers have their busiest days each week on Mondays. When the weekend’s over, plumbers have to be ready and willing to help many clients fix issues in their plumbing systems.

So why is this?

Why is Monday a Plumber’s Busiest Day of the Week?

Black Friday is one of the busiest times of the year for plumbers because it’s the day after Thanksgiving.

But Black Friday is only one day out of the year. Mondays are busy every week — and for a different reason than the ones listed above.

That reason is DIY plumbing projects gone wrong.

See, most people don’t have the time and energy to fix issues with their plumbing during the week. That’s understandable. After eight or more hours of work, the last thing you want to do is deal with your plumbing.

So people wait until the weekend, when they have the whole day to work on plumbing. They may be able to make some simple fixes, but quite often, they make errors that turn a small issue into something much larger.

Suddenly, the cost savings of DIY are gone, AND you have to pay a professional to fix it.

Hire a Professional Instead

If you have the slightest doubt in your ability to complete a DIY plumbing project, you should work with a licensed professional. Here are some reasons why.

Plumbers Do it Right the First Time

Plumbers have years of knowledge and experience in fixing plumbing systems, as well as the proper tools to get the job done. You pay a little more, but you get the peace of mind that comes with quality work.

Safety Concerns

Many plumbing jobs — especially those that are more complex — are unsafe to perform unless you know what you’re doing.

For example, there are health risks associated with plumbing waste products. There is also the potential of encountering dangerous chemicals like asbestos, lead, and mercury.

Additionally, you could be physically injured. If you’re working at high heights, for example, you could fall. If working in a cramped space, you could hurt yourself trying to twist your body to fit into the space.

Plus, you must often deal with flammable materials and electricity when working on your plumbing.

Plumbing and Building Codes

Staying up-to-date on building codes in your home keeps you safe. However, it’s also important if you plan on selling your home. Plumbing fixes that are not up to code could make selling your home a much harder task.

Did your DIY plumbing project not go as intended? Did you break something in your plumbing system, or make a problem worse? Don’t worry — the experts at Barner Murphy are here to help.

Posted by: AT 09:56 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, June 05 2020
Are Plumbers Essential Workers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

States across the nation are slowly opening their economies. Some states are allowing most types of businesses to open, while others still allow only essential business and a few niche types of companies to open.

For some types of businesses, the line between essential and non-essential is clear. People need to be able to access grocery stores, banks, and healthcare facilities, among other types of businesses.

On the other hand, gyms, entertainment, and barbershops (to name a few) are closed because they aren’t seen as necessary to sustain life.

Many types of businesses, such as plumbers, are somewhere in the middle. Robust plumbing is important, so are plumbers considered essential workers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

The Answer — Is Plumbing an Essential Service?

If you need a professional plumber to fix your plumbing system, you’re in luck — plumbing is considered an essential service in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Plumbing falls under the construction category of businesses in both states. Additionally, the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) — part of the Department of Homeland Security — released a memo in which they considered plumbers essential workers.

According to CISA’s memo, “Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences” can stay open.

Why are Plumbers Considered Essential Workers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

Like CISA said, plumbing is necessary to keep your home safe and sanitary. Plumbing issues can put your family in danger.

Imagine if your sump pump didn’t work. Without a functioning sump pump, your basement could flood, causing costly damage. Additionally, mold can grow and release spores, which are bad for your lungs. Family members with breathing difficulties could have serious problems.

A plumber would be able to quickly remedy your sump pump problem to keep your home safe. You’re stuck at home enough already, so keeping it safe is all the more important.

Or perhaps you have trees in your yard, and the roots are growing into your pipes. When left unattended, the pipes can leak into your yard and create hazardous sinkholes.

Plumbers can help you remove the tree roots so your yard remains a safe place to be. Again, when you’re under lockdown, you want to be able to blow off steam outside without worrying about sinkholes.

