Spring time is a great season to get caught up on plumbing maintenance and annual checks. There are a host of tips and tricks that you can use to ensure that your plumbing systems are in tip-top shape just in time for the blooming May flowers. The following are just a few ideas that Barner Murphy has come up with to keep your plumbing responsibilities easy and effective.

1.  Check the bathroom and the kitchen for any plumbing problems. You can also do a quick check on your appliances and your equipment. An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure.

2. Do a thorough check on your gutters, downspouts and drains. These should always be free from debris for optimal functioning. In many parts of the country, spring time means heavy and frequent rains. If you aren’t prepared, you’ll be sure to find your hands full with cumbersome repair projects.

3. Check your plumbing pipes and make sure that they haven’t become home to any creatures from the natural world. This can include bird nests, twigs and leaves, to name a few.

4. Conduct a check on all of your faucets for potential leaks. If you don’t check for leaks you can find yourself with another time consuming repair job. Start by checking your sinks, and consider leaving a bowl under the faucet for an extended period of time to see if any water collects.

5. Inspect toilet bowl tanks for any signs of leakage or cracking.

At Barner Murphy, we understand that when it comes to home repairs and new projects, you want to use the best plumbing products that your money can buy. We carry a full line of top name brands, such as Bradford White, Kohler, Delta, Moen, Lochinvar, InSinkErator, Grohe, and Crown. The next time you’re in the market for quality products that will stand the test of time, consider the following that we carry at Barner Murphy.

• Bradford White: Are you looking for a top-rated residential water heater for your home? Barner Murphy offers Bradford White heaters in configurations for nearly every residential need. They are offered with fuel sources including natural gas, propane gas, electric, oil, and solar. Indirectly powered water heaters that use the heat for a boiler to heat potable water are also available for residential purposes. Bradford White offers various styles for individual needs including atmospheric vent, power-direct vent, power vent, direct vent, point-of-use, storage, and tankless models.

• Kohler: We also offer products from one of the global leaders in kitchen and bath design technology. Kohler is ahead of the pack in terms of design, craftsmanship and quality. Their products are available for economical projects as well as high end renovations. They offer a wide range of options for kitchen and bath fixtures, cabinetry, tile, stone, and even generators. Kohler is the recognized industry leader when it comes to kitchen and bath design.

• Delta: Barner Murphy also offers a full line of products from Delta Faucet, including kitchen and bathroom faucets to satisfy customers of varying needs. Their faucets and shower systems provide unique design and they come in a variety of price ranges. Some of their latest products areTouch20 Technology faucets, as well as In2ition Showers.

• Moen: If you’re looking to implement the number one faucet brand in the country, then Barner Murphy has you covered. Moen is the leader in unique kitchen and bath faucets. They also offer showerheads, accessories and bath safety products, as well.

• Lochinvar: Barner Murphy also provides a line of Lochinvar boilers, water heaters, pool and spa heaters. They also carry tanks, package systems and accessories. You can’t go wrong with a quality Lochinvar product, and we offer a variety of options to choose from.

• InSinkErator: Are you remodeling your kitchen and feeling overwhelmed with what products to choose from? InSinkErator is the world's largest manufacturer of garbage disposals and instant hot water dispensers for home and commercial use. For years, InSinkErator has been the top choice for homeowners across the world.

• Grohe: We also carry products from Grohe. They provide kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, thermostatic shower mixers, hand showers and shower systems They are known for producing some of the most inspiring designs in the industry.

• Crown Boiler: Barner Murphy is proud to carry a full line of Crown boiler products, as well. They offer residential, commercial, and indirect fired water heaters, as well as warm air furnaces and accessories.

Are you a homeowner looking for a new plumbing service? Maybe you’re thinking about remodeling one of your bathrooms, or even your kitchen. Whatever your individual needs, Barner Murphy is available to assist Bucks County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia and New Jersey. Selecting the right plumbing company can be an important decision when you own a house. Finding the right plumber can alleviate the stress and worry of your repair needs, whether they are large or small, and working with a team of professionals can make all the difference in the world.

