Winter is one of the worst seasons for your plumbing.

Unfortunately, the cold, wet weather can really do a number on your pipes and plumbing parts. To avoid this, we highly recommend prewinter plumbing maintenance checkups to ensure that all your plumbing is in tip-top shape to withstand the bad weather. It’s the surest way to avoid winter plumbing headaches.

However, if you didn’t have a chance to do so, and you’re wondering if something is wrong with your plumbing, here are some common winter plumbing problems to consider.

And don’t forget: always feel free to call your local plumber in Bucks County for any questions or concerns!

Broken Water Heating

Sadly, broken water heaters are a huge problem in the winter. One minute you’re taking a nice, steamy shower, and the next minute the heating is broken and you’re stuck in the cold. Ugh.

Though you use hot water all year round, broken water heaters are mainly a concern in the winter. This is because in the winter your water heater has to use more energy to keep the water heated. All that extra energy puts a lot of extra stress on our water heater’s systems. If you’ve got an old water boiler, the extra stress could be enough to do it in. For good. That’s why, it’s important to take a look at your water heater before the winter weather comes in. This way you’ll know if you need to buy a new heater before the damage is done.

The other problem with a broken water heater in the winter, is finding someone to fix it in a timely manner. When everyone’s having plumbing issues because of the winter weather, it can be hard to get a hold of a plumber. Avoid the rush, and get your water heater checked out before the emergency.

Frozen Pipes

The issue with frozen pipes is not just the freezing, but the bursting that tends to accompany the freezing. When water freezes, it also expands. When the water within your pipes freezes and expands, it puts a lot of pressure on the metal pipes. This pressure can cause the pipes to crack. But the worst part comes as the pipes thaw and the unfrozen water starts rushing. Because that’s when the pipes are actually in danger of bursting.

To prevent frozen pipes, make sure that your plumbing is properly insulated. To prevent bursting pipes, turn off your water supply and call your local plumber.

Septic Tank Rupture

A septic tank is a small compartment, usually below ground, that collects water waste and sewage from your home.  Just like with frozen pipes, the line connecting the septic tank to your house can freeze during the cold winter weather. Crazy as it sounds, this can result in the entire septic tank bursting, which costs a lot of time and money to fix.
 
To avoid a septic tank burst, carefully clean out the tank before the bad weather hits.

Help, my water heater is broken - what should I do?
Call Barner Murphy!

The winter season is here, and, unfortunately, so is the broken water heater season.

For a plethora of reasons – rust, loose gears, just plain malfunctioning– broken water heaters are a common issue in the winter. Which is regrettable, since winter is when you want that hot steamy bath or a hot cup of cocoa the most.

Water heaters are meant to last up to 13 years, but sometimes they get a little wonky in the interim and need some professional help. Particularly of the plumbing variety.

That’s where we come in.

We know choosing a plumber can be stressful, especially when the sad sounds of your broken water heater are plunking in the background. So, we’re here to ease the sorrow and help you make the right decision.

How to Choose a Plumber

When there’s a plumbing problem, we say to call your local plumber.  But who is your local plumber? Because there’s never just one plumber in the area. 

So, you’ve got to do your research and choose the one that’s best for you.

To make things a little easier, we’ve narrowed down the search criteria to three C’s: Cost, Certification, and Customer Reviews.

Cost – How much are they charging? Call at least two different plumbers and compare prices. This way you know you’re not getting ripped off. When it comes to emergency services, some plumbers will hike up the price. Be aware of this, and don’t let them do it.

Certification – Are they certified plumbers? When you’ve got a plumbing problem, the last thing you want is for someone who has no idea what they’re doing to tamper with the pipes and make things worse. That’s why it’s important to ask for proof of certification before hiring a plumber.

Customer Reviews –Do their customers like their work? Checking customer reviews is the most reliable way to find out if a plumber is truly good. Look for both past reviews and past ratings.

Who to Actually Hire

We, at Barner Murphy, offer you the best for those three C’s.

Cost – Plumbing help is something that everyone needs- and something no one should go without. And so, we try to make our prices as affordable as possible. We get where you’re coming from, and we want to help.

Certification – We are certified Master Plumbers. We know what we’re doing, and we do it well. But more than that, we go beyond just the technical approach. We take the time to consider all possibilities so that we find the solution that works best for you and your home.

