Although it’s not technically wintering until the middle of December, the ice, snow, and freezing winds are upon us. While you’re bundling up to protect yourself from the elements, don’t forget that your house, particularly your plumbing system, needs to be prepared for the winter as well! 

At Barner Murphy, we want to remind you to winter-proof your house and your plumbing ahead of time so you don’t have a plumbing disaster. If you have any trouble winterizing your plumbing in Bucks County, don’t hesitate to contact Barner Murphy.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Perhaps the most important winterization step is to properly insulate your pipes. As temperatures approach 20 degrees, your pipes are at great risk of freezing, which can lead to them bursting. Not only are pipe repairs expensive, but there’s also the cost of water damage cleanup.

Insulation for your pipes as well as the tools to install it can be found at any local hardware, home improvement, or plumbing supply store. You’ll want to grab polyethylene or fiberglass insulation.

Make sure you measure the diameter of your pipes beforehand so you get the right size insulation.

2. Seal Off Your Crawl Space

Crawlspaces under your home put your pipes at risk of freezing. You’ll want to seal yours to protect against the cold weather. 

To do this, cut heavy-duty pieces of cardboard to fit the vents. Use duct tape to attach the cardboard; make sure there aren’t any cracks around the cardboard for air to slip out.

On top of that, seal off access to the crawlspace. This might sound like a tedious task, but it will further ensure you don’t end up with a costly frozen/burst pipe problem.

3. Check For and Seal Cracks

Cold air can seep in through cracks in your walls and foundation, possibly freezing your pipes. Scan for any cracks or holes on your outside walls and foundation, then seal each one with caulk and spray foam insulation to keep the cold air away from your pipes.

As an added benefit, less heat from your HVAC system will leak from inside your house to the outside, saving you money on your heating bill.

4. Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses

Outside your house, you’ll want to disconnect your garden hoses and store them somewhere safe and warm. If you fail to do this, your pipes will freeze and burst.

If your home has a separate external faucet shut-off, turn it off and drain the water out of your external faucets.

5. Turn Off and Drain Your Sprinkler System

Still outside, you’ll want to turn off and drain your sprinkler system too. There may be leftover water in the underground lines in your sprinkler system - in this case, you’ll want to call in a professional to blow the water out, otherwise, that water could freeze and cause damage.

6. Never Turn Off Your Heat When You Leave Home

Back inside, never turn your heat off during the winter when you’re away from home. It could get cold enough inside to damage pipes. Instead, set your thermostat to 55 degrees to ensure safety while minimizing your heating bill.

If your house has several heat zones, do this for each zone’s thermostat.

Winterize Your Home Before Winter Hits

While most of these tasks can be DIY-ed, they take some time and clever handiwork. Call Barner Murphy if you want your home winterized by professionals this winter.

Technology is affecting and disrupting all industries, including plumbing. As we approach 2020, there are a lot of cool new technologies and trends to look forward to that 

Here are some of the hottest plumbing trends and pieces of news in 2020.

Barner Murphy proudly provides plumbing services in the Bucks Country, PA. Get a head start on fixing up your plumbing for 2020 by calling Barner Murphy today.

1. Water Consciousness

Environmental awareness has been slowly on the rise for decades, but it seems that’s ramped up in recent years, especially in regards to water usage and pollution.

The average American family uses at least 300 gallons of water every day; it makes sense that people are seeking out ways to cut down their water consumption and reduce their environmental footprint. On top of that, families are looking for ways to free up room in their budget, and decreasing water usage can aid them in cutting their expenses.

One way this is being done is with water-efficient appliances. Such as dishwashers or high-efficiency (HE) laundry washing machines. These appliances can accomplish their designated tasks using much less water than before (and HE washing machines require less detergent as well), saving massive amounts of water.

2. Hands-Free Fixtures

Once reserved primarily for businesses, hands-free/touchless fixtures are making their way into homes as well. These fixtures can reduce the spread of germs by reducing physical contact between human hand and fixture.

They’re also more convenient. No need to turn a handle to get the right amount of water flow or push a lever to flush the toilet; just wave your hand and the fixture does its thing for you.

3. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things or IoT for short is a network of physical objects that exchange data with each other in order to communicate. These physical objects are usually things in your home such as your fridge, thermostat, or coffee maker.

In 2020, we can expect to see the IoT implemented into plumbing scenarios. For example, smart toilets exist that can alert you to leaks and other issues, as well as provide data on your water usage.

Plumbing fixtures that use the IoT are not financially accessible to many at the present; however, as manufacturers continue to innovate and find ways to make these fixtures more inexpensive in 2020, more people will get to take advantage of this technology.

4. Luxurious Fixtures

People are moving away from basic fixtures and towards a more luxurious look and feel.

For example, curbless, walk-in showers are growing in popularity. Originally meant to help seniors get in and out of the shower without slipping, people outside this demographic are installing curbless showers for the convenience and the look.

These showers, along with more luxurious faucets, can turn a boring old bathroom into what feels like a spa.

Plumbing emergencies occur either as a result of neglecting to fix something or as a DIY attempt gone wrong.

Here are some of the most common. If you experience one of these plumbing emergencies, call a plumber like Barner Murphy right away. 

1. Burst Pipes

Many factors can cause or contribute to burst pipes:
Cold weather - If indoor temperatures reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water inside could freeze
Irregular/unregulated water pressure
Corrosion/rust - Weakness the pipe walls
Clogs in pumps or toilet - Increase pressure inside pipes

You can actually cause your pipes to burst if you don’t know what you’re doing. Pipe sizes can be hard to tell apart at the store, but picking the wrong pipe can lead to corrosion or leaks.

Pipe issues are usually best left to professionals.

2. Leaky Pipes

Leaks happen for many of the same reasons as burst pipes, as they are essentially the precursor to a pipe bursting. The factors mentioned above can cause cracks to form in the piping, allowing water to leak out.

Trying to fix leaky pipes yourself might not work if you aren’t skilled at it. Failing to tighten joints the right amount or using the wrong materials can at best, not fix the leaky pipes; at worst, you might cause different problems elsewhere with your plumbing.

3. Sump Pump Failure

Your sump pump, usually located in your basement and in crawl spaces, prevents flooding and water damage by draining it away from your home.

Without a working sump pump, you’re putting yourself at risk for thousands of dollars in water damage. Sump pumps are a doable DIY project, but they’re not easy; many prefer hiring a plumber to do the work instead.

4. Clogged Fixtures

Clogs are inevitable in your home’s fixtures. Whether it’s waste, hair, grease, pieces of food, paper towels, toilet paper, or even clothing, a clog can cause plumbing joints to overflow and leak.

Toilet clogs aren’t too hard to handle on your own. If a plunger or toilet snake doesn’t work, pouring half a cup of dish soap in, waiting a few minutes, then pouring in boiling water should do the trick.

If not, you’ll want to call a plumber.

5. Water Heater Malfunction

You’ll know if your water heater’s malfunctioning if your water tastes or smells strange, comes out too hot or too cold, or makes excessive noise.

Water heater leaks require a professional. However, if your water heater is not leaking, you might be able to at least eliminate the funny taste/smell by flushing the heater’s water tank.

When in Doubt, Call a Plumber Instead of DIY

The truth is many plumbing emergencies come from DIY attempts on plumbing repairs. Some simpler repairs, like leaky faucets, can be done on your own if learned properly; but things can go wrong even with these quick fixes.

When in doubt, your best bet is to call a plumber. The professionals here at Barner Murphy are highly trained in providing all manner of plumbing services in Bucks County, so if you have a plumbing issue but you’re not confident in your ability to solve it, contact Barner Murphy today!

Plumbing isn’t the first industry people think of when they hear about technological advancements.

But you’d be surprised at what technology can do for your plumbing system and the plumbing industry as a whole.

Read on to find out more.

Sustainable/Green Lifestyle

Interest in sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyles has increased dramatically in the past decade or so, thanks to increasing awareness surrounding pollution and the environment. Since plumbing involves water, it’s easy to see how this interest in a more “green” lifestyle would affect plumbing.