Barner Murphy Inc. offers complete residential and light commercial plumbing services which include: new construction and complete plumbing installations for residential dwellings, office buildings, strip malls, dental and medical office fit-outs. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small home or a large medical building. Barner Murphy is available to provide you with a full range of plumbing services to meet your needs.

We provide services for both the kitchen and the bath, as well. Maybe you’re interested in remodeling one of your bathrooms, or maybe you just need to have some routine maintenance performed in your kitchen. We offer full kitchen and bathroom design and remodeling services using professional contracting partners for every phase of the project. You don’t need to worry about the quality of the work provided. Our team is dedicated, professional and detail-orientated, so you’re guaranteed an excellent outcome.

We also provide residents with water heaters. Our water heater of choice is Bradford White. This is the only major water heater manufacturer who fully supports the plumbing & heating industry. We stand behind their products, and we assist our customers with selecting the right heater for their individual needs. At Barner Murphy we provide residents with heating systems, as well. We do both gas and oil fired boiler installations, as well as baseboard heating, radiators, and in-floor radiant heating systems.

Barner Murphy also offers a full line of general plumbing services in Bucks County, such as garbage disposals faucet and fixture repairs and replacement, gas lines, Insta Hots, ice makers, frost-free hose faucets, sump pumps and backup systems. We also provide basement bathroom ejector pump systems and drain cleaning, as well.

Are you a homeowner in the process of a bathroom remodel?  Maybe you’re getting ready for an upgrade, and need a professional eye to guide you through the process.  Barner Murphy proudly serves Bucks County, and specializes in professional plumbing services. We offer a complete remodeling service, and have been serving the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas with quality services since 1996. 

When it comes to home remodeling projects, bathroom upgrades continue to steal the show, and are becoming even more popular than kitchen renovations. With so many resources and choices out there, it’s no wonder that homeowners are enjoying the new bathroom trends.  Some of these trends are worth noting, and can be incorporated into your bathroom remodel in a way that adds style and flair.  Transitional and contemporary style bathrooms are getting more attention than traditional designs, and a few of the trends are noted below.

Focal points

Trends now suggest that focal points in the bathroom are popular.  The idea is to make an intentional effort to create a point for the eye to be drawn to when you walk in the bathroom. Some homeowners master this feat by installing walk-in showers and freestanding tubs.  There are many ways to incorporate a focal point into the remodeling process.  Color, hardware and vanities are all examples of possible focal points.

Modern metallics

Upgrading your bathroom hardware is an easy way to add visual appeal and style to any bathroom. Oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel are just two metals that come in appealing colors and textures, and seem to be some of the most popular options.  Updating faucets is another way to upgrade with style.

Heated floors

While heated floors might seem too luxurious for some homeowners, they can be a life-changing upgrade in colder climates.  What’s more, installing heated floors is a great option for those who are looking to add to the overall value of their home.  Heated floors can also help you save money by allowing you to keep the temperature in your home lower during the colder months of the year, without having to worry about their floors being cold.

Energy and water savers

Energy savers are also big in 2016 trends. Many companies are now designing efficient showerheads. Most are simple for the average homeowner to install and they come in a variety of styles. Some homeowners opt for low flow heads that doesn’t require a lot of water use. These types of showerheads are great for efforts toward going green.

Low-flow toilets

Low-flow toilets are also popular.  One of the most popular options is the Kohler dual flush toilet. There are two flush buttons, and one releases much less water when a small volume is needed. 

Touch-activated faucets

Touch-activated faucets are also big.  A touch faucet is easy to turn on with a wrist or forearm and because your hands are free, it cuts down on messes.  Also popular in 2016 trends is motion-activated lighting.  These lights turn on as soon as you step into the bathroom and turn off when you leave.

Barner Murphy offers professional plumbing services for Bucks County, New Jersey and surrounding areas. We’ve been in operation since 1996, and we pride ourselves on providing quality plumbing services for all of our customers. In addition to our quality plumbing services, we also offer a complete remodeling service, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed on all of our work. We pride ourselves on delivering quality work, and we also like our customers to know that we’re on top of all the current trends. The following are just a few of the top bathroom trends of 2016.

