Are you a homeowner who’s wondering what the latest bathroom trends are? Maybe you’re interested in a bathroom of the future, which combines great design with futuristic features. At Barner Murphy, we help all of our customers reach their goals through bathroom design and renovation. We’ve been keeping up on the latest trends and have a few futuristic bathroom ideas to share.

            Digital shower controls are the wave of the future. Most of us are used to turning a handle to activate a stream of water before stepping into the shower. Now Smart systems like the U by Moen have stepped into the picture and they’re offering shower control right from the control of your phone. You can even use a voice or control panel if you want.

            With one of these Moen shower controls, you can even turn your shower on and off. You can set up showering preferences, as well. These allow you to control the temperature and create personalized presets in the app. In addition, you can even control the shower with your voice because the smart system works with Alexa-enabled devices. With such high-tech options coming our way, the options for bathroom design are virtually endless.

            Smart mirrors are another design that you might want to consider when planning the design for your bathroom of the future. This kind of mirror has the ability to control your shower as well as your bathtub, faucet and toilet.

            In addition to all of the interesting, hi-tech bathroom options out there now, many people are opting for a holistic addition to their home, too. Bathrooms often serve as sanctuaries where people can relax and unwind. To satisfy this need for peace and serenity, many bathrooms of the future now incorporate soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads to create a desired ambiance.

If you are a new home-owner or someone who is simply interested in buying a home, then Barner Murphy can be of assistance. Formed in 1996 by Stephen Barner and Barry Murphy, the team now provides plumbing services for those who need reliable and quality services. Barner Murphy’s mission is to offer excellent customer service for anyone who needs plumbing services in the Bucks County area.

The Barner Murphy team provides customers with a host of services, including both plumbing and bathroom remodeling services. When it comes to providing the level of expertise that’s required to complete a project with customized care, their crew knows exactly how to make it happen.

Each plumber at Barner Murphy is an expert when it comes to both plumbing issues and bathroom projects. Whether it’s a simple issue that needs to be addressed or a major project that needs to be completed on a deadline, their team can help. Any call to Barner Murphy is handled with efficiency to guarantee that your plumbing issue or bathroom remodel is completed with expert care.

Barner Murphy is a qualified, master plumbing team that handles a wide range of plumbing issues for the Bucks County and surrounding area.  We know that it can be problematic to have a plumbing issue that is out of your scope of knowledge, and we do whatever we can to handle problems promptly and professionally.

At Barner Murphy, we’ll do whatever we can to ensure that you are completely satisfied with our efforts.  If you’re worried about cost, our team will do whatever possible to see that your budget isn’t compromised.  We rely on customer satisfaction and we take great pride in our work.  The next time you need a plumber to help you tackle a problem, big or small, give us a ring and we’ll see what we can do.

With the coming of spring, many homeowners consider options for remodeling their bathrooms. If you are a homeowner who wants to spruce up your living space this season, then Barner Murphy can help. We provide bathroom remodeling services for customers in Bucks County, PA and we’ve got a few bathroom remodeling trends for you to watch out for.

1. Toilets

Many people who decide to invest in a bathroom remodel choose to have their toilets upgraded. One of the trends in toilets for 2018 is water efficient toilet models. Newer toilets use much less water per flush than older models. Besides, a new toilet can truly invigorate the look of your bathroom. More aesthetically pleasing styles are on the market now, giving homeowners many styles to choose from. 

2. Showers

Another trend in bathroom design for 2018 is shower renovations. A quality shower renovation can change the entire look of your bathroom. It can also help cut water costs. Replacing the old shower heads with newer models and focusing on color coordination is one of the latest ways to boost the look of a bathroom remodel. You can also consider replacing your old bathtub or even investing in a walk-in shower. Whatever option you choose, it will be a welcome change to a preexisting bathroom that needs a little oomph. 

3. Countertops

Part of most bathroom remodeling projects involves bringing new life to your countertops. Many people opt to replace them after years of use and in 2018, doing so can dramatically alter the appearance of your bathroom design. Countertops are often one of the first items that people notice when they step into a bathroom. Stone and stone veneer options are a few of 2018’s most popular choices. Some people opt for bold colors in their countertops, as well. The choice is completely up to you as the homeowner. 
    

Spring is in the air and now is the time to get ahead on those cleaning projects you’ve put on the back-burner. For many people, cleaning the bathroom isn’t a favorite chore. Yet let’s face it. We all need to clean them so that they’re free of germs and inviting spaces to use in our homes. 

At Barner Murphy of Bucks County, we help homeowners with a wide range of plumbing and bathroom needs. This spring, we’ve got a few tips to help you get yours cleaned for the new season ahead.