Customer Reviews – Our customers love the work we do for them. If you don’t believe us, just check out our A+ testimonials. When you’ve got a plumbing emergency, like a broken water heater, we do our best to get to you as quickly as possible and get the problem fixed. Give us a call at (215) 945-8560

When it comes to plumbing, there are two strategies that come into play: immediate and preventative.

Immediate plumbing

The immediate strategy is for plumbing that’s already broken. Like, when your shower head falls off, when the laundry machine starts leaking, or when your entire basement just suddenly floods.

These are all problems that require immediate fixes, and so you use the immediate strategy of calling in an emergency plumber and getting the problems patched.

The immediate strategy is great. It’s a full proof plan for when things are already broken. BUT, that also means that things are already broken. And we all know that broken things never stay by themselves quietly in the corner. No. They like to involve others and spread the damage. At which point, you’ve got a massive bill to pay for all the parts and repairs.

This is where strategy #2 comes into play.

Preventative plumbing

The prevention strategy is for checking all your plumbing systems in advance, so you can catch the breaks before they actually break.

This means conducting regular plumbing checkups. Especially between season changes, and particularly before the winter season.

Say one of your pipes has a small crack. You’re unaware of this small crack because throughout the fall your pipes have been working just fine. So, you head into the winter weather without an inkling of what’s actually going on with your pipes. And, what’s actually going on with your pipes, is that one snowy day, when the ice is bad - that pipe with the small crack? Well, it freezes over and suddenly bursts. What once was something small, is now a major headache.

The problem doesn’t even end there, because you also have to worry about your house getting water damage. And who knows when you’ll be able to get the next available plumber in the winter when everyone else is having plumbing emergencies as well.

Now, let’s go the other route:

Say one of your pipes has a small crack. Lucky for you, when your local Bucks County plumber comes to do the seasonal plumbing checkup, he notices the crack. He right away takes care of the problem. And you live happily ever after during the winter.

Spot the differences?

If you want to save money, time, and effort, preventative plumbing is the way to go. It lets you stay one step ahead of the game so that you can be in control of what’s really going on with your house.

The List

So, what goes into a plumbing checkup?

At Barner Murphy, here’s what we always look for when conducting our winter plumbing checkups in Bucks County:

Pipes – We make sure all your major pipes are good to go - no cracks or leaks.

Heating – We make sure your heating systems are working optimally.

Hoses – We make sure your outdoor water hoses are turned off properly.

Drains – We make sure your drains are clean and in the clear.

How many times have you tried to fix something in your house and realized midway through that you have no idea what you’re actually doing? The answer is: too many to count.

We’ve all experienced it at some point in our lives- trying out DIY fixes and completely failing.

Truth be told, sometimes the best thing to do is to just leave the fixing to the professionals. Especially, when it comes to plumbing breaks. There are so many different pipes and tools and knowledge sets that go into plumbing, that at the end of the day, it makes sense to let someone experienced take care of the problem.

We don’t need to be experts in everything.

Here are 4 DIY plumbing fails to avoid!

1. Duct Tape Everything

As much as we love duct tape, it is not a real plumbing solution!

People often think they can patch a piping problem with tape, but there are two main issues with this. One, the tape is not a permanent solution and when it wears off, you’re going to be left with a pretty ugly mess to clean. Two, if the problem isn’t getting fixed, it’s getting worse. If you’ve got a plumbing break, the best thing to do is just call in a professional plumber right off the bat.

Take care of the problem properly before it gets more complicated and before it involves a more expensive fix.

2. Losing the Pieces

Plumbing fixtures contain lots of tiny pieces (and big pieces for that matter). This makes it incredibly easy to lose the parts. Particularly, if you don’t know what the pieces are or what they really do. Time after time, people accidentally throw out crucial plumbing pieces only to be stuck later on having to figure out where to buy replacements. Skip a headache and let a real plumber deal with the nitty-gritty.

3. Forgetting How to Put It Back Together

Also on the topic of small pieces, is forgetting how to put those pieces back together.

Say you manage to be organized enough not lose any of the parts. Now what? You’ve got no manual and no instruction paper- how do you put the pieces back? Too many times, people open up their toilet tanks, take apart laundry pipes, disassemble faucets, and then when it’s time to put the pieces back together, they completely forget how. It’s a real DIY problem.

