Most of us look forward to the winter season for a variety of reasons.  Most of the time, winter symbolizes good times with family and friends as the holidays draw near.  We enjoy spending time with loved ones, and maybe even cozying up to a warm, crackling fire.  Yet with the coming of winter is the unpredictable weather and its often-unforgiving effects.  If you’re a home-owner, then you are probably already versed in the common winter plumbing issues.  All you need now is a few tips for how to avoid them.

            Cold weather and freezing temperatures can cause more than its fair share of headaches.  Among the top issues for winter weather are frozen pipes, broken water lines and failing hot water systems.  At Barner Murphy, we can help you prepare for these problems so that you’re better equipped with how to handle them when they occur.  If you are a comfortable DIYer, then you might want to tackle these issues alone; yet if you feel like you need a helping hand, Barner Murphy is here to assist.  We can help you minimize your chances of having to deal with these home-owning inconveniences.

            Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter weather issues.  Usually, frozen pipes are the result of high water pressure circulating through the main water pipe.  When the temperature reaches freezing, the pipes are prone to freezing and as a homeowner, you are faced with decreased water supply.  To help avoid dealing with frozen pipes, it’s often advised that you leave the faucet running at just a trickle.  If the water is allowed the opportunity to flow through, then there is less of a chance of it freezing.  Sometimes, however, you’ll still experience a frozen pipe.  When this happens, turn off the main water supply.  This will prevent the pipes from bursting.  You can also try warming the frozen pipe with warm water.

            Another winter headache is a broken water line.  A break in your water line can cause major home damage.  It is best to try and avoid this issue whenever possible, but in the unfortunate event that it occurs, the best course of action is to simply remain calm and try to find the source of the problem.  Usually, a frozen garden hose is to blame for a broken water line, so it’s advised to make sure that these sources of water are shut off before the temperatures actually freeze.  Make sure that your garden hoses are cleared and drained before the summer season ends.  If the problem seems insurmountable, remember that you can always call on Barner Murphy to help.

            Another common winter plumbing problem is a failing hot water system.  If you have a feeling that your hot water heater is not working to its potential, there are a few reasons that might be responsible for the issue.  One of the first steps for handling this problem is making sure that the temperature in the system is set high enough.  For those homeowners with gas heaters, you’ll have to double-check that the pilot light is still lit.  If you cannot detect any obvious issues, then it might be best to hire an expert from Barner Murphy to take a look and see what’s going on.  Seasonal checks on your hot water system can help avoid this issue altogether.       

Founded in 1873 by Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler and Charles Silberzahn, Kohler products have stood for quality, durability, and design excellence. Constantly, Kohler are pushing boundaries in design and features. From new dual-flush toilets that save water and money, to beautiful oil-rubbed bronze finishes, to carefully engineered shower heads that provide powerful blasts of water without wasting it. Kohler products are some of the best in the industry for your money, all backed by Barner Murphy quality installation and excellence.

Kohler is always innovating, trying to combine design with quality furnishings that help you save money and the environment. The new dual-flush lines of toilets are a perfect example of Kohler’s dedication to the environment. Instead of one handle, one flush, there are two options. The longer green lever uses less water and is intended for liquid waste. A second lever provides a full flush for solid waste, and the top of the tank is free to place toiletries or facial tissue. Using less water while flushing can help your family save up to $100 a year on your water bill!

Other innovations at Kohler include the gorgeous Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish, available on a wide selection of quality Kohler finishings, including sink, shower, and tub faucets; as well as showerheads and bodysprays. Hints of copper add visual interest to any bathroom, and captures the timeless beauty of old-world artisanship. If you’re interested in remodeling a bathroom, the Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish is definitely a part to consider in your design choices.

Finally, Kohler is revolutionizing the showerhead, in the Awaken Showering Components line. Aimed at providing the same design and strength of all signature Kohler products at a budget-friendly price. With designs based upon ones found in nature and in architectural forms, the Awaken line also is friendly to nature! The line meets strict LEED and WaterSense criteria for water conservation, so you know that your water is being used more efficiently.

At Barner Murphy we are dedicated to selling the best fixtures and furnishings as possible. Kohler is one of the few brands we offer our clients, because we want the best for them. When you order genuine Kohler parts, from Barner Murphy, you know that a Master Plumber will come to install them quickly and professionally. In the Philadelphia and Bucks County area, there are none better. We’re bonded and insured in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, so if you have a need for plumbing services or for a larger remodeling project, call us at 215-945-8560

Well, the water heater isn’t working again. How’d you find out? Was it the cold water in the shower this morning, or the huge leak at the base of the unit? Maybe it’s finally time to upgrade your water heater, especially with that cold Philly winter incoming! You should change your tank water heater every 10-13 years, while a tankless water heater will last around 18-20 years. Repairing a water heater may solve the problem in the short term, however, new water heaters are more efficient and more economical.

Why do water heaters fail, you may ask. Well, over time, minerals in water react with the steel inside your water heater, causing corrosion. Water heaters are a very simple appliance, without a lot of moving parts. So when the pilot light or if the heating element fails, it’s definitely time to get a new water heater.