1.     Think color.
Maybe you’re looking to add a new bathroom to your home. Or maybe you’re looking to plan one for a future home. Whatever the case, building the best bathroom is all about incorporating your own unique style into the plan. The current trend for 2016 definitely points toward vibrant color schemes. In fact, many people are reflecting on the beige color trends from years gone by, and are thankful that they are over. That being said, more people are now zoning tiled areas on the floor as opposed to just laying tile on the entire surface. Current trends show people playing more creatively with grouting options, too. The idea is basically to explore and have fun without being afraid of adding too much color, or of trying unique patterns.

2.     Natural is in.
Many people are naturally drawn toward classic and simple designs when it comes to their homes. We like to feel safe and nurtured, and we enjoy aesthetics that speak to warmth and comfort. Working with natural materials gives you the option of including all of these qualities. The current bathroom trends suggest stone, marble and wood coloring because of their calming effects, as well as their organic textures. By incorporating natural color schemes and textures in your bathroom, you can achieve a sense of tranquility and comfort that reflects balance and contentment. Granite, soapstone and quartz are big because of their ability to soften hard edges. They also complement many of the woods that are popular in bathroom cabinetry.

3.     Think eco-friendly. 
Many homeowners nowadays are shifting toward more natural and eco-friendly materials. There are an ever growing number of options when it comes to designing an eco-friendly bathroom, such as stone-esque finishes, engineered quartz, and woods like cherry. You can even look for other eco-friendly material like glass ceramic tile, linoleum and bamboo for your project. Recycled glass, paper and concrete are other big favorites in the eco-friendly bathroom. In addition, on-demand tank-less water heaters, energy saving short-run hot water lines and low flow toilets that use rainwater that is recycled from roof run-off are just a few of the other trends seen for 2016.

4.     Re-think your Jacuzzi.
Nowadays, many bathroom remodel projects look to re-claim wasted space. People are trending toward a style that speaks to safety, comfort, practicality and style. With this in mind, it goes without saying that there’s been an overwhelming push to remove soaking tubs or whirlpools and replace them with larger showers. Years ago, builders incorporated soaking tubs and Jacuzzis into the corners of master bedrooms, but homeowners discovered that they rarely used them. The reality is that most people opt to take a shower over soaking in a bath, so installing the larger shower is simply more practical. Jacuzzi style tubs are also hard to install and waste a lot of energy, making larger showers a more sensible choice for many remodels. People are also discovering that they can re-create the same spa-like experience in a larger shower that they could in a tub with some of the sleek new showerheads and LED lights, for example.

5.    High-tech features are popular.
Programmable showers with digital temperature controls, as well as color-alternating LED lights are just a few of the new tech features that homeowners are looking for in their new bathrooms. Self-cleaning toilets, dual-flush toilets and touch-less toilets are growing in popularity, as well. MP3 faucets are even available, as well as steam showers with touchpad controls, surround sound and mirrors that turn into TVs at the touch of a button. Some homeowners are even opting for remote controlled bathtubs and toilets, as well as therapeutic elements like aromatherapy, chromatherapy and oxygen infused soaking tubs.

Are you in the market for a new water heater? Are you interested in owning one of the best water heaters your money can buy? At Barner Murphy we know that when it comes to heating your home, you want both reliability and efficiency. We understand the importance of a high quality heating product, which is why we recommend Bradford White water heaters. 

You can count on Bradford White for all of your water heater needs. With a Bradford White water heater you benefit from low initial purchase and installation costs, excellent service, and low maintenance operation. The heaters come with self-cleaning features and a six year warranty on the controls. Bradford White offers a full line of high quality residential, commercial and industrial water heaters. 

Bradford White is one of the most proficient water heating manufacturers. They are technologically advanced which makes them one of the leaders in the industry. With headquarters outside of Philadelphia, the company builds all of its heaters for wholesale distribution in the United States, and is Energy Star qualified. A quick search for reviews of Bradford White water heaters will reveal their reputation for both high quality and efficient repairs.