We live in stressful times at the moment. Don’t let plumbing issues add more stress to your life. Plumbers like Barner Murphy are still open and able to restore your plumbing to normal while following all safety guidelines. Contact us today if you need your plumbing fixed.

Posted by: AT 09:56 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, May 13 2020
Is Your Plumbing Ready for Spring and Summer?

Spring is here and summer is not too far behind. Although you’ve been ready for the warmer temperatures and bright sunlight since the first snowflake touched the ground, your plumbing might need some preparatory work.

Checking your plumbing ahead of time can save you time, money, and headache down the road. A bit of work up front will ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly for the entire year — allowing you to enjoy more of the warm weather.

Let’s look at some ways to prepare your plumbing for spring and summer.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Roof

Over the fall and winter, debris (such as leaves) can build up in your gutters and on the roof near the gutters. This debris can block the flow of water off your roof and to the ground, which can lead to roof leaks and water damage.

Clean your gutters and the area of your roof close to them regularly as the weather warms to ensure proper water flow. Call a plumber if you’re not sure you can do it safely on your own.

2. Check Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps prevent basement flooding and water damage. Inspect your sump pump once spring arrives to make sure it’s in working order, then recheck it every three months so you can catch any necessary repairs early.

An in-depth sump pump inspection is easy enough to do yourself.

First, check the drain that leads outside and make sure it is clear of dirt and debris. After that, make sure the float valve has not moved and the pump hasn’t tilted. Then, check the batteries and wiring for damage.

If that all looks good, run a quick test by filling the sump pit with water until the float rises. The sump pump should drain the water.

3. Check and Fix Exposed Pipes

Water expands when it freezes. In addition, pipes expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially causing a lot of cracks. Inspect all exposed piping on your property for damage, as well as for mold. If you run into any damage, consider calling a plumber to inspect all of your pipes.

4. Decrease the Water Pressure

We won’t lie — higher water pressure feels great in the shower. However, higher water pressure stresses your pipes more. Water presses harder against the pipe, increasing the chances of a leak. You’ll pay for the convenience of higher water pressure in more frequent repair bills.

Ideally, your water pressure should be between 40 and 80 psi. Anything over 80 psi puts your pipes at risk of leaks.

There’s a lot to do to prepare your plumbing for the spring and summer. If you’re looking for a plumber in Bucks County to give you a hand in doing so, called Barner Murphy. Our professionals will get your plumbing ready in no time and with minimal interruption to your daily life. Contact us today!

Posted by: AT 02:47 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, May 13 2020
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Remodeling is a large investment. You want only the most qualified professional for the job. A little bit of time spent searching for the right bathroom remodeling contractor could mean the difference between your dream bathroom and a failed project.

Here are some tips you can use to find the right contractor for your remodel.

Run a Search Online

Run a search online for contractors in your area. You’ll be presented with several local contractors. Browse through the results, start a list, and write some of the top results down.

Ask For Referrals

Additionally, ask relatives, neighbors, and friends for referrals. If they had a good experience with a contractor, you might too. Make sure to ask what specifically they liked about the contractor’s work — this will help you screen contractors based on your needs.

Evaluate Each Contractor’s Credentials

It’s vital that any contractor you work with holds all licenses required by the state and locality in which they work. Most will have this information on their site, but you can also call them and ask.

See if they have designations from professional associations as well. Examples of these include the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)

Beyond that, see if they complete coursework or continuing education. Contractors that take their jobs seriously are always looking to sharpen their skills and stay on top of industry knowledge.

Interview Your Candidates and Narrow Your List

Pick the best few candidates — no more than three — based on the above criteria and set up interviews.

Inquire about their experience, project timeline, payment schedule, and other project-related matters. Consider asking if they have a warranty or guarantee as well in case something bad happens.

Check Out Their Work and Check References

Now that you’ve established some rapport with a few contractors, ask them to see some of their work. If they let you, ask for references and call up their past clients. Ask the client about their experience with the contractor.