4. Forgetting to Turn off the Water

This is a classic newbie mistake.

People frequently get so overexcited with the mechanics of their plumbing issues, that they forget practically the most important step, which is: shutting off your water! Forgetting to turn off the water supply before you start working, can be disastrous. It can cause flooding, leaking, and totally soak your clothing.

It’s a simple step, but one that is too easily overlooked.

Save yourself the extra expenses, water damage, and lost time. Call a professional plumber to take care of your plumbing needs, today.

Congrats!

If you’re reading this article, it’s because you are thinking about (or have already decided to) move forward and start remodeling your bathroom in Bucks County!

It’s a fun and worthwhile move. BUT, only if you get it done well and by the right people. The right people will be master plumbers who use only the best products, best plumbing techniques and have the best communication skills.

There’s a whole lot that goes into remodeling a bathroom. You’ve got to pay attention to both functionality and style. So, forget exhausting DIY projects, and leave the remodeling to a company that will design the perfect bathroom for you.

Why Use a Professional?

Chances are, that if you’re remodeling your bathroom now, you’re not going to be changing it for quite some time. So, you need to make sure that you’re taking into account every little detail that goes into the planning and design.

That’s where a professional comes into the picture.

Professionals in the field have detailed lists, so nothing will be overlooked. And, they’ve got trained eyes to notice little remodeling nuances you might otherwise never catch.

With a professional, you can sit back and relax, knowing it’s not all up to you.

What Kind of Professional Should You Look For?

Look for a master plumbing company that works with highly skilled contractors.

The biggest part of remodeling a bathroom is getting the plumbing right. So, first find a plumbing company that you trust. One that has good reviews, and is polite and informative on the phone.

Make sure they do full bathroom renovations!

The rest is a cinch. If they are a plumbing company that has connections with contractors, then you’re all set to go. They’ll coordinate everything, and you can just relax and watch the magic happen.

What Can a Professional Plumber Offer You?

An experienced and competent plumbing company creates a design that combines your practical needs with your style needs. This is crucial, and harder than it sounds.

More often than not, designers get so carried away with styling the room, that they forget about functionality. And, when that happens, you’re left with strange situations like having a beautiful bathtub that’s just too big for the room, or an expensive, yet gorgeous toilet that really didn’t work with your budget.

The perfect plumber, working alongside their team of contractors, will know how to combine function and beauty to make the bathroom that’s right for you.

How to Find a Plumber Near You?

Look no further!

Here at Barner Murphy Inc., located in Bucks County, we pride ourselves on creating a bathroom remodeling strategy that works in tandem with your taste, space, and budget needs. We offer a plethora of options, and we don’t stop until we find the bathroom design that makes you happy.

At Barner Murphy, we work with only the most professional contracting partners throughout the whole renovation process.

Rest assured you’re getting high-quality work for your home.

Barner Murphy Inc. is one of the best plumbing companies in all of Bucks County.

Located in Levittown, PA, we've taken plumbing maintenance to a whole new level with guaranteed quality workmanship and terrific customer service. Barner Murphy customers give top ratings and reviews, leaving comments like: personable and reliable, fair prices, quick response time, wonderful attention to detail, and would highly recommend.

And here’s why:

1. We’ve got a wide range of plumbing and remodeling services

No matter the plumbing problem, Barner Murphy has you covered!

We offer services ranging from bathroom remodeling to heating system installations, and even complete plumbing installations for brand new constructions. We work with office buildings, residential houses, strip malls, medical offices, and more. We have the experience and skills necessary to take care of even the biggest plumbing jobs.

2. Clients keep coming back for more

When you’re checking to see if a plumbing company is really top rated, the best indicator is customers’ reactions. You want to be sure to look at both customer ratings and reviews. But most importantly, you want to know if customers would recommend the company to their closest friends and family.

This is why we publicly advertise that our work attracts second-generation customers. You know why? We truly do a job worthy of recommendation! Our clients are so happy with the work we get done, that they specifically let their friends and family know about it.

That’s how you know a plumbing company is really worth its ratings.

3. Our online photo gallery will amaze you

If you’re still wondering whether to hire Barner Murphy for your plumbing needs, take a look at our online photo gallery. The photos will impress you! The gallery includes real before and after pictures, of real projects Barner Murphy has worked on. This way, you know exactly the kind of work we do and exactly the kind of work you can expect.

