
Thursday, June 13 2024
Many of us look forward to cool showers during the summer. They help us cool down and beat the heat. Unfortunately, the hot weather can damage our plumbing systems. The water may not be there when we need it most. So how can you prevent summer-related problems from damaging your plumbing system? Read on to find out. What are Common Summer-Related Plumbing Issues?LeaksLeaks are prone to occur when hot weather causes pipes to expand. You can avoid leaks with the following practices: · Wrap Exterior Pipes: Wrap rags and towels around exterior pipes and secure them with duct tape. Doing so will support them during the summer. Leaks will be less likely to occur. It will also protect them from cold in the winter. · Limit Water Use: Summer is when we use more water, but increased water use can put pressure on your pipes and increase leak risk. Be mindful of the water you use. Avoid using multiple water sources at the same time. · Check for Leaks: Look for signs of leaks to prevent a small problem from getting worse. Damp spots, stains, bulges in the walls and ceilings, mold, high water bills, and low water pressure are common leak indications. If you suspect a leak, shut off all water sources in your home and check the water meter. If it’s running, your pipes may be leaking. Low Water PressureA leak can cause low water pressure, but it can also be caused by excessive water use during the summer. This is another reason to be mindful of your water use. Tree Root InfiltrationThe summer is the time when plants and trees grow the most. They often grow towards plumbing systems when they seek out water. They can wrap around or grow into underground pipes and cause damage. There are several ways to prevent trees from growing into pipes. Here are some tips: · Pipe Liners: Pipe liners can support pipes. Installation does not require underground digging. They will deflect roots away from your pipes to prevent damage. · Root Barrier: Root barriers act as a barrier between tree roots and underground pipes. They will contain the roots so they don’t grow into your plumbing system. · Remove Trees Near Plumbing Systems: No one likes to cut down trees, but if a tree is about to grow into your plumbing system, it may be the best option. · Trim Tree Roots: A professional tree trimmer can trim your tree roots so they don’t interfere with your pipes. · Install PVC Pipes: PVC pipes are strong and resistant to tree root growth. If you don’t have PVC pipes, consider an upgrade. · Install an Air Gap Filtration System: These systems can break up sediment, dirt, rust, and tree roots to prevent blockages in your system. Call Barner Murphy PlumbingBarner Murphy can help you solve many of the plumbing issues that occur when temperatures rise. We have been serving New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas since 1996. We are a plumber you can trust. Contact us for a free estimate today. Tuesday, May 21 2024
Plumbing problems can arise at any time. Somehow, however, it seems it’s always the worst possible moment. You have company. You’re heading out of the house. Truthfully, there isn’t really a great time for plumbing to go awry. The best way of dealing with emergency plumbing situations is to have a good idea of your next best steps. Making That CallAt Barner Murphy, we repeatedly get calls in which the first words are, “I need help!”. After all, minimizing the damage is your priority. Absolutely reach out to a plumbing professional immediately. But try to use one you trust. Some companies are more than happy to overcharge you because it’s an emergency, and they can play on your worries. Our professionals at Barner Murphy will respond quickly to your problems. After they arrive, they will inspect your property and give you an estimate before any work begins. Throughout the process, we will also offer information on keeping things safe in the future. One of our missions is maintaining a strong foundation of trust with all our clients. Should you Do it Yourself?The internet is replete with self-help guides on plumbing problems. That’s all well and good, but you probably don’t have time to wade through instructions at the moment. This is doubly true if you have no experience with plumbing other than your hot water tank! Take care, as trying to repair the issue completely yourself may create more damage. It’s worth noting that some aspects of plumbing require a Licensed individual and/or permits from your town. Common Emergency Plumbing Situations: What to DoNo matter the situation, it’s important to think about safety. There are some hazards, like slick floors, that plumbing problems can create. Keep your eyes peeled. Clogged PipesOne of the most common problems people face is clogged pipes. While this might not sound like an emergency, when your toilet backs up, it quickly becomes one. Turn off your water