Ideally, you want a contractor that is experienced in projects that are similar to your remodel. See if examples of their past work look like your project.

Inspect the Final Documents

You’ve narrowed your search down to one contractor. Before you sign the paperwork, look at the documents themselves. Make sure they look professional. Read the contract as well to make sure it’s fair.

Looking for a Bucks Country bathroom remodeling contractor? Barner Murphy could be the right choice for you. We work with professional contracting partners with every part of the project to ensure your new bathroom exceeds your expectations. Call us today!

Posted by: AT 02:43 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 24 2020
Why is My Drain Acting Up?

Why is My Drain Acting Up?

Drains are important parts of your plumbing, but they take a lot of abuse — which can lead to various problems, from clogs to bubbling to unsettling noises. No matter the issue, however, there are steps you can take to get your drain back in working order. Here are some common drain problems and their causes

Clogged

Drain clogs often occur when items are disposed of improperly. This happens a lot with kitchen sinks. Many people dump the wrong types of waste down the drain — fats/grease are a common example. The fats solidify after cooling and block the drain.

Clogs may also happen simply from use over time, such as in the bathroom. Hair accumulates in the shower or sink drain and clogs it up.

Backing Up

Sometimes, a drain blockage is the result of improper waste disposal. In many cases, however, a backed up drain isn’t your fault.

In the spring, groundwater levels can increase. This can lead to more water in your drainage system, which can back up your drain.

Leaking

Leaky drains could be caused by loose or damaged drain components. Sometimes, you’ll just have to tighten the nut to stop the leak. However, you may need to take apart your drain to identify any damaged parts that need to be replaced.

A more obvious and observable reason for a leaky drain would be damage to the drain pipe. Putt is usually necessary to fix drain pipe holes.

Bubbling

When you drain is bubbling, that might be a sign that it’s only partially clogged in the drain pipe. However, it could also be caused by a blocked vent pipe.

Your vent pipe allows sewer gas to escape, funneling the gas upwards and out of the roof of your home.

Objects such as dirt, leaves, or bird nest materials can come from above and block the vent pipe. This forces the gas back down, leading to the bubbling or gurgling sound you hear.

If your vent pipe is blocked, your only solution is to call a professional such as Barner Murphy.

Smelling

A smelly drain can be caused by a few issues.

Clogs are a common reason. Clogs provide a breeding ground for bacteria. As the bacteria colony consumes the debris trapped in the drain and continues to grow, your drain will begin to smell bad.

Mold is another possible cause. You want to take care of mold right away, because the gases they release can be dangerous — leading to headaches, dizziness, and nausea, among other things.

Lastly, escaped sewer gases could be causing the bad smell. If your drain isn’t slow/clogged yet it smells, this may the reason.

Making Noise

Drains sometime make obnoxious noises. This is usually accompanied by bubbling, which results either from a blockage or trapped sewer gases.

If you turn on your garbage disposal and hear loud noises, something may be stuck in the blades — such as chicken bones. You’ll have to remove the chicken bones to get your garbage disposal back to normal. 

Posted by: AT 12:25 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Tuesday, February 18 2020
Proper Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

Garbage disposals do wonders for your kitchen, giving you an easy way to get rid of small food waste. Thus, when your garbage disposal has issues, you really notice it. Garbage disposals can experience several kinds of problems.

Here’s a list of common garbage disposal issues and how you can solve them.

1. Clogged Garbage Disposal

Clogged garbage disposals are a common plumbing complaint. Most clogs are caused by one of the following:

  • Improper waste disposal (such as pouring grease/oils down drain)

  • Adding too much waste at once

  • Failure to run water down the drain — running hot water helps wash away bits of waste trapped in the disposal

When a clog happens, the blades are trapped. You’ll hear a humming noise without the sound of blades turning.