For one, efficient appliances are increasing in demand. An example of a this would be an efficient dishwasher. Not only do they save the owner on their water bill, but saving several hundred gallons of water a year is great for the environment.

In addition, plenty of plumbing retailers carry “green” products to help reduce the impact on the environment. These products are extremely beneficial to the point where plumbing companies are also recommending them.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (or IoT) is a term that defines a network of physical objects - usually things in your home such as your fridge, coffeemaker, or thermostat - that exchange data with each other. 

IoT is starting to see use in plumbing. For example, smart toilets can inform you of any leaks and suggest you ways to improve water efficiency.

Dishwashers that use IoT technology can alert you to potential appliance problems before they arise, potentially saving you thousands and a lot of headaches.

Granted, IoT-able fixtures are very expensive at the moment, but they should become more attainable as technology advances.

TouchlessFixtures

Touchless fixtures use motion sensors to perform their function, rather than relying on human touch to push a lever or turn a handle. These are already quite common in commercial establishments; for example, a toilet that flushes hands-free.

These fixtures are starting to find their way into residences too. People are installing hands-free sinks and toilets in their homes for increased convenience as well as to keep their hands and bathroom surfaces cleaner when using the bathroom.

Self-Cleaning Devices

Few people actually look forward to cleaning out their toilets. Fortunately, manufacturers have heard these complaints, so now self-cleaning toilets and other self-cleaning plumbing devices are becoming more common. 

Usually, the self-cleaning mechanism is activated with the push of a button. For example, a self-cleaning toilet might have a button that, when pushed, releases toilet cleaner into the bowl and begins scrubbing it clean.

Self-cleaning devices, especially toilets, are also designed to make getting dirty harder to reduce the need to clean in the first place.

Tankless Water Heaters

Like touchless fixtures, tankless water heaters are a long-time commercial plumbing device that has recently made its way into a few households thanks to cost and efficiency advantages over traditional water heaters.

See, traditional water heaters require you to wait for a storage tank to fill with hot water before you can use it.

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. When you turn on the hot water, cold water flows via pipe to the tankless water heater. There, the water is heated using either gas or electricity. 

This increases your energy-efficiency when it comes to heating the water, saving you money. 

Tankless heaters tend to cost more than traditional water heaters, but that higher cost is offset by your energy savings. In addition, tankless heaters last longer (sometimes twice as long) as normal water heaters. Even then, many have easily replaceable parts so you can make them last a lifetime.

Have you ever head of the term “master plumber”? If you have, you might be wondering how it's any different from another type of plumber.

Believe it or not, “master plumber” it’s not just a marketing word plumbers use to promote their services. It’s a legitimate title in the plumbing industry.

In addition to providing plumbing services for Bucks County here in Pennsylvania, we at Barner Murphy like to ensure our customers understand plumbing terminology so they can make informed decisions when looking for a plumber.

Apprentices vs. Journeymen vs. Master Plumbers

There are 3 general “ranks” in plumbing. Beginner plumbers start as apprentice plumbers, sometimes called trainees. Apprentices complete coursework in an apprenticeship program. In addition, they work on real plumbing jobs but under the guidance of someone with experience, usually a master plumber. 

The apprentice becomes a journeyman plumber upon completing the apprenticeship requirements and passing a licensing exam. Journeymen can work without the supervision of a master plumber.

To become a master plumber, the journeyman must pass another exam, this time harder. Master plumbers might not always have the most working years complete, but they have highly advanced skillsets that are useful for more complex repairs.

Why Should You Only Hire a Licensed and Insured Plumber?

Some might be tempted to shirk licensed and insured plumbers (journeymen and master plumbers) for a cheaper, unlicensed, uninsured plumber.

They couldn’t be making a bigger mistake.

You run several risks by opting for an unlicensed and/or uninsured plumber:

• Breaking the law - It’s illegal to hire unlicensed contractors in many states. You’re not hugely likely to get caught, but you’re still putting yourself at risk of getting entangled in legal proceedings by hiring an unlicensed plumber.
• Health risks - Bad plumbing isn’t just a threat to your water bill; incorrect installations or repairs can cause serious injury, illness, or even death. 
• Fraud - Unlicensed plumbers may as well be the guy next door. He has no regulatory board to report to, so you are at risk of being defrauded.
• Lack of insurance - Unlicensed plumbers are probably also uninsured. When their bad plumbing practices turn around and hurt you, you won’t be able to collect money from their liability insurance. And they probably won’t pay you themselves, seeing as they’re already engaging in illegal and unethical acts.