So why get a new water heater? There are a lot of reasons, the main one being that modern water heaters are much more efficient. Manufacturers now use glass liners that help prevent corrosion as well as injecting foam insulation between the tank and its outer shell, resulting in better heat retention. There are even more “green” options such as solar water heaters (which qualifies for a tax credit!) as well as geothermal water heaters, if you live in the right area.

At Barner Murphy we recommend to install Bradford White water heaters, because of their unparalleled support for the plumbing and heating industry. With Bradford White, you get the most quality for your dollar, while also getting an expert installation by a Barner Murphy serviceman. Bradford White has a large selection of water heaters, from traditional natural gas and electrical units, as well as tankless and solar options.

After installation, your home’s water heater will be able to provide hot water for your entire home. Once a year, you should flush the tank to remove sediment that builds up inside, and every three years check the anode rod, sometimes called the sacrificial rod. The anode rod collects corrosive elements and should be replaced when eaten away or if waste is caked on.

At Barner Murphy of Bucks County we are committed to excellence within the plumbing and heating industry. We pride ourselves on being Master Plumbers, and bring the same quality to every job. We are bonded and insured in both Pennsylvania and in New Jersey. If you are in need of plumbing services or need a quote for a larger project in Philadelphia or Bucks and Montgomery county, contact us at 215-945-8560!

Are you a homeowner who enjoys DIY projects? Are you thinking about taking on a bathroom makeover project? If so, then you aren’t alone. Many people love the thought of remodeling, but many aren’t exactly sure where to begin. At Barner Murphy of Bucks County, we can help you decide on what the best kind of project might be for your particular needs. Maybe you’re looking for a full renovation, with eco-friendly appliances and brand new products. Or, maybe you’re simply looking to upgrade some of the older parts of your old bathroom. Whatever the case, Barner Murphy is here to assist.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to take on a bathroom renovation project, but just didn’t have the time to do it. Or perhaps you’ve been thinking about doing a little bit of bathroom decoration work, but need another set of eyes to help you choose the right appliances and products. At Barner Murphy, we pride ourselves on providing quality care to all of our Bucks County customers, and we work hard to ensure that your bathroom remodeling idea is a dream come true.

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to complete a bathroom remodeling project, we can help you with the pros and the cons. We can also provide you with the expertise that is necessary to take on an important job like a bathroom makeover. You can opt for an elaborate makeover with brand new appliances, or you can simply fix up a few of the less appealing parts of the old bathroom, instead. At Barner Murphy, we know that customer satisfaction is important. That’s why we’re here to assist you with all of your plumbing and bathroom makeover needs.

Are you a homeowner interested in learning how to implement more water efficient products into your household? If so, Barner Murphy of Bucks County can help you learn more about new products and new appliances that will help you on your way to designing a more energy efficient home. Even if you’re not new to household upgrades, you can still learn something new by chatting with our team, or by viewing the products on our website.

One of the most important points to remember when seeking water efficient products and appliances for your home is that some brands have specific labeling to ensure their efficiency standing. It’s a good idea to make sure that whatever product you choose has been verified by the EPA for meeting appropriate standards (look for WaterSense label).

Since a household toilet is often the main source of water use in a home, it goes without saying that investing in a water efficient toilet, preferably a newer model that uses less water per flush, is a wise choice for your household. Reducing toilet water usage is one of the best ways to get on track for a greener home environment. A product called the Five-Year Toilet Flapper works to ensure that less water is wasted. Another product called the Water Bank Toilet Dam is also a good option when it comes to water efficient products.

Other appliances such as innovative shower heads also help to reduce the amount of water that you might be using in your particular home. At Barner Murphy, we can help explain how these products and appliances work, and we can give you suggestions about which might work best in your home. ​Give us a call: (215) 945-8560

For those people who are established homeowners and even for those who have just purchased their first house, it can be of use to understand the benefits of an Autocirc pump. At Barner Murphy, we can help you decide if an Autocirc pump suits your particular needs, and we can help you find one that fits your particular home.

The Autocirc pump was originally designed with an efficient, permanent magnet motor. The purpose of the design was to ensure that it could be utilized with potable water systems. Because of its unique design, the Autocirc pump works fine with retrofits and no recirculation pipe is required. The Autocirc pump is controlled by both a thermostat and a timer.

If you are interested in learning more about the Autocirc pump, we can help you answer any questions. The pump has a built-in temperature sensor which turns on the pump when the water temperature inside your home’s water supply line reaches 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Likewise, the pump also turns on when the water supply in your home’s water supply line reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another feature of the Autocirc pump is its automatic timer. What’s more, the pump also serves to help decrease the water waste that usually results from silent leaks in toilets. An annual inspection of your toilets can help determine of you have any silent leaks caused by defective toilet parts. In addition, you can also check that no faucets are leaking, and that you have the most energy efficient washer installed in your home. High efficiency washers use up to 75% less water than conventional washers.