valve to avoid overflowing. Lay down towels to soak up excess water. Before using any chemicals (some of which can damage your pipes), try hot water and a plunger. When the clog refuses to budge, it’s time to seek experienced help. SewerSewer backups are worse than clogs because they pose a health hazard. This is considered a high-priority emergency plumbing situation. Contact an expert. Depending on the severity, you may also have to contact whatever company handles the public sewers in your area. Water LeaksThen there are leaks. Leaks can be sneaky. You may not know about them until some damage is done. When you do discover a leak, make sure to unplug any nearby appliances. If items are easily damaged by water, move them to a dry space. Grab some towels to keep lingering water to a minimum. Then, give Barner Murphy a call, and we’ll come out to appraise the situation and fix it properly. Burst PipesBurst pipes are worse than leaks. This creates the scenario for far more potential water. So, your first best step is to turn off the water supply. Call a professional plumber. While you wait for their arrival, clean up as much of the water as you can. Barner Murphy: Fast, Efficient, DependableOur master plumbers at Barner Muphy are no strangers to dealing with emergency plumbing situations. We pride ourselves on quality work you can depend on. Give us a call at our Levittown, PA office (215-945-8650). We have an online contact form, too, but a phone call yields a swift response.Thursday, April 18 2024
Garbage disposals offer a convenient way to break down food waste, but just like any other plumbing unit, they can get clogged. Clogs can occur if you grind too much food at once if you grind the wrong foods, if you run hot water through the disposal, or if you don’t use enough water. Your garbage disposal may also become blocked if you don’t clean it frequently enough. Fortunately, in most instances, garbage disposals can be unblocked through DIY methods. Here are some you can try. Manual Unclogging1. Disconnect the power. 2. Look for what’s causing the clog: Use a flashlight to see if you can spot debris that may be clogging your drain. Use pliers to clear the debris. Do not use your hands as they may get cut on the disposal blades. 3. Plunge the Disposal: A plunge may be necessary if there is standing water in your garbage disposal. If you have a double sink, remove your dishwasher before you begin. Cover the drain and plunge up and down until the clog clears. Then, run cold water through the drain. 4. Use a Cleaner Tablet: A cleaner tablet will wash away the remaining debris and ensure your drain is clear. 5. Remove and Clean the P-trap: If your disposal is still clogged, you may need to remove and clean the P-trap. Place a bucket under the pipe to catch water and food waste. Use channel-lock pliers to disconnect the fittings. Use a scrub brush, wire, or straightened clothes hanger to clear the clog. Dump the debris in the bucket. Replace the pipe. 6. Clean the Trap Arm: You may also clean out the trap arm, which connects the P-trap to the wall. Disconnect the trap arm with your channel lock pliers. Clean out any debris, then reconnect the piping. How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal That Won’t Spin· Reset the Disposal: If your garbage disposal doesn’t spin, you may correct the issue by hitting the reset button. Turn off or disconnect the garbage disposal. Then, press the reset button. · Manually Unjam it with an Allen Wrench: If the unit still doesn’t spin, you may have to use an Allen wrench. Disconnect or power down the unit. Insert the wrench into a hexagonal slot on the bottom of your unit. Turn it clockwise and counterclockwise until the jam clears. · Use A Wooden Handle: If your garbage disposal does not have a reset button or hexagon slot, you can use a wooden handle to reset it. Place the wooden handle into or next to the drain. Move the handle back and forth until items are unstuck. Use pliers or tongs to remove them. Call a ProfessionalIf you have tried everything and the disposal is still clogged, you may need to call a professional. Barner Murphy offers professional plumbing services in Bucks County, PA. We are fully licensed, bonded, and ensured. We guarantee quality workmanship for various residential and commercial plumbing needs. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services. Sunday, March 24 2024