As you know, journeymen and master plumbers are licensed to practice the trade of plumbing. They also have some form of sufficient liability coverage if they have their own business. Therefore, you should look for the “journeyman” or “master” title when hiring a plumber.

That being said, master plumbers are the better choice of the two because of their more advanced knowledge and skillset.

If you find yourself in need of plumbing services, Barner Murphy is here to help. Our master plumbers are able to handle any plumbing problems you’re experiencing, from the smallest leak to the biggest plumbing system issue.

Things inevitably break. Homeowners know this best; it seems like every time you fix one problem, two new issues arise somewhere else. A lot of homeowners prefer to save money and fix stuff themselves around the house, while others hire a professional to do the dirty work.

So when should you do it yourself, and when should you put away your tools and hire a plumber like Barner Murphy?

Here’s a short guide on which plumbing repairs you can perform yourself and which ones you should leave to the professionals.

Easy Tasks to DIY

Most simple repairs are DIY-able if you have the right tools and know what you’re doing.

The simplest repairs have to be clogs. Clogged toilets take nothing more than a plunger and a few moments of your time. Following closely behind clogged toilets in simplicity are clogged showers and drains, which both can be unclogged using a wire hanger and some common household cleaning chemicals.

Leaky faucets are a little more complex, but with a bit of research and the right materials, you can easily fix your own faucet.

Other DIY-able tasks include installing a new shower head and a new faucet.

DIY, But Be Careful

As projects get larger in size, they become harder to DIY successfully. We don’t recommend most people doing some of the following unless they’re experiences, DIY plumbers, as incorrect repairs can cause flooding and property damage.

Replacing appliances and fixtures like your toilet, dishwasher, and garbage disposal are generally easy to perform, but do it wrong and you’ll end up with leaks and even flooding.

More difficult are frozen pipes. The most experienced DIYers can usually handle these without breaking them; anybody else should hire a plumber to thaw the pipes.

Lastly, if you’re performing your plumbing on a new property, you should probably call a professional to ensure plumbing’s up to code before doing anything.

Don’t DIY: Call A Plumber

Many of the most complex repairs actually require permits you probably don’t have in order to perform them. Renovations are a big one. Even if you can do them yourself, you’ll be fined if you’re found to have done the work without a permit. 

It’s hard to hide that if you plan on selling your home in the future because you’re required to report any illegal work performed on the house.

Moving your pipes and/or fixtures tends to require permits as well, not to mention that these tasks are pretty difficult to do on your own.

But one of the most serious issues is broken pipes. In addition to fixing the pipes, you’ll need the plumber to inspect the rest of your plumbing system and determine what caused the pipe damage in the first place.

We tend to get emergency plumbing calls from people whose DIY attempts went horribly wrong. If you have any doubt in your ability to perform a plumbing repair, even if it’s just a leaky faucet, you should contact Barner Murphy instead of doing it yourself. Our trained professionals can handle even the toughest repairs and get your plumbing back to normal in no time.

The leaves are starting to turn red and yellow, the temperatures are dropping, and stores are stocking seasonal and holiday merchandise.

Fall is almost here. Before you get into the fall festivities, however, you want to make sure your home’s plumbing system is in tip-top shape for the new season. Follow these tips for a smooth plumbing system and a comfortable home this fall.

Insulate Your Pipes

As temperatures decrease, heat from the water in your pipes can escape to the outside world, stressing your plumbing and making it less efficient. Check to see if your pipes are insulated properly. If not, insulate them ASAP to keep the hot water flowing issue-free.

You can use heat tape to insulate your outdoor pipes from the cold air.

Still, pipe issues are typically difficult to do yourself. If you’re unsure about your ability to insulate your pipes, call Barner Murphy and we can do it for you.