At Barner Murphy we strive for the ultimate in customer satisfaction. We offer Bradford White water heaters because they are the only major water heater manufacturer who fully supports the plumbing and heating industry. Bradford White stands behind its commitment to quality and offers the highest quality products for your home. A Bradford White water heater is both high quality and high performance. If you’re thinking about exploring your options with a new water heater, you can’t go wrong with Bradford White.

Are you a homeowner looking to find creative ways to conserve water and electricity? At Barner Murphy we understand that finding the highest quality plumbing products for your home without breaking the bank can be a challenge. That’s why we like to impart our knowledge with the community so you feel empowered to make the wisest choices for your home. One of our favorite recommendations is the Laing Autocirc Pump.

Circulating pumps are frequently used in the home to circulate hot water so that your faucets provide hot water upon demand. They are also installed so that you can receive hot water a short time after turning on the faucet. In areas where water conservation issues are prominent, these pumps are a hot commodity. What’s more - with the growing populations and increasing urbanizations, many local water authorities now offer rebates to homeowners who are willing to install these water-conserving pumps in their homes.

Are you wondering just how much water you can potentially save with a circulating pump? Consider this: In your average one-way plumbing system, no circulation pump is used. Instead, the water is just transported from the water heater through the pipes to the tap. When you turn off the tap, the water that is still inside the pipes cools off. We all know what it’s like to stand next to a faucet, letting the water run while waiting for it to get hot. 

When you install a circulating pipe, a small amount of hot water circulates through the pipes from the heater to the faucet that is furthest away. The end result is hot water in your pipes at all times, and no water is wasted by letting the faucet run for five minutes until you get the hot water you’re waiting for. At Barner Murphy, we carry the Laing Autocirc lead-free pump, which was designed with an efficient, permanent magnet motor specifically for potable water systems. 

This pump is controlled by a timer and thermostat, and has a built-in temperature sensor that turns the pump on automatically when the water temperature in the hot water supply line cools down to 89.6ºF. The pump also turns off automatically when the water temperature reaches 95ºF. This allows you to access warm water in seconds, and hot water shortly after. The Laing Circulating Pump also has an adjustable timer, an energy efficient ECM motor, and a six foot power cord.

Plumbing trends for 2015 are an important way for those in the trade to keep informed of what to look for in the coming year. At Barner Murphy, we are proud to supply the Bucks county, New Jersey and surrounding areas with the highest quality plumbing services. Staying up to date on the new options in plumbing will guarantee that you have access to the best services and the highest quality products. Nowadays more homeowners are looking for the latest high tech options when it comes to remodeling projects in their homes.

In short, the plumbing industry is expected to experience steady growth in the next several years, and homeowners are expected to make even greater investments in their personal remodeling projects, as well. At Barner Murphy we understand your need to stay current on the newest plumbing trends, and the following are a few of our top plumbing trends for 2015. With technology playing a crucial role in the plumbing world, you’ll find even more products and services available in the upcoming years.

1. Personal Comfort and Technology

Many homeowners are now finding that the newest technologies for both kitchen and bathroom projects add a level of personal comfort that was not previously available. For example, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to listen to streaming music in their showers nowadays thanks to wireless technology. There are more and more devices now to give people that added touch of personal comfort that they desire in their homes. Bathroom music isn’t the only emerging plumbing trend, though. LED lighting is another increasingly popular addition to the plumbing world, as well. There are several products that now incorporate LED technology, including toilet bowl lighting and LED light rings for bathroom sinks.

2. Increasing home value

More and more homeowners are opting to complete upgrades now on their homes. Most of them are looking to both customize particular rooms in the home, such as the kitchen and the bathroom, and increase to the overall comfort of their surroundings. Trends reveal that homeowners often begin in the bathroom or the kitchen since this is where they spend the majority of their time. An understanding of plumbing technologies is pertinent for both the large retail suppliers and the small family owned shops in order to provide homeowners with the latest products and services. The general trend shows that homeowners wish to build technologically progressive homes and that plumbing products are part of this trend.

3. Going green

Environmentally friendly plumbing technology is increasing in popularity. Green products are both cost-effective and efficient.

