Spring is in the air and now is the time to get ahead on those cleaning projects you’ve put on the back-burner. For many people, cleaning the bathroom isn’t a favorite chore. Yet let’s face it. We all need to clean them so that they’re free of germs and inviting spaces to use in our homes. 

At Barner Murphy of Bucks County, we help homeowners with a wide range of plumbing and bathroom needs. This spring, we’ve got a few tips to help you get yours cleaned for the new season ahead.

1. Showers

Cleaning your shower is pretty simple and you don’t need many supplies. Simply get some white vinegar and pour it into a plastic grocery bag, then submerge the showerhead nozzle and let it sit overnight. Remove it in the morning and rinse with some warm water. 

Take down your plastic shower curtains and toss them in the washing machine with a little mild detergent. Add a few old towels to absorb the soap scum and mildew. Hang them to dry. If you’ve got shower doors you can use a distilled vinegar and baking soda combination to scrub off soap scum. Just let the mixture sit for an hour and then wipe off with a microfiber cloth. Rinse and buff dry.

2. Grout

To clean the grout in your bathroom, try dipping a grout brush into a cap full of bleach. Scrub any discolored areas and then rinse well. Make sure that your bathroom is well-ventilated before using bleach. As an alternative, you can try a few tablespoons of baking soda instead of bleach. Seal grout every six months to ensure the best protection. 

3. Tile

If your bathroom has tile countertops, ceilings or walls, you’ll want to clean these with a good all-purpose cleaner. A great method for cleaning these surface areas is by spraying the cleaner on the surfaces, turning on hot water until some steam builds, and then letting closing the door. 

Leave the bathroom and let the cleaner sit for about twenty minutes. When you re-enter, just wipe down with a soft cloth and you’re good to go. Tile can get filthy with soap-scum, so try to clean it at least every few weeks if you can

4. Toilets

You can start by pouring in some baking soda and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then use a toilet scrubber to scrub it out and flush. If you still see spots in your toilet bowl, try a pumice stone. Many companies sell inexpensive ones online. 

Start by pouring a cup of baking soda into the bowl. Let sit for a few minutes; brush and flush. Still seeing spots? A damp pumice stone is abrasive enough to remove stains caused by mineral deposits and lime scale but gentle enough not to damage surfaces (try US Pumice Scouring Stick; $26 for 12 on Amazon). 

For many people, their bathrooms are personal sanctuaries. They want their bathroom to be a place where they can unwind from the stresses of the day. If you’re in the process of a bathroom renovation, then you might already have a few ideas in mind that will help you create the relaxing oasis you’ve always dreamed of. At Barner Murphy, we can help you discover a few of the top bathroom remodeling trends of 2018 to get you started.

1.    Scaled down sizes
Nowadays, bathrooms are much smaller in scope. It used to be that the dream bathroom was inspired by those enormous double bathtubs, extensive marble flooring and decked-out cabinetry. The trend in 2018, however, is toward smaller bathrooms that highlight smaller scale luxuries. When every inch of a compact bathroom is out to good use, this trend has massive benefits. Smaller sink bowls and tinier toilets are all part of this trend. Space-saving walk-in showers are another trend you might find beneficial. Interesting graphics on either the floor or the wall can help give the illusion of a larger space.

2.    High-tech toilets
Many homeowners are following the trend in 2018 by installing high-tech toilets. Some of the features of these toilets include seat warmers, automatic lid openers, adjustable air dryers and built-deodorizers. Wireless music players are another feature of the high-tech toilet. Just open the lid to hear some music and close it to turn it off. High-tech toilets come with several options, so it’s really just up to your imagination. 

3.    Open spaces
Many people renovating bathrooms in 2018 are thinking about expanding their space by downsizing other rooms. If you want to make your bathroom look more spacious and airy, you can think about installing large tile flooring and mirrors. You can also utilize bright painted colors, as well.
 

    Burst pipes can be an issue any time of the year, but most of the time people deal with them at the end of winter. Most of the time, burst pipes are the result of unheated or uninsulated areas in a home. At Barner Murphy of Bucks County, we can help you handle the inconvenience of burst pipes so that you don’t have to tackle the problem by yourself.

    If you happen to run into an issue with burst pipes, there’s no need to worry. The confident and respected crew at Barner Murphy can help you get the problem handled in no time. If you notice that a pipe has burst, the first step is to turn off the main valve in your home. Most of the time there are two valves in the home and they are located at the water meter. It is a good idea to switch off both valves when you discover the burst pipe.

    It is generally advised to slip a pitcher under the sink faucet to catch some water because you might not have water for the time being. This way, you can catch some water to hold you over until the line is repaired. After you’ve made sure that the valves are shut off, you’ll want to assess the damage and find out where the pipe actually burst. Oftentimes, the pipe will be located in a wall and you’ll see water leaking from the baseboard. You might see it trickling down from the ceiling on the floor, too.

    As a safety measure, you’ll also want to temporarily shut off the electricity. Doing so will allow you to safely navigate the situation without the risk of electric shock. It’s always a good idea to call for emergency plumbing services in this kind of situation. At Barner Murphy, we always work hard to ensure that our customers receive the help that they need, especially during an emergency. 
    