Fix Leaks

Before it gets too cold outside, inspect all your plumbing for leaks. Be very thorough; even the smallest leak can turn into a huge problem once the thermometer starts approaching 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Disconnect Garden Hoses

Your hoses won’t be of any use when it gets cold outside. Disconnect your garden hoses and store them somewhere safe until spring rolls around next year. Doing so will prevent damage to your pipes from frozen water, as well as keep the hoses themselves intact for next year.

Clean Out Your Gutter And Drainpipes

Your gutters and drainpipes exist to safely route water away from your roof and foundation to prevent damage to either of them. When fall rolls around, however, the falling leaves can quickly accumulate in the drainpipes and cause backups.

Clear out your gutter and drainpipes regularly all fall to prevent serious damage to your home.

Clean Your Water Heater

Colder temperatures means more reliance on hot water. Without it, you’d be unable to enjoy hot holiday drinks or take warm, relaxing showers. 

You’ll want to clean out any buildup in your water heater to keep it running smoothly. If you have an older water heater and you’ve noticed your water heater struggling to heat your water, it may be time for a new one. Water heaters generally need replacement every 8-12 years. Consider getting a new one if you’ve had your current unit for this long.

Fix Your Sump Pump And Pit

Sump pumps keep the area under your home dry to prevent flooding, while the sump pit is just the pit in which the sump pump is located. Naturally, blocked or damaged sump pumps can lead to basement flooding, causing thousands in damages as well as encouraging mold and mildew growth.

Barner Murphy’s here to help you prepare your house for the fall. Call us today if you have any plumbing issues you need to fix before fall is in full swing!

Water is one the most important resources we need to survive and to keep up with modern society, yet this amazing resource can also cause severe damage to your home. In fact, water damage and the mold that in many cases results from it costs insurance companies billions per year in claims, each individual claim being several thousand dollars. To avoid spending large sums of money on repairs, it’s critical you protect your home from costly water damage.

Check your water pressure. Household water pressure is generally supposed to fall between 40 and 70 psi. Excessive water pressure can damage pipes, hoses, and plumbing fixture. To measure you water pressure, head to your local hardware store and buy a water pressure gauge, then attach it to an outdoor faucet. Turn the faucet to full force, and the gauge will tell you the pressure. If it’s around 100 psi or over, head back to the hardware store and get a water pressure regulator. These are small purchases that will save you thousands in water damage.

While you’re outdoors, clean out those gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to prevent blockages. When left unattended, these blockages in your gutters can keep water in place and cause damage to the gutters and the roof. Those downspouts should be cleaned too, but also make sure they point away from your home so water flows away.

Back inside, make sure you know where your water main is so you can shut off all water in case of an emergency. Most people have no clue where it is (and some don’t even know what it is), yet knowing how to get to your water main is one of the best ways to minimize water damage. 

Washing machine leaks are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes, but again, many people don’t realize the importance of changing them out. If any of your washer hoses are brittle, damaged, or warped, replace them immediately. You’ll then want to replace your washer hoses at least once every 5 years to prevent costly water damage to your home.

Your water heater is another important piece of plumbing to monitor. Check on it once a year, investigating for rust, corrosion, or other damage. Be on the lookout for pools of water or leaking as well.

Lastly, keep a close eye on your plumbing system. Signs of wear include condensation on the walls/floor nearby, rust-colored water, and loud pipes. You can try to fix your plumbing yourself, but sometimes it’s easier to call professionals. Barner Murphy’s here and ready to fix your aging plumbing before it turns into a messy, costly problem.

Note: check your water bill every so often. An unusually large water bill could indicate a leak somewhere around your home, and if left untreated, that leak could damage the area it’s leaking in to.

Water. Not only do we all need it to keep our bodies healthy, but many of our modern amenities rely on water to provide us amazing conveniences like warm showers and functioning toilets. However, many people use a lot more water than they think; using too much water can cost you a lot of extra cash, but environmental concerns surrounding water usage are also increasing. That being said, we’ve compiled some tips you can use to save on your water bill and help the planet.