Did you know that there is more than one way to conserve water in your home or building? While many people assume that the best way to conserve water is to simply reduce overall usage, there are other, lesser known tips and tricks that can help cut down on water costs, and help conserve one of Earth’s most precious resources.

For one, most standard shower heads have 2.5 GPM, but there are other, more efficient shower heads that output as low as 1.25 GPM. At Barner Murphy, we like to assist our customers with finding the most water efficient products at the most competitive prices, especially when it comes to water conservation. If you’re looking to upgrade your old shower head, or simply replace it for a more efficient shower head, we can help you find a product that suits your needs.

It might not be common knowledge, but swapping toilets from the old 3 gallon models to the current 1.28 gallon models saves most families an average of 17,000 gallons of water per year. Years ago, the popular 1.6 gallon toilets usually had to be flushed at least twice to clear the toilet bowl completely. Nowadays, you don’t need to worry about these issues because of more efficient toilets. It’s no secret that the industry has come a long way and perfected its products so that modern, 1.28 gallon toilets operate much more efficiently.

One more tip for conserving water is to make sure that you don’t turn on your faucet and run it in an effort to get hot water. It’s estimated that the average family wastes up to 18,000 gallons of water every year waiting on hot water. One way to avoid this issue is to install a hot water recirculating pump. Newer models can even be retrofitted to match the needs of an older bathroom.

Have you been thinking about remodeling your bathroom, but unsure of where to start? Barner Murphy of Bucks County has been an industry leader for years, and we pride ourselves on giving our customers professional plumbing and bath remodeling services. We’ve got a few tips for the novice. 

What’s important to remember is that if you attempt to remodel a bathroom on your own, you’ve got to do it right, or a series of unwanted headaches can result in return. Budgeting ahead of time will help you stay focused on your project, and can help you keep on target with your plumbing, as well. A professionally remodeled bathroom provides a homeowner with years of added life, and it also improves the aesthetics. 

Now, let's talk about bathroom remodeling trends. One of the trends nowadays is to hide the toilet. A functional, yet pleasing bathroom can exist without the toilet being in plain view. Some remodelers like to do what’s referred to as a “Room in the room” style remodel, or even tuck the fixture behind a half wall. You can also get creative and place a piece of furniture inside the bathroom to serve as a sort of barrier. Some people have used dressers or desks to create a unique, artistic flair.

When it comes to bathroom sinks, porcelain is a big hit, although it does have a tendency to chip. Other popular favorites are stainless steel sinks, as well as enamel-on-steel sinks. Some people even opt for what are known as solid surface sinks, which function so that the sink can be incorporated into the countertop and vanity. You can even connect them to the backsplash, as well.

If you’re ready to remodel the bathroom countertops, the big favorites now are quartz and granite. While these two used to be big in the kitchen, they’ve now made their way into bathrooms all over the country. These two surfaces provide both durability as well as visual appeal. If you’re not interested in quartz or granite, you can always opt for traditional favorites.

As always, we can provide you with a wide variety of plumbing needs, whether you’re looking for a full installation, or just need help getting started on your remodel. Call us for a free quote: 215-945-8560

Looking to get your bathroom remodeled from a group of qualified skilled tradesmen? We are well known for excellent bathroom remodeling services in the following areas: Huntingdon Valley, Willow Grove, Jenkintown, Abington, NorthEast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Croydon, Bristol, Newtown, Yardley, Wrightstown, Richboro, Warminster.

Did you decide how you want to remodel your bathroom? Even if you have some ideas, it can be hard to put it all together considering all technical details. At Barner Murphy, we can help you create the perfect bathroom remodel project! Not only do we supply a designer, but every step of the remodeling is completed by a certified profession. We have carpenters, electrical workers, tile installers, shower door installers, painters, and more. As for the plumbing, you can leave that to us, the Master Plumbers! Our purpose behind having different professionals for different jobs is to insure the best service for all our clients.

At Barner Murphy, we believe in selling value and providing high quality end results. Give us a call at (215) 945-8560

Have you ever decided to undertake a home DIY project, only to find out weeks later that you got in over your head? If you’re like many earnest home owners, chances are you might have been in this kind of situation. Luckily, there are always ways to get yourself out of a bind, and to ensure that the rest of your project is completed with efficiency and quality.

At Barner Murphy, we work to ensure that your bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling needs are met with the utmost professional care. We understand the importance of having a quality remodel project completed, and we ensure that only our most valued tradesmen complete the project. Your plumbing needs are understood by everyone on our team, and we ensure that if you have any questions along the way, that one of our tradesmen will be happy to answer it for you.

Busted pipes and flooded homes are one reason to consider hiring a skilled, professional plumber as opposed to trying to tackle a plumbing job on your own. While the idea of doing your own plumbing job might initially sound appealing, there’s always the chance that the job might go haywire when you get only partially through the work. This is why it’s always a good idea to hire a professional who has several years of experience on the field. At Barner Murphy, we pride ourselves in providing quality work for anyone who requests it.