    
    

Are you a homeowner who has been toying with the idea of a bathroom remodel? If so, then you might want to think about how to plan right for the process. At Barner Murphy, we specialize in helping people create the bathroom of their dreams. We know that it can be a little overwhelming if you’ve never remodeled a bathroom before, so we’ve come up with a few quick tips to help you with your planning process.

First, it’s important to give yourself a time frame. If you know that you want your remodel completed before spring hits, then it’s important to have your plan secured by winter. As a general rule, the more time you allow yourself for planning, acquiring materials and working, the less harried and flustered you’ll feel trying to meet your deadline.

Another quick tip that will help you start your remodeling early is to set a budget. Will you need new lighting? Will you install fixtures? How about new cabinets? If you know that you’re going to do a lot of demolition, then it’s important to set a clear budget and get planning as soon as possible. This will ensure that you secure the right remodeling team when they’re available and it will help you set clear goals, too.

It might seem intuitive, but some people forget how important it is to seek inspiration. Start a Pinterest board for bathroom remodels or get some books out from the local library. Think about those details that will make your particular remodeling project special, such as a drop-in tub, a certain grout color, vanity lights or beautiful fixtures.

If you decide to start your bathroom remodeling early, you’ll be more likely to get a great team of professionals on your side. Consider plumbing and lighting, as well as countertops and showers. Some of these additions can require a great level of expertise. Remember that Barner Murphy is always ready when you need help for your remodeling project.

There’s nothing quite like a plumbing disaster to inconvenience your life. At Barner Murphy, we specialize in helping homeowners address plumbing issues, both big and small. We understand that you don’t want to fall victim to some of the most avoidable plumbing disasters, so we’ve created a short list to show what they are and how you can prevent them.

1. Overflowing toilets
Nobody wants to deal with an overflowing toilet, but unfortunately, they’re one of the most common plumbing issues ever. An overflowing toilet can create a potentially large mess that everyone would prefer to avoid. If your toilet gets clogged, it can overflow all the way to the floor. The good news is that this plumbing disaster can be avoided by only flushing human waster and toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products, paper towels and any other non-biodegradable items should never be flushed down the toilet.

2. Broken pipes
Another common plumbing disaster that is also preventable are broken pipes. If your pipes burst, the most efficient way to handle it is by shutting off the water valve as quickly as possible. Doing this will halt the water flow and consequently minimize the amount of water that could otherwise damage both your floors as well as your furniture. After the water valve is safely turned off, be sure to call a professional plumbing service like Barner Murphy of Levittown. To avoid broken pipes you can wrap them in heat tape during the winter and make sure that they are well insulated.

3. Failed DIY project
Another preventable plumbing disaster is a faulty DIY project. We all have good intentions when it comes to fixing up our home, but sometimes they don’t exactly pan out the way we expected. Some of the most common DIY disasters include cracked tiling leaks, or incorrectly placed fixtures. If you want to avoid this kind of disaster, simply call a professional like Barner Murphy. 

The cold season means your pipes – as well as any other household systems that consume water – are at risk. Nationwide, some 250,000 Americans experience property damage every year from flooding caused by frozen and ruptured pipes. Here's what you can do to avoid that:

• If you have any exposed pipes and outdoor faucet, make sure they are insulated (or heated).
• Disconnect all hoses.
• Crawl spaces pipes are vulnerable if the vents are left open.
• Warm air circulating throughout the home also benefits plumbing below floors and inside walls.
• Opening faucets in the house just enough to emit a trickle of water, and leaving them running during any period when temperatures drop below the pipe-freezing threshold is an effective way to prevent damage to pipes.
• If you have a sump pump in your basement, keep an eye on the sump pump outlet pipe. Make sure the outlet is not blocked by fallen snow or an iced-over puddle.
• Know where your water shut-off valve is.
• Save our number in case of plumbing emergency in Montgomery and Bucks County, PA: (215) 945-8560

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a plumber and a master plumber?  While the two titles might sound synonymous, there is actually a difference between the two.  At Barner Murphy, we provide year-round heating and plumbing services for customers in the Levittown, Pennsylvania and surrounding area.  We also help our customers understand some of the details when it comes to plumbing terminology.

Master plumbers are journeyman plumbers who have completed extensive training.  This training often includes many hours of study about building codes, blueprint reading and layout, physics and safety.  After this work is completed, they then follow up with several hours of on-site training.  After all of this is completed, they are invited to take the master plumber’s examination and can then apply for their master plumber’s certification.  As you might imagine, becoming a master plumber is no small feat.

Most master plumbers start out by working as apprentices and spending time with a licensed journeyman plumber. A master plumber doesn’t always necessarily have more experience than a regular plumbing, but he or she does have more certifications.  Many people request master plumber’s when repairs are needed because of their advanced skillsets.  Master plumbers also have a thorough understanding of how building codes work and how to complete projects on a budget.  Most master plumbers are skilled craftsmen who know exactly how to handle plumbing installations of all varieties.

If you decide to solicit the help and expertise from the plumbing team at Barner Murphy, you can rest assured that your project is in good hands.  The master plumbers at Barner Murphy have the level of expertise that is required for any kind of plumbing job, no matter how big or how small.

