When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, there are a few key points to keep in mind.  For one, you want your bathroom to look great when it’s completed.  You also want it to function as well as, if not better than it functioned before.  If you’re a seasoned DIYer, then you might feel comfortable giving it a go alone.  For many homeowners, however, the task can seem daunting, and it might be in your best interest to get a little extra assistance.  

    If you find yourself ready to take on the demands of a bathroom renovation, then you can do so alone, or you can call Barner Murphy.  We know what it takes to complete a bathroom remodel project, and we also know what it takes to make sure that your bathroom turns out exactly as you imagined.  For some people, the idea of remodeling a bathroom can be a daunting one, or one that might be best left to the experts.  Whatever your individual case is, rest assured that Barner Murphy can help with any stage of the project that you need help with.

    As far as bathroom remodel projects go, there is a lot of leeway for both design and practicality.  Many people are moving toward more eco-friendly designs, but this does not mean that you need to compromise on creativity and flair.  In fact, many of the newer eco-friendly designs today are both functional and fun, leaving lots of room for the imagination.  If you’ve decided to take on the task alone, then Barner Murphy can help you get started.  If you’ve decided that it might be best to get a little bit of professional support, then we can assist you with that, too.  

    One of the best parts about a bathroom remodel is that you can get creative and still be efficient.  If you have never tried to remodel a bathroom, then the professionals at Barner Murphy can help you get started.  We know that you want your bathroom to look great, and we’ll do whatever it takes to see that you’re happy with the outcome.  It’s always a good idea to use some kind of a planner to formulate your ideas.  There are plenty of apps and online notebooks that can be utilized to help you see tour project through.  Barner Murphy is here to help, as well.  We work with customers in the Bucks County and surrounding area, and we are always ready to help you with a new and exciting project.

    If you are a home owner, or even a potential homeowner, then you understand that plumbing services are almost always a necessity at some point.  At Barner Murphy of Bucks County, we understand the importance of having a local plumbing company that is available to assist with both emergency and non-emergency services.  Our full-service plumbing company satisfies the needs of both residential and commercial clients in the Bucks County and surrounding area.  When it comes to handling any sort of plumbing issue, whether it’s big or small, we’ve got you covered.

    Barner Murphy knows that it makes a difference when you hire a local plumbing company as opposed to one of the national plumbing chain companies.  For one, with a company like ours, you’re guaranteed better prices and more efficient service.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality work and we also try to make sure that our customers are satisfied with the quotes they receive before we begin any services.  

    Some of the larger plumbing companies out there will do whatever they can to make money.  At Barner Murphy, we prove to be just the opposite.  Our customer satisfaction is what’s most important and we do whatever it takes to ensure that you’re completely satisfied with the work that we perform at your residence or commercial establishment.  Over the years we’ve worked hard to garner a loyal customer base, and we rely on testimonials to back our claims.  We know that it takes a lot of dedication to stand out from the other plumbing companies, so we work hard to make sure that we earn your business every time we complete a project.  We will always do what we can to exceed your expectations.  

    Jobs that Barner Murphy will accept include everything from installation of sinks and faucets, septic system repair, and basement flooding repairs.  We can also step in to assist with DIY projects that might need some tweaking, and we are always ready to fix a simple clog or drain issue, as well.  Our master plumbers and technicians never try to cut corners and they do whatever is necessary to find the most practical solution to whatever problem you are facing.  If you’re looking for a local, honest plumbing company in the Bucks County or surrounding area, then Barner Murphy is ready to assist.  No job is too big or too small.  

    Have you been looking at your house lately, thinking of new ways to spruce up the kitchen, or maybe new ways to deck out the basement?  If so, then you aren’t alone.  Most homeowners go through a period where they decide that it would be fun, or maybe just necessary, to begin a home renovation project.  Maybe you have a room that needs attention because it was never used previously.  Or maybe you had some water damage to a room and really just need to renovate so that it remains safe and livable.  Whatever your unique situation, Barner Murphy understands that it’s important to follow your instinct and start a renovation project when the time is right.

    Beginning the actual renovation is one of the trickiest steps.  Nobody has a perfect home.  Yet sometimes you don’t realize all of your home’s imperfections until you decide to take on a renovation project.  For many people, the annoyances that most often prompt a renovation are worn, outdated tiles, low ceilings, damaged or dated cabinets in the kitchen space, and sometimes even electrical outlet issues.  Everyone’s home is different, so it’s important to make a list and decide which room, or rooms, you want to tackle first, and what major goals you have in mind for the renovation.

    Another aspect of DIY home renovating involves what most contractors refer to as dependencies.  The most common dependencies in homes are cabinetry and tile because in most cases tile is installed after cabinetry.  That being said, if you decide to change the cabinetry layout, you will often need to redo the tile work, as well.  In essence, a cabinetry renovation and a tile renovation often go hand in hand, so you should plan on completing both, together, as part of a DIY renovation.

    One of the most helpful and exciting parts of a home renovation project is the dreaming phase.  In this stage, you’ll want to hash out all of your ideas for what the renovation should look like.  What kind of completed project do you envision?  How long do you estimate the project will take?  It’s a good idea to give yourself a flexible time frame to account for any issues that might arise.  Many homeowners like to browse the local bookstore in the home improvement book or magazine section to garner ideas.  Others like to seek creative inspiration online through sites such as Pinterest or Houzz.  Barner Murphy of Bucks County is always happy to step in if you find that you need some assistance with any phase of your DIY renovation project.