Solving a Clogged Garbage Disposal

If your disposal has a hex hole on the bottom, you can insert an Allen wrench and turn the blades until they can rotate completely. If it doesn’t have a hex hole, you’ll want a dedicated garbage disposal wrench.

Run water after freeing the blades. If water doesn’t pass through, fill the sink halfway and use a sink plunger until the sink drains.

If none of this works, you’ll need a plumber’s help.

2. Garbage Disposal Wont Turn On

A garbage disposal could fail to turn on for a few reasons. Its motor might be damaged, electric power might not be reaching it, or its overload protector may have been tripped.

Solving a Garbage Disposal That Won’t Turn On

First, check the overload protector to see if it’s been tripped. If it is, find the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and push it. Wait 10 minutes and try again if it doesn’t stay in. Turn on the disposal once you get the button to be pressed up to see if it’s working.

If not, see if the circuit-breaker has been tripped. If it hasn’t, look for any loose electrical connection.

If none of these were the case, call a technician, as your disposal motor may be damaged.

3. Leaking Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can leak from the top, sides, and bottom.

Solving a Leaking Garbage Disposal

Top leaks are caused when the garbage disposal does not have a proper seal between it and the sink drain hole. You will have to replace whatever item is causing the imperfect seal.

If it’s a side leak, then the cause is a bad connection with your dishwasher connector or drainage pipe. If it’s the dishwasher connection, remove the connection and clean out the pipe and connector. Clamp them back together tightly afterwards.

If it’s the drainage pipe that’s causing issue, it’s likely because the rubber gasket inside has been damaged in some way. Take the drainage pipe apart, clean it out, and replace the gasket; then, reconnect everything, making sure all connections are sealed tight.

Lastly, leaks from the bottom of the disposal unfortunately don’t have a quick fix. See if your disposal is still within its warranty period — if so, the manufacturer should replace it for you.

Posted by: AT 09:51 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Friday, February 24 2017
Why Choose a Local Plumber?

    If you happen to be a homeowner or are looking to become a homeowner, then you know the perils that can come from a bathroom or a kitchen issue.  This can be anything from a leaky faucet to a busted water pipe.  Nobody wants to spend an entire day working on a project that should only take a few hours, but sometimes that’s what happens if you try to do it alone.  At Barner Murphy, we know that your time is precious and that you shouldn’t have to spend more time than is necessary to complete whatever work needs to be done.

    If you want to ensure that your project is completed correctly, then it might make sense to ask for some help.  The skilled crew at Barner Murphy knows that you want to fix the leaky faucet or the busted pipe with as least effort as possible.  That’s why we offer a wide range of services for our local customers.  We serve the Bucks County and surrounding area and we are always ready to assist when a DIY project has gone awry, or when you just need a little extra help to get the job done.

    The next time you find yourself in a plumbing quandary, consider calling Barner Murphy.  We don’t consider any job too big or too small and we do whatever we can to make sure that your home reverts back to working condition as soon as possible.  There’s nothing worse than having to wait for a home repair project to be completed, especially if you don’t have much help to begin with.  

    Barner Murphy is always here to help and we know exactly what it takes to get the job done right. When it comes to plumbing repairs, we know the value in choosing local help.  For one, you can count on us because of our customer feedback.  A job completed by Barner Murphy is sure to have a positive customer review, and we rely on our local customer base to bring in new business.  It’s important that we provide quality service, and we always take pride in the work that we complete.  The next time you discover the need for a local plumber, don’t hesitate to give Barner Murphy a call.  We know what it’s like to have a plumbing job that requires attention. We do whatever it takes to make sure that the job is completed as soon as possible, and we always make sure that you receive quality service.  

Posted by: AT 11:35 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Friday, February 10 2017
Bathroom Remodeling for Beginners

    When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, there are a few key points to keep in mind.  For one, you want your bathroom to look great when it’s completed.  You also want it to function as well as, if not better than it functioned before.  If you’re a seasoned DIYer, then you might feel comfortable giving it a go alone.  For many homeowners, however, the task can seem daunting, and it might be in your best interest to get a little extra assistance.  