1. Showers

Cleaning your shower is pretty simple and you don’t need many supplies. Simply get some white vinegar and pour it into a plastic grocery bag, then submerge the showerhead nozzle and let it sit overnight. Remove it in the morning and rinse with some warm water. 

Take down your plastic shower curtains and toss them in the washing machine with a little mild detergent. Add a few old towels to absorb the soap scum and mildew. Hang them to dry. If you’ve got shower doors you can use a distilled vinegar and baking soda combination to scrub off soap scum. Just let the mixture sit for an hour and then wipe off with a microfiber cloth. Rinse and buff dry.

2. Grout

To clean the grout in your bathroom, try dipping a grout brush into a cap full of bleach. Scrub any discolored areas and then rinse well. Make sure that your bathroom is well-ventilated before using bleach. As an alternative, you can try a few tablespoons of baking soda instead of bleach. Seal grout every six months to ensure the best protection. 

3. Tile

If your bathroom has tile countertops, ceilings or walls, you’ll want to clean these with a good all-purpose cleaner. A great method for cleaning these surface areas is by spraying the cleaner on the surfaces, turning on hot water until some steam builds, and then letting closing the door. 

Leave the bathroom and let the cleaner sit for about twenty minutes. When you re-enter, just wipe down with a soft cloth and you’re good to go. Tile can get filthy with soap-scum, so try to clean it at least every few weeks if you can

4. Toilets

You can start by pouring in some baking soda and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then use a toilet scrubber to scrub it out and flush. If you still see spots in your toilet bowl, try a pumice stone. Many companies sell inexpensive ones online. 

Start by pouring a cup of baking soda into the bowl. Let sit for a few minutes; brush and flush. Still seeing spots? A damp pumice stone is abrasive enough to remove stains caused by mineral deposits and lime scale but gentle enough not to damage surfaces (try US Pumice Scouring Stick; $26 for 12 on Amazon). 

For many people, their bathrooms are personal sanctuaries. They want their bathroom to be a place where they can unwind from the stresses of the day. If you’re in the process of a bathroom renovation, then you might already have a few ideas in mind that will help you create the relaxing oasis you’ve always dreamed of. At Barner Murphy, we can help you discover a few of the top bathroom remodeling trends of 2018 to get you started.

1.    Scaled down sizes
Nowadays, bathrooms are much smaller in scope. It used to be that the dream bathroom was inspired by those enormous double bathtubs, extensive marble flooring and decked-out cabinetry. The trend in 2018, however, is toward smaller bathrooms that highlight smaller scale luxuries. When every inch of a compact bathroom is out to good use, this trend has massive benefits. Smaller sink bowls and tinier toilets are all part of this trend. Space-saving walk-in showers are another trend you might find beneficial. Interesting graphics on either the floor or the wall can help give the illusion of a larger space.

2.    High-tech toilets
Many homeowners are following the trend in 2018 by installing high-tech toilets. Some of the features of these toilets include seat warmers, automatic lid openers, adjustable air dryers and built-deodorizers. Wireless music players are another feature of the high-tech toilet. Just open the lid to hear some music and close it to turn it off. High-tech toilets come with several options, so it’s really just up to your imagination. 

3.    Open spaces
Many people renovating bathrooms in 2018 are thinking about expanding their space by downsizing other rooms. If you want to make your bathroom look more spacious and airy, you can think about installing large tile flooring and mirrors. You can also utilize bright painted colors, as well.
 

    Burst pipes can be an issue any time of the year, but most of the time people deal with them at the end of winter. Most of the time, burst pipes are the result of unheated or uninsulated areas in a home. At Barner Murphy of Bucks County, we can help you handle the inconvenience of burst pipes so that you don’t have to tackle the problem by yourself.

    If you happen to run into an issue with burst pipes, there’s no need to worry. The confident and respected crew at Barner Murphy can help you get the problem handled in no time. If you notice that a pipe has burst, the first step is to turn off the main valve in your home. Most of the time there are two valves in the home and they are located at the water meter. It is a good idea to switch off both valves when you discover the burst pipe.

    It is generally advised to slip a pitcher under the sink faucet to catch some water because you might not have water for the time being. This way, you can catch some water to hold you over until the line is repaired. After you’ve made sure that the valves are shut off, you’ll want to assess the damage and find out where the pipe actually burst. Oftentimes, the pipe will be located in a wall and you’ll see water leaking from the baseboard. You might see it trickling down from the ceiling on the floor, too.

    As a safety measure, you’ll also want to temporarily shut off the electricity. Doing so will allow you to safely navigate the situation without the risk of electric shock. It’s always a good idea to call for emergency plumbing services in this kind of situation. At Barner Murphy, we always work hard to ensure that our customers receive the help that they need, especially during an emergency. 
    