The Takeaway:

Though it’s not often at the top of one’s priorities, plumbing is, in fact, a serious business. Because a poor plumbing job can result in massive ceiling cracks and water damage - all of which are costly and a major headache to deal with. Do yourself a favor and hire Barner Murphy, so you never have to deal with it again. Your house and wallet will thank you for it! 215-945-8560

Summer’s ending, and fall is here, bringing with it pumpkin spice, pretty leaves, and plumbing leaks. 

Before the weather takes a turn for the worse, turn your eye toward your plumbing. Because fixing pipes in the dead of winter is the last thing you want to deal with.

We know that plumbing maintenance can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have experience in the field. So, we’ve put together a list of the top four maintenance concerns to consider before the fall chill sets in.

Here we go: 

1. Pipes
There are two main things you want to focus on with your pipes: leaks and insulation. Winter often leads to frozen pipes. And frozen pipes can often lead to bursting pipes. Which cost a fortune to have fixed. But, if your pipes are in good working order, bursts should be nothing to worry about. First, take care of cracks and leaks in the pipes. If you know you have some, now’s the time to get them patched. If you’re not sure if you have any leaks, call a professional plumber to do a general maintenance check. It’s better you find out the bad news sooner than later. 

Next, get your pipes insulated. Or, if you already have insulated pipes, get them checked and cared for. Insulation helps balance out the frosty temperatures, ensuring that your pipes don’t freeze up. It gives your pipes a leg up during the harsh winter weather, combatting frost and condensation.   

2. Hoses
With summer coming to an end, it’s time to put away the gardening gloves and watering hoses. But first, take a minute to look over your hoses for any wear and tear. Since you’re putting them away now, you may as well make sure they’re in good working condition for next summer’s gardening. While you’re checking your hoses, it’s also highly recommended to check your outdoor water faucets. Make sure they’ve got a nice, strong water flow and pressure.

3. Water Heaters
This is so important. Think about all the hot water you’re going to want to use after shoveling snow outside for hours. That’s right, you’re going to need a lot. And that means, you’re going to need a working, fully functioning water heater. This may sound simple, but it isn’t always. Technology tends to deteriorate when it isn’t used often, and coming from the hot, sweaty days of summer, chances are high that your water heater hasn’t been used in a little while. Do some test runs around the house, and make sure the water is heating quickly and efficiently. This is not something you’re going to want to deal with in the winter.

4. Gutters
Now’s the time to start clearing out your gutters before winter hits hard. You’ll probably have to do more cleanup during the fall, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start now. Clean out all the summer pollen, blooms, and debris that’s hiding in your gutter before the mess becomes overwhelming and potentially damaging.
 

            Many homeowners have spent hours looking at images of swoon-worthy bathroom designs. If you have always wanted to remodel your bathroom, then now might be the time to start. Especially if your bathroom currently has outdated brass faucets or garish colored tile, thinking about a bathroom remodel is a great idea.

            At Barner Murphy, we help our customers with a full range of bathroom remodeling needs. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation for your home, then you’re taking a step in the direction of positive investment for the future, especially if you decide to sell your home years down the road. Bathroom remodeling has several benefits. Here are our favorites.

• Increases home value

            Bathroom remodels can significantly increase your home’s value. Replacing outdated features with more efficient and modernized baths, sinks and toilets can increase your property value by almost $3,000. What’s more, you’ll also attain the peace of mind that should you decide to sell your home in the future, it will appeal to many potential buyers.

• Alter specific features

            Many people opt for a bathroom remodel in an effort to correct specific features. Whether you have a sink that leaks or a floor with cracked tiles, completing a bathroom remodel will help you amend whatever needs to be fixed. A professional bathroom remodel will help ensure that your bathroom is safe and it will enhance its aesthetics, as well.

• Add space

            Another benefit to completing a bathroom remodel is that it will provide you with more space. Many people decide to remodel their bathrooms because it’s effective in making a small space feel more spacious. You can always keep up to date on current bathroom trends by looking at images online or by browsing home improvement magazines. Consider open shelving, storage racks and medicine cabinets when you think about space-saving.

• Create an energy-efficient area

            If you’re still wondering why bathroom remodeling is a good idea, consider the fact that energy-efficient appliances and fixtures can bring in massive savings over the long haul. This is beneficial for both your home and for the environment. At Barner Murphy, we can help you decide on the best remodeling ideas for your particular space to bring you a bathroom that is both functional and beautiful.