Are you a homeowner who wants to avoid costly plumbing expense this season? If so, then you might want to think about how you can take a few preventative measures.  At Barner Murphy, we work hard to ensure that all of the customers receive the best heating and plumbing services in the area.  We’ve also got a few tips that will help you avoid an expensive winter plumbing leak.

1. Protect your pipes.
One of the best ways to prevent an expensive winter plumbing leak is by ensuring that your pipes don’t freeze when the temperatures dip.  If your pipes burst, you’ll have a costly repair on your hands that could have likely been avoided.  At Barner Murphy, we recommend that you wrap your pipes in insulated foam to prevent them from bursting when the weather gets cold.  Burst pipes can result in damaged belongings and flooding, so it’s important to ensure that you prevent this from occurring.

2. Repair current leaks.
The best time to fix any current plumbing issues is as soon as you notice them.  By waiting to fix simple repairs, you run the risk of them snowballing into more complicated and expensive repairs down the road.  At Barner Murphy, we recommend that you check all of the faucets in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.  If you notice drips or puddles, call in the experts to determine the source of the issue. 

3. Try draining your water heater.
Sometimes, especially in homes that have hard water, sediment can accumulate in the water tank.  This means that rust can develop and consequently make its way into your water supply.  At Barner Murphy, we suggest having your water heater checked for rust or for damage.  You might also want to consider purchasing a new one if yours is not updated.  In the event of a plumbing problem, you can always call on the trusted team at Barner Murphy.  We work hard to ensure that all of our customers receive the highest quality heating and plumbing services in the entire Levittown area and beyond.

The time is now for completing the bathroom remodel that you’ve always wanted.  Barner Murphy knows that people take pride in their homes and we work hard to ensure that you achieve the results that you’ve been waiting for.  A bathroom remodel project can be both exciting and challenging.  This season, why not let Barner Murphy help you with whatever bathroom remodeling project you have in mind?  We take pride in the work that we do and it shows.

At Barner Murphy, our expert plumbing team knows that most people lead busy and time-constricted lives.  This is why we put so much care and effort into all of our projects.  We understand that you want to find a plumbing company that you can trust to complete your work in a reasonable amount of time.  Each one of our expert plumbers is highly qualified and understands the value that comes out of a finished bathroom.  As a homeowner, you’ll appreciate the increase in your home’s value after a custom bathroom upgrade from Barner Murphy.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, Barner Murphy knows exactly what’s needed.  Our team is always ready to take on a new project and we’ll offer suggestions so that you can find exactly what works for your style and preferences.  Are you looking to remodel with bold colors and modern accents?  Or do you want a soft, classic look in your bathroom space?  There’s no right or wrong choices when it comes to styles and details.  At Barner Murphy, we’ll help you create the bathroom of your dreams and we’ll do it on your budget.  Give us a call today to find out what we can do to help you with your goals.

Barner Murphy of Bucks County is always ready to help you with a bathroom remodeling project.  We know that bathrooms are usually one of the most relaxing spaces of our homes.  You want to make sure that your bathroom reflects your unique personality and lifestyle.  At Barner Murphy, we’ll help you create a look and a feel in your bathroom that truly speaks to you as a person.
 

Are you a homeowner who is interested in learning more about common plumbing issues?  Maybe you just bought your home and you want to know what to look for when it comes to plumbing problems.  At Barner Murphy, we can help you with whatever kind of plumbing maintenance or plumbing repair you need in Bucks County.  We’re always ready to be of assistance for homeowners in the surrounding area.  At Barner Murphy, we can help you identify the most common plumbing issues that you might face this season.

One of the most common plumbing issues as a homeowner is low water pressure.  When you notice low water pressure in your home, the area in question is usually the sink faucet.  If you notice low water pressure, you’ll want to check the hot and cold water systems.  If they both have low pressure, then the cause is usually related to the aerator.  Buildup of calcium deposits can cause this kind of low water pressure.

Another common plumbing issue is a slow draining sink.  This is a common issue that is related to an accumulation of hair and debris in the drain.  This can be easily fixed.  Simply clear out the drain with a Zip-it tool to clear out whatever is causing the blockage.  At Barner Murphy, we can help you fix whatever kind of plumbing issue you might be experiencing.  Our team is experienced in all kinds of plumbing repair issues, so don’t hesitate to call when you need a professional.

A running toilet is yet another common plumbing issue and one that can become annoying rather quickly.  There are several possible causes to a running toilet, but luckily there are simple ways to fix whatever is creating the issue.  You’ll need to figure out what is causing the problem by finding out what parts of the toilet are in question.  Some homeowners are comfortable with this kind of fix and others would rather call a professional, such as Barner Murphy.  Whatever you decide to do, a running toilet is a minor problem that is simple and affordable to fix.

One more plumbing issue that you might experience is a jammed garbage disposal.  You can always try to use one of the garbage disposal keys that come with the garbage disposal to rectify the issue.  You can even use an Alan wrench to fix a jam.  If you need more help to fix the problem, simply call Barner Murphy and find out what we can do to help.