First and foremost, cut down on baths. The EPA found that the average bathtub requires a whopping 70 gallons of water to fill up, whereas a 5-minute shower could use up to 25 gallons depending on the shower. Speaking of showers, keep them short. It might be tempting to stand in that warm shower for half an hour in the dead of winter, but you’re wasting a lot of water and you’ll have to get out eventually anyways.

Install a high-efficiency showerhead to further decrease your water usage. Many of these can save you up to a gallon per minutes. Assuming a 5-minute shower every day, that’s about 150 gallons saved per month. High-efficiency showerheads aren’t all expensive, either. They can be found in a wide range of prices, but some are as cheap as $10. That’s a small investment when you think of all the water you’ll save.

There’re plenty more water savings to be had in the bathroom, starting with the leaks. If your sink or toiled is leaky, you should repair it as soon as possible. Those drops of water could add up to hundreds more gallons a month. Unsure if your toilet is leaking? Add several drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait an hour. If the bowl has color in it, you have a leaky toilet. A plumber like Barner Murphy can handle leaks if you don’t want to.

When you’re brushing your teeth, turn off the water unless you’re wetting the toothbrush or rinsing it off. Same with activities like using mouthwash or shaving; don’t turn on the sink until you’re done with whatever activity it is or if you need to rinse something off.

Believe it or not, you could cut a lot of water usage when cooking, especially when it comes to vegetables. Fill up a large bowl with water and rinse your vegetables in there before peeling them rather than running them under the water.

Wait to do laundry or the dishes until you have a full load ready. Putting any less than a full load of laundry or dishes into it’s respective washer is effectively wasting water, as you’re going to use the same amount anyway (assuming you’re running it on the same settings). When it’s time to replace your washer or other water-using equipment, look for water-efficient models. As a bonus for your laundry efforts, you’ll also use less power (thus saving your more money) since you’ll be using both the washer and dryer less often.
 

Bathrooms aren’t at the top of most people’s lists when it comes to interior decoration. Most are usually more concerned with the kitchen and living room. However, a nice-looking bathroom adds a bit of character to your home and set it apart from others’. There are plenty of ways spruce up your bathroom if you have some free time.

The most expensive yet most valuable changes you could make to your bathroom would be updating your vanity furniture. Giving your vanities a facelift can breathe new life into your bathroom. Still, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Head to an IKEA and look around; you could find some expensive looking vanity furniture without paying a fortune.

Another major change you can make to spruce up your bathroom is to put in a new faucet. Your old faucet might be dragging the overall look of your bathroom down. New faucets look sleek and stylish; the right faucet can bring your boring bathroom into the modern era, not to mention they may function a lot better.

New hand towels are a great complement to your new sinks. Ditch that dirty old hand towel for something a little more fresh and decorative. Aim for something soft, too. The more senses you can appeal to in a positive fashion, the better.

Add some green to your bathroom with plants. Plants are easy on the eyes, giving some color to an otherwise plain room. In addition, they help refresh the stale bathroom air. The humid bathroom air is an excellent environment for certain types of plants to grow. Some of these plants are the peace lily, the spider plant, and even aloe.

Your bathroom floors could use an update too. Wood flooring looks very nice, but it doesn’t mix well with rooms that often contain a lot of moisture. Fortunately, you can get faux wood flooring for cheap. Faux wood flooring tends to be made out of vinyl, which is easy to install. Grab some faux wood flooring to give your bathroom a bit of charm.

Lighting is also important for your bathroom. Chances are your current lights are more functional than beautiful; they’re probably quite harsh and don’t add much flair. Try replacing them with LEDs. The light from LEDs is softer on the eyes and enhances how everything else in the bathroom looks.

Then, of course, there’s the scent. Bathrooms aren’t known for being the most pleasant-smelling areas of the house, but you can make it so with a few simple additions. First, you can put in some scent-absorbing items like baking soda or white vinegar. After that, consider adding a candle or two to give you bathroom a pleasant, welcoming scent. To keep odors out of your bathroom, leave the fan on and open the door once you’re done showering or bathing. This will air out your bathroom, preventing that musty mildew smell from polluting your bathroom.