    If you find yourself ready to take on the demands of a bathroom renovation, then you can do so alone, or you can call Barner Murphy.  We know what it takes to complete a bathroom remodel project, and we also know what it takes to make sure that your bathroom turns out exactly as you imagined.  For some people, the idea of remodeling a bathroom can be a daunting one, or one that might be best left to the experts.  Whatever your individual case is, rest assured that Barner Murphy can help with any stage of the project that you need help with.

    As far as bathroom remodel projects go, there is a lot of leeway for both design and practicality.  Many people are moving toward more eco-friendly designs, but this does not mean that you need to compromise on creativity and flair.  In fact, many of the newer eco-friendly designs today are both functional and fun, leaving lots of room for the imagination.  If you’ve decided to take on the task alone, then Barner Murphy can help you get started.  If you’ve decided that it might be best to get a little bit of professional support, then we can assist you with that, too.  

    One of the best parts about a bathroom remodel is that you can get creative and still be efficient.  If you have never tried to remodel a bathroom, then the professionals at Barner Murphy can help you get started.  We know that you want your bathroom to look great, and we’ll do whatever it takes to see that you’re happy with the outcome.  It’s always a good idea to use some kind of a planner to formulate your ideas.  There are plenty of apps and online notebooks that can be utilized to help you see tour project through.  Barner Murphy is here to help, as well.  We work with customers in the Bucks County and surrounding area, and we are always ready to help you with a new and exciting project.

Posted by: AT 04:29 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Friday, January 27 2017
Benefits of Using a Local Plumbing Company

    If you are a home owner, or even a potential homeowner, then you understand that plumbing services are almost always a necessity at some point.  At Barner Murphy of Bucks County, we understand the importance of having a local plumbing company that is available to assist with both emergency and non-emergency services.  Our full-service plumbing company satisfies the needs of both residential and commercial clients in the Bucks County and surrounding area.  When it comes to handling any sort of plumbing issue, whether it’s big or small, we’ve got you covered.

    Barner Murphy knows that it makes a difference when you hire a local plumbing company as opposed to one of the national plumbing chain companies.  For one, with a company like ours, you’re guaranteed better prices and more efficient service.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality work and we also try to make sure that our customers are satisfied with the quotes they receive before we begin any services.  

    Some of the larger plumbing companies out there will do whatever they can to make money.  At Barner Murphy, we prove to be just the opposite.  Our customer satisfaction is what’s most important and we do whatever it takes to ensure that you’re completely satisfied with the work that we perform at your residence or commercial establishment.  Over the years we’ve worked hard to garner a loyal customer base, and we rely on testimonials to back our claims.  We know that it takes a lot of dedication to stand out from the other plumbing companies, so we work hard to make sure that we earn your business every time we complete a project.  We will always do what we can to exceed your expectations.  

    Jobs that Barner Murphy will accept include everything from installation of sinks and faucets, septic system repair, and basement flooding repairs.  We can also step in to assist with DIY projects that might need some tweaking, and we are always ready to fix a simple clog or drain issue, as well.  Our master plumbers and technicians never try to cut corners and they do whatever is necessary to find the most practical solution to whatever problem you are facing.  If you’re looking for a local, honest plumbing company in the Bucks County or surrounding area, then Barner Murphy is ready to assist.  No job is too big or too small.  

Posted by: AT 12:43 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, January 16 2017
How to Begin a DIY Home Renovation Project

    Have you been looking at your house lately, thinking of new ways to spruce up the kitchen, or maybe new ways to deck out the basement?  If so, then you aren’t alone.  Most homeowners go through a period where they decide that it would be fun, or maybe just necessary, to begin a home renovation project.  Maybe you have a room that needs attention because it was never used previously.  Or maybe you had some water damage to a room and really just need to renovate so that it remains safe and livable.  Whatever your unique situation, Barner Murphy understands that it’s important to follow your instinct and start a renovation project when the time is right.