Most people don’t think much about the ins and outs of their plumbing systems, that is, until something goes wrong. The drip-drip-drip begins, the toilet backs up, etc. What you don’t know is that you can use plumbing safety measures to protect your home and family. Why protection? At Barner Murphy we know from experience that plumbing issues can impact the functionality of your home. More importantly, faulty plumbing can prove to be a risk to your property. Always think about safety first. If you think there’s a problem, call a professional. DYI is fine for small things, but plumbing is a complex system. You want a professional to get to the heart of things and ensure everything is fixed correctly the first time. What Hazards Can Plumbing Problems Create?The most common hazard from plumbing problems is mold. If you have leaks, mold loves that environment. One example is black mold. You’ll know it when you see it. Black mold is true to its name. Many people have allergic reactions to this fungus. Because of the spores, it’s always suggested you find an expert to alleviate this problem. Then, there’s the potential of structural damage. Depending on the types of materials in your home, exposure to water can weaken them to the point of failing. You know the stories of someone’s tub falling from the apartment above? Things like this can happen. You definitely need a professional now, and potentially permits, too! For your family, water leaks create slippery surfaces. People may slip and fall, particularly the elderly and young children. If it’s outdoors, your delivery people are at risk, likewise. Depending on where the problem occurs, faulty plumbing can decrease the integrity of your water. Or it may leak toward electrical wiring. So, what’s the best bet? Putting into place safety measures as professionals, like ours at Barney Murphy, suggest. Plumbing Safety Tips:
What Can Barner Murphy Do For You?If you want to keep your house plumbing running smoothly without any hazards, schedule regular inspections with us. We’re licensed and can spot issues before they become far worse. In the end, this saves money because things are in tip-top shape. During our inspections, we can clean the drains to avoid clogs. If you want more plumbing safety tips or want to protect your family and home from plumbing hazards, contact us. We service Bucks and Montgomery, PA. Phone: 215-945-8560 Thursday, February 22 2024
Some folk want to be experts on everything, and that is how myths spread. At Barner Murphy, we’ve run into our fair share of myths while serving our customers. There are misconceptions about the best way in which to maintain your plumbing systems. Some of these myths can actually damage your plumbing. So let’s take a look at plumbing myths and separating fact from fiction. Here are 9 Plumbing Myths Debunked.
As you can see, Debunking Plumbing Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction can help you make informed decisions about the details in your contract. The Barner Murphy DifferenceAt Barner Murphy, we commit ourselves to quality work, and we guarantee it. Our company services Bucks and Montgomery Counties, PA. If you have questions about what is true and what is not in plumbing, our staff stands ready to help you. Our Address is 7204 Hibbs Lane, Levittown, PA 19057 Phone: 215-945-8560 Feel free to use our online form as well. Tuesday, January 23 2024
You may have friends or family members with water filtration systems and wonder why they’re important. After all, you can go buy a little pitcher for filtering your water. A quality home water filtration system is vastly different. Having one offers several benefits, not the least of which is clean, safe water. What’s in Your Water?Nearly everyone goes to get a glass of water from the sink with little thought. The reality is that your water contains chemicals, chlorine, bacteria, and pesticides, any of which could affect your health or that of infants, immune-compromised family members, or older adults. Some illnesses triggered by contaminated water include kidney stones, colds, and hepatitis A. In fact, the importance of quality water filtration systems inspired an information page on the Centers for Disease Control site regarding water treatment technologies for the home, like those we offer at Barner Murphy. Not everyone’s water is the same, meaning you need to choose the right filtration system for your home. You can begin by getting a water quality report from the local water authority. If you have a private well, you may want to reach out to a nearby cooperative for assistance. With your report tightly in your hands, you can determine what contaminants are most important to reduce. Filtration systems vary on what they remove. Many people opt for a point-of-use system. In other words, it treats water from where you use water. By comparison, a whole-house treatment includes UV microbiological systems. The filter is adjacent to your water meter or storage tank. Tastes Great?Water filtration systems transform tap water, improving its flavor and smell (yes, water has a flavor!). This, in turn, encourages more water consumption, something that contributes to personal hydration and better health. Having filtered water for boiling or cooking can improve the overall flavor profile of what you eat, too. Going