Over time, homeowners will save money by investing in eco-conscious plumbing technology because these innovative products promote water reduction over time. This is beneficial for both homeowners and the environment. Green products are important for retailers to consider supplying, as trends show that the demand for their availability will increase over time.

Examples of green plumbing technology include energy efficient dishwashers and sprinkler systems. Finding the latest ways to conserve or reuse water is important to counter the rising cost of water. It is estimated that with rising costs, more homeowners will seek out plumbing products and services that decrease water use in their homes, such as greywater recycling. Advancements in plumbing technology suggest that greywater recycling will become increasingly popular in years to come. Tankless water heaters are another green product that provide both efficiency and savings.

As the winter season settles in, it’s time to start thinking about winter prevention for you’re your home. Being prepared for winter can minimize your chances of having to deal with the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes. The following are a few of our top suggestions for how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze. 

In the event that you do require service, Barner Murphy is ready to be of service. Serving Bucks County, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, we’ve been offering quality plumbing services since 1996. There are plenty of ways to help prevent frozen pipes in once temperatures drop. These are the first few steps to take as soon as you feel Jack Frost nipping at your nose. 

1.  If you have a swimming pool, drain the water and the sprinkler supply lines as recommended by the manufacturer’s directions. Make sure you don’t put any antifreeze in the supply lines unless specified because antifreeze can pose a health danger to pets and the surrounding environment.

2.  If you have water hoses outside, now is the time to roll them up and store them for the winter months. Be sure to close any inside valves, and open any outside hose bibs. This will allow water to drain. It is recommended that you also keep the outside valve open so that any remaining water in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to burst.

3.  Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

4.  Do you have any other water supply lines in your home? Check the basement, attic, and garage. Take a look under the bathroom and the kitchen cabinets. If you locate nay lines, you’ll want to make sure that you get these insulated. At Barner Murphy, we can help you figure out how to handle a job like this, and might recommend a pipe sleeve, heat tape, or a heat cable.

5.  It might sound second nature, but remember to keep your garage doors closed if you have water supply lines in there.

6.  Keeping both your bathroom and your kitchen doors open will allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. This is a simple suggestion that can save you a lot of hassle.

7. Many people are already familiar with the old advice that suggests letting the water drip from the faucet of exposed pipes. Letting the water drip or trickle prevents pipes from freezing, and is a tip that has worked for ages.

8.  Try to keep your thermostat set to the same temperature both day and night, if possible. Your heat bill might be a tad higher, but you’ll minimize your chances of an expensive repair job from freezing and bursting pipes.

Almost every homeowner or renter has had the experience of dealing with a minor plumbing emergency. Oftentimes, a slow drain or a clogged toilet simply need a little muscle and a plunger to function properly again. If you’re handy with tools, you can generally tackle a small repair such as changing out a worn washer or replacing a drain cover. However, more serious plumbing repair jobs need professional attention. Trying to repair some common issues such as slow drains or leaking toilets could lead to bigger problems later. At Barner Murphy, we understand that everyone has different needs, and we pride ourselves on providing the best quality service in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. 

We are a largely referral based company, and are proud that we now boast a second generation of customers using our plumbing service. We offer a full line of services for all of your residential service work needs, from dripping faucets to fixture replacement. At Barner Murphy, we understand the value of quality plumbing repairs and customer service. You can count on us for honest and dependable services at a reasonable cost. 

When it comes to faucet repair, you’ll need to be ready to turn off the water and take out the faucet. In some cases, the issue is with the brass seal situated behind the washer. If you don’t feel prepared to change the washer and repair it with a seating wrench, then it’s time to call the professionals. At Barner Murphy, we specialize in handling a wide range of residential plumbing needs. We have the competence to handle a variety of simple and complex plumbing issues, and we guarantee our services.

If you want to avoid wasting water from leaky old faucets or low flow toilets, the best way to handle it is by either fixing or replacing the old and defective one. This will not only let you conserve water, but it will also enhance the appearance of your sink or toilet. At Barner Murphy, we stand behind our services and work hard to see that our customers receive the best plumbing fixtures for their individual needs. In addition, our plumbing experts not only help you improve your plumbing fixtures, they also help you enhance the beauty of your bathroom or kitchen, as well.