Are you a home owner looking to get yourself prepared for the winter season?  Do you dread the thought of waking up in the morning to frozen pipes?  If so, you aren’t alone.  As a new or as a seasoned home owner, dealing with frozen pipes is never much fun. However, there are ways to minimize your chances of having to deal with frozen pipes and there are simple measures you can take to ensure that your home remains safe and warm even when the temperatures dip.

At Barner Murphy we know that you want your family to be safe and warm when winter rolls in.  Our dedicated team is here to help you with nay of the home winterization tips that you decide to implement. Hundreds of families all over the country have to deal with frozen pipes at some point, but most of the time this situation can easily be avoided.  Rapid drops in temperature, poor insulation and thermostats that are not set high enough can all contribute to a situation that results in frozen pipes.  By taking a few precautions, you can minimize your chances of having to deal with the hassle and the headache of frozen pipes in the dead of winter.

Insulating your pipes is one of the best ways to decrease your chances of having frozen pipes.  You can insulate any visible areas, and even insulate those spaces that you don’t typically see, such as crawl spaces or attic spaces.  Any exposed pipes are susceptible to becoming frozen.  One tip is to remember that the more insulation you can use, the less likely your chances are of having to deal with frozen pipes.  Some people like to use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables.  You can simply follow the instructions and do the insulation yourself, or call Barner Murphy and have one of our experts come out to assist you.

Winter plumbing doesn’t have to be a hassle if you adhere to these suggestions.  Sealing leaks is a good idea, too.  Make sure that you check around any spaces where cold air can seep in, such as electrical wiring areas, dryer vents, and piping.  You can use caulk or insulation to keep the cold air away from these susceptible spaces.  Another helpful winter plumbing tip is to make sure that you disconnect all garden hoses and use an indoor valve if possible to turn off the water supply that leads outside.  This will minimize your chances of having to deal with frozen pipes.  
 

Every home owner knows that preparing your home for winter is critically important to both safety and comfort.  If you are a first-time home owner, it might seem like a lot of work in the beginning, yet with the right preparation you’ll be on your way to a winterized home that is both safe and efficient for you and your family.  If at any point you feel like you need the voice of an expert, the crew at Barner Murphy is here to help with advice and suggestions.

One of the first ways that you can work to prepare your home for winter is by making sure to avoid frozen pipes.  It’s important to keep an eye on your water pressure this time of year since the first sign of frozen pipes is usually restricted water flow from one of the faucets inside your home.  It’s important to make sure that if you do notice restricted water flow that you call on someone to help remedy the issue.  At Barner Murphy, we’re here to help make sure that frozen pipes aren’t a headache that you need to deal with.

Another winter plumbing tip is to turn on the water in your faucet and let it trickle at night.  Allowing your water to trickle out at night, when the temperature is coldest, allows you to help keep the water in motion.  This eliminates the chances of the water actually freezing, and you don’t have to worry about frozen pipes.  Another quick tip along the same lines is to disconnect your garden hoses that might still be connected outside.  Disconnecting garden hoses helps decrease the chances of ice forming and pressure building up inside your home’s water line. 

Another winterizing plumbing tip is to make use of the shut-off valves that are located inside your home.  Doing so helps to drain the water from pipes that lead to outdoor hose bibs.  These valves are typically found underneath sinks. In crawl spaces or basements, or near your water heater or meter.  Take some time to get familiarized with these valves before the dead of winter hits so that you can handle the preparation without feeling pressured to do so when you’re least expecting it.  At Barner Murphy we can assist with any of your winter plumbing needs.  By following these tips you’ll be more prepared for winter than ever, and ready to meet Jack Frost head on.

            When it comes to owning a house, there a whole host of concerns and issues to be on top of.  You might be a seasoned home owner, or you might have just purchased your first home.  Regardless of your living situation, there’s one common denominator:  Owning a house takes work.  If you happen to be a busy professional, then chances are that you don’t have luxury time to handle inconvenient home repairs and plumbing issues.  This is where the professionals at Barner Murphy can step in and make your life a lot easier.

            Barner Murphy is proud to serve Bucks county and the surrounding areas.  Each of the experts at our company takes the time to make sure that you feel comfortable addressing your plumbing needs with us.  Because we specialize in a wide range of plumbing services, our professionals know exactly how to handle a broad range of home and residential plumbing needs.  What’s more, we also offer a complete home remodeling service, as well.

            If you live in the Pennsylvania or New Jersey area, then you can rest assured that all of your plumbing need are covered.  Barner Murphy is a specialized group of master plumbers who provide only the highest quality home and residential plumbing services.  We’ve been at this since 1996, and we always of our best to make sure that each and every one of our clients feels respected and understood.  We know that home plumbing repairs can be stressful events, so we do our best to see that you feel reassured about the process.

            Each one of our master plumbers understands the importance of communication and we strive for top-notch customer service in all that we do.  We make sure that if you expect to see us on a job that we’re there to meet you on time and eager to get started.  We go the extra mile when it comes to focusing our efforts on customer satisfaction and we also do whatever it takes to ensure that you feel confident in our services.  We want you to feel happy with our work, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that your needs are met.

            Barner Murphy is proud to claim that we are a referral based company.  In fact, we can now claim to have second generation customers using our plumbing services.  This makes us proud, and asserts the fact that we do our best when it comes to providing only the best customer service and only high-quality plumbers.  We are happy to answer any questions that you might have during any phase of the project, and we love to make you feel confident in our final result.

            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.