            If you’re a homeowner, then chances are you want to keep your home’s plumbing system functioning efficiently to avoid problems and expenses in the future. At Barner Murphy, we provide a full range of plumbing maintenance and repair services to ensure that your plumbing system remains healthy and strong.

            At Barner Murphy, we recommend that homeowners schedule regular maintenance checks of their home systems. This ensures that you keep all of your home systems functioning efficiently. We also recommend turning off your water heater and your washer before leaving home for an extended period of time. Learn how to protect hose bibs and pipes from the extreme cold, as well.

            As part of your maintenance plan, it’s a good idea to know how to locate the main water supply line and the main water cut-off valve. Find out where the main sewer line is located, too. It’s also advised to know what type of heat, hot water and air conditioning you have in your home. In addition, it’s a good idea to know where your water supply valve locations are for appliances, sinks and toilets.

            Plan for emergencies. Knowing how to tighten your faucet or how to run an icemaker line can come in handy. Teach yourself how to check the drain lines on your dishwasher and find out the best ways to clear blockages. Making an effort to understand how to fix problems that might arise will save you time and money in the future. When it comes to hiring a professional for your maintenance, Barner Murphy is always available.

            Understanding your water pressure is also a good idea. By regularly checking faucets, you can learn how to detect problems before a flood situation arises. Good water pressure is often taken for granted. Both high water pressure and low water pressure inside a home can be sources of frustration.

            Water pressure is affected in several ways. Residential water pressure tends to be between 45 and 80 psi. Anything below 30 psi is considered too low and anything above 80 psi are too high. While low water pressure is more of a nuisance than a serious problem, high water pressure, on the other hand, can create an increased risk of damage to pipes, joints, fixtures and seals. It can also lead to increased water waste.

Do you like the look of beautiful tile in your bathroom? Many people love the design options offered with tile, but they are less excited over the grout maintenance. Grout is important because it keeps your tiles in place. Yet it is porous and light-colored, making it susceptible to both water damage and staining.

Fresh grout looks appealing, but it can quickly become mildewed and stained without proper maintenance. It can also become cracked, which allows water to seep behind the walls and cause damage. At Barner Murphy, we help all of our customers with plumbing maintenance and services. If you want to find out how to keep your grout looking beautiful, just follow a few of our quick tips.

• Wipe and spray regularly.

One of the best ways to keep your grout in tip-top shape is through daily wiping and spraying. This will keep your tiles clean and will prevent premature damage and staining. It will also save you a lot of trouble in the long run. A good squeegee is easy to use and works like a charm. Simply run the squeegee over your tile after each bath or shower. This will remove excess water. Then, spray your tile with a mild shower cleaner and

• Clean weekly.

Try to give your bathroom a deep clean at least once a week. This will keep your walls clean and fresh by removing the body oils and dirt that accumulate on the surfaces. Using a simple baking soda and water paste, rub into the grout with a used toothbrush and then rinse with water. You can use hydrogen peroxide for tougher stains but be mindful of not mixing it with vinegar.

• Treat tough stains.

Sometimes, baking soda and water aren’t enough. This is sometimes the case with tougher, deeper stains. If you need to resort to bleach, try using a bleach pen which will allow you to reach smaller spaces without compromising any surface area. Bleach is good for those times when you need just a little more cleaning strength.

If you decide that your tile really needs an overhaul, you might want to consider an oxygen-type powdered bleach. This is gentler on your tile than the liquid form and it is usually strong enough to treat the stains in question. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and mix it in a well-ventilated area. Apply with a brush, let it stand for about fifteen minutes and then rinse with water.

• Use grout renewal

Sometimes, nothing works on those tough stains. In these cases, you might want to consider grout renewal. This allows you to either renew the color of your original grout or change it to something darker. It will also help extend the life of your grout for years to come.

• Change your grout.

If your grout begins to flake or if tiles become loose, you’ll want to consider changing your grout. You should change your grout at the first sign of breakage because water can seep into your walls and create significant damage. Some people take the opportunity to change their grout and select new tile colors or designs while they’re’ at it. You can lay grout and install tiles on your own or you can call a trusted professional like Barner Murphy.