Green:Water filtration systems reduce plastic waste by providing sustainable water without bottles. Single-use bottles contribute significantly to landfill waste. The production of bottled water is energy-hungry compared to quality water filtration systems. And there are more environmental benefits as well. For example, because filtered water comes right out of your tap, you’re less likely to go out to buy bottled water from natural water resources. It’s less expensive, too. It’s noteworthy that some bottled water brands do nothing more than re-bottle plain water. An investment in a quality filtration system reduces your carbon footprint. It’s an eco-friendly (and user-friendly) alternative that provides clean water instead of buying it. Barner Murphy’s Help in Choosing and Installing Your Water Filtration SystemBarner Murphy offers the best service system in Buck’s County, PA. We can review the importance of quality water filtration systems and then go on to review what’s best for your home. With a team of master plumbers, we guarantee the quality of our workmanship. Don't hesitate to call our office at 215-945-8560 or use our online contact form for more information. Friday, December 15 2023
Here at Barner Murphy, we know that protecting your plumbing during colder seasons is crucial to prevent freezing and potential damage. There are some simple steps to help alleviate this possibility:
Signs of a Frozen PipeEven the best efforts to protect your plumbing in colder seasons may not work. Frozen pipes can significantly damage a home, so you want to catch the problem as soon as possible. Take Note if you’re having trouble in any of these areas, make a list. Then, call on Barner Murphy’s master plumbers for remediation.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, it is important to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Turn off the main water supply to your home, and apply gentle heat to the frozen section using a hairdryer or heating pad. These are make-shift fixes until you have a plumber on site. We provide quality work and guarantee the results. If something needs to be replaced, Barner Murphy has selected excellent products we use regularly. Call us at 215-945-8650 or use our online contact form for more information. Sunday, November 12 2023
If you’ve started your search for a new water heater, you’ll come in contact with the possibility of a tankless system. When you buy, it’s important you choose the right product for your home. Tankless systems are popular because they eliminate the need for a tank, freeing up space in your cellar. They are also more energy-efficient. On the downside, tankless systems have a higher up-front cost. You’ll need services from a company like Barner Murphy to wire things and put in appropriate plumbing changes. Tank water heaters store water and keep it heated for ready use. They are less expensive but eat up more energy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as you compare the two. Comparing Pros and ConsTankedTanked water heaters are the traditional way to go. You can rely on them; they are budget-friendly, and they are simple to maintain. On the downside, you have a limited hot water supply based on the capacity of your tank. Tanked water heaters use more energy than tankless ones TanklessAlso called on-demand water heaters, tankless systems have become more popular. You have an endless hot water supply. No more moments of having your shower water go cold! Tankless water heaters don’t store water. They simply warm it up as needed. For people with a limited amount of floor space in the cellar, tankless systems mount on the wall! If need be, they can even go outside. Plus, tankless models last longer than traditional tanked ones. Energy efficiency is a big plus with tankless systems. According to the Department of Energy, if you use less than 41 gallons of hot water daily, on-demand hot water systems can significantly reduce energy usage by between 24-34%. On average, you can save about $100 a year for a gas-fired model. The main downfall of tankless heaters is the upfront cost. Over time, you will make that back in energy savings. Also, be aware that if you are using several outlets at the same time, the flow rate may be slower. ConsiderationsFew people are plumbing savvy. Give Barner Murphy a call to help you review your options. We will walk you through specific points including
We can also go over the option of retrofitting a tankless water heater and replacing the tank. This takes a little more time to complete the task. However, you have the peace of mind in knowing the tankless system lasts nearly twice as long as traditional water heaters. Summary:If you can afford a tankless system, it has more advantages than a tanked one, in our opinion, as professional plumbers. In Barner Murphy’s years of service, our goal has always been to provide customers with the best products and choices based on their lifestyles. If you’re on a fixed income, we’ll find a tank system suited to your home. Barner Murphy Plumbing and Heating is in Levittown, PA. We guarantee quality work. Give us a call at 215-945-8560. Or use our online contact form to send us your questions or make an appointment. Wednesday, October 11 2023