    Beginning the actual renovation is one of the trickiest steps.  Nobody has a perfect home.  Yet sometimes you don’t realize all of your home’s imperfections until you decide to take on a renovation project.  For many people, the annoyances that most often prompt a renovation are worn, outdated tiles, low ceilings, damaged or dated cabinets in the kitchen space, and sometimes even electrical outlet issues.  Everyone’s home is different, so it’s important to make a list and decide which room, or rooms, you want to tackle first, and what major goals you have in mind for the renovation.

 

    Another aspect of DIY home renovating involves what most contractors refer to as dependencies.  The most common dependencies in homes are cabinetry and tile because in most cases tile is installed after cabinetry.  That being said, if you decide to change the cabinetry layout, you will often need to redo the tile work, as well.  In essence, a cabinetry renovation and a tile renovation often go hand in hand, so you should plan on completing both, together, as part of a DIY renovation.

    One of the most helpful and exciting parts of a home renovation project is the dreaming phase.  In this stage, you’ll want to hash out all of your ideas for what the renovation should look like.  What kind of completed project do you envision?  How long do you estimate the project will take?  It’s a good idea to give yourself a flexible time frame to account for any issues that might arise.  Many homeowners like to browse the local bookstore in the home improvement book or magazine section to garner ideas.  Others like to seek creative inspiration online through sites such as Pinterest or Houzz.  Barner Murphy of Bucks County is always happy to step in if you find that you need some assistance with any phase of your DIY renovation project.

Posted by: AT 03:50 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, November 02 2015

new construction bucks county plumbing

Hiring the right plumber can make a world of difference if you are building a new property.  If you are working with a construction crew, it’s important to have an experienced plumber on board who can complete the job with efficiency and ease.  At Barner Murphy, we understand the importance of hiring a plumber with the skills to complete new construction plumbing projects. Our dedicated crew in both Bucks and Montgomery counties will help you design your property’s plumbing layout and make sure all pipes and fixtures are installed according to code.

Barner Murphy Inc. was formed in May, 1996, by Stephen G. Barner, Sr. and Barry K. Murphy.  Both already Master Plumbers, they brought their talents together to create a plumbing business whose mission is to offer a unique, personable approach to plumbing by providing our clients with a reliable, professional, trustworthy experience.  We complete plumbing installations for residential dwellings, office buildings, strip malls, and a variety of offices.

Barner Murphy achieves a level of customer trust by understanding the importance of communicating with our clients, and arriving on time, as scheduled.  Our technicians are always ready for your call, and we will handle the necessary permits before new work begins, including the paperwork needed to connect your property to the city’s water supply.


Plumbing and Bathroom RemodelingOur experienced plumbing system designers in both Bucks and Montgomery counties will help your create your new project, while ensuring the safety and functionality of it, 

as well.  In addition to new construction projects, plumbing permits are needed when remodeling work is required for your property. For example, you may be adding a new bathroom to your home or commercial property. We can file the necessary paperwork to make sure everything is carried out properly so you can avoid unnecessary problems.

Whether you are the owner of a chain of restaurants, or a small business owner who has recently taken over a space and would like to add a new touch, you will need a team of plumbing experts by your side to accomplish large-scale plumbing work.
By making sure your building’s plumbing is up to code, you will avoid unnecessary fines and additional renovations to fix the problem.

Barner Murphy is ready to assist you in both Bucks and Montgomery counties with all of your plumbing and heating needs.

Posted by: Barry Murphy AT 09:24 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Barner Murphy Inc. - Bucks County - Plumbing
7204 Hibbs Lane, Levittown, PA 19057 | Phone - 215-945-8560


Licensed Master Plumbers
PA HIC #035743 NJ #10388 RCC LIC # 413

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