As the leading plumbing company in Bucks County, here at Barner Murphy Plumbing, we’ve seen it all! And one of the most common phone calls we get is from someone who tried to do their own plumbing and encountered a problem along the way. Of course, there are a few small projects around the house that you may be able to do yourself, but if you are taking on a plumbing project, make sure to avoid these four common mistakes! 1. Not Paying Attention When Taking Plumbing ApartWhether dealing with a leaky sink or a blocked drain, many people attempt to take apart their plumbing to solve the problem without calling a professional. And one of the most common problems we hear about is that when doing so, people simply forget to pay attention and document how the plumbing was put together and cannot seem to get it back to the way it was. So if you are taking your home plumbing apart, we recommend taking photos of the process and writing down notes as you go so that this doesn’t happen to you. 2. Overtightening ConnectionsWhen connecting pipes, tubes, and fittings, one of the habitual mistakes amateurs make is overtighting the connections. Overtightening can lead to cracks, leaks, and even breaks in your plumbing, so it's absolutely essential to follow the instructions correctly and tighten all connections gently. 3. Using the Wrong Connectors or PipesAnother common error people make when DIY plumbing is to use the wrong connectors or pipes for a specific project. Different pipes require different types of coupling to ensure they don’t corrode. For example, a dielectric union is used to keep different kinds of steel from touching one another, and if you don’t know what a dielectric union is, you’re very likely to make a big mistake. So it’s wildly important that if you do plan to buy and install your own connectors and pipes you know what they’re made of and how they need to be safely connected before doing so. 4. Not Turning Off the WaterAlthough it may sound ridiculous, the absolute most common mistake people make when doing their own plumbing without a professional is forgetting to turn off the water before they begin. If you do not turn off the water, not only do you risk flooding your home, but it can also cause serious damage to the pipes and connections you’re attempting to fix. That’s why it’s extremely important that you locate the water main in your home and turn it off completely before doing any home plumbing projects. It’s important to understand that plumbing is a very difficult and delicate job and that there is a wide variety of things that can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. But if you decided to take on a project anyway and already made one of these or another plumbing mistake, don’t worry. You can call us here at Barner Murphy Plumbing Inc. at 215-945-8560 any time, and we’ll be happy to help. Monday, September 25 2023
There is no such thing as a “good” time for emergency plumbing situations. Sometimes it feels like they happen at the worst possible moment. Whatever happens, it’s important to have some knowledge of how to respond to minimize damage until a plumber arrives. Here are some of the most common emergency plumbing situations that we see time and time again at Barner Murphy. Emergency Plumbing Situations
Don’t Panic!It’s perfectly understandable that your first reaction to water issues is panicking. You don’t want water damage. If you’re just calling around for emergency service, you may choose one that takes advantage of your situation. So take a few minutes assessing options and compare service call fees and warranties. Bear in mind, some plumbing problems may require specially certified individuals for repair. The professionals at Barner Murphy respond to the problem and provide fair estimates. We are not only there for servicing but also providing information about the situation and other potential “hot spots” in your home. This is why we have a solid foundation of trust with our regular clients. DYI?Some people have a bit of knowledge about plumbing. On the other hand, if you haven’t got a clue, this is not the time for tinkering. Some DYI efforts make matters worse. Calling Barner MurphyYou’ve done all you can personally to minimize damage from an emergency plumbing situation. If those efforts yielded no results, give us a call (215-945-8650). We have a highly trained staff who can answer your questions. We have an online contact form, but a phone call yields a swift response. |