    
    

Are you a homeowner who has been toying with the idea of a bathroom remodel? If so, then you might want to think about how to plan right for the process. At Barner Murphy, we specialize in helping people create the bathroom of their dreams. We know that it can be a little overwhelming if you’ve never remodeled a bathroom before, so we’ve come up with a few quick tips to help you with your planning process.

First, it’s important to give yourself a time frame. If you know that you want your remodel completed before spring hits, then it’s important to have your plan secured by winter. As a general rule, the more time you allow yourself for planning, acquiring materials and working, the less harried and flustered you’ll feel trying to meet your deadline.

Another quick tip that will help you start your remodeling early is to set a budget. Will you need new lighting? Will you install fixtures? How about new cabinets? If you know that you’re going to do a lot of demolition, then it’s important to set a clear budget and get planning as soon as possible. This will ensure that you secure the right remodeling team when they’re available and it will help you set clear goals, too.

It might seem intuitive, but some people forget how important it is to seek inspiration. Start a Pinterest board for bathroom remodels or get some books out from the local library. Think about those details that will make your particular remodeling project special, such as a drop-in tub, a certain grout color, vanity lights or beautiful fixtures.

If you decide to start your bathroom remodeling early, you’ll be more likely to get a great team of professionals on your side. Consider plumbing and lighting, as well as countertops and showers. Some of these additions can require a great level of expertise. Remember that Barner Murphy is always ready when you need help for your remodeling project.

There’s nothing quite like a plumbing disaster to inconvenience your life. At Barner Murphy, we specialize in helping homeowners address plumbing issues, both big and small. We understand that you don’t want to fall victim to some of the most avoidable plumbing disasters, so we’ve created a short list to show what they are and how you can prevent them.

1. Overflowing toilets
Nobody wants to deal with an overflowing toilet, but unfortunately, they’re one of the most common plumbing issues ever. An overflowing toilet can create a potentially large mess that everyone would prefer to avoid. If your toilet gets clogged, it can overflow all the way to the floor. The good news is that this plumbing disaster can be avoided by only flushing human waster and toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products, paper towels and any other non-biodegradable items should never be flushed down the toilet.

2. Broken pipes
Another common plumbing disaster that is also preventable are broken pipes. If your pipes burst, the most efficient way to handle it is by shutting off the water valve as quickly as possible. Doing this will halt the water flow and consequently minimize the amount of water that could otherwise damage both your floors as well as your furniture. After the water valve is safely turned off, be sure to call a professional plumbing service like Barner Murphy of Levittown. To avoid broken pipes you can wrap them in heat tape during the winter and make sure that they are well insulated.

3. Failed DIY project
Another preventable plumbing disaster is a faulty DIY project. We all have good intentions when it comes to fixing up our home, but sometimes they don’t exactly pan out the way we expected. Some of the most common DIY disasters include cracked tiling leaks, or incorrectly placed fixtures. If you want to avoid this kind of disaster, simply call a professional like Barner Murphy. 

The cold season means your pipes – as well as any other household systems that consume water – are at risk. Nationwide, some 250,000 Americans experience property damage every year from flooding caused by frozen and ruptured pipes. Here's what you can do to avoid that:

• If you have any exposed pipes and outdoor faucet, make sure they are insulated (or heated).
• Disconnect all hoses.
• Crawl spaces pipes are vulnerable if the vents are left open.
• Warm air circulating throughout the home also benefits plumbing below floors and inside walls.
• Opening faucets in the house just enough to emit a trickle of water, and leaving them running during any period when temperatures drop below the pipe-freezing threshold is an effective way to prevent damage to pipes.
• If you have a sump pump in your basement, keep an eye on the sump pump outlet pipe. Make sure the outlet is not blocked by fallen snow or an iced-over puddle.
• Know where your water shut-off valve is.
• Save our number in case of plumbing emergency in Montgomery and Bucks County, PA: (215) 945-8560

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a plumber and a master plumber?  While the two titles might sound synonymous, there is actually a difference between the two.  At Barner Murphy, we provide year-round heating and plumbing services for customers in the Levittown, Pennsylvania and surrounding area.  We also help our customers understand some of the details when it comes to plumbing terminology.

Master plumbers are journeyman plumbers who have completed extensive training.  This training often includes many hours of study about building codes, blueprint reading and layout, physics and safety.  After this work is completed, they then follow up with several hours of on-site training.  After all of this is completed, they are invited to take the master plumber’s examination and can then apply for their master plumber’s certification.  As you might imagine, becoming a master plumber is no small feat.

Most master plumbers start out by working as apprentices and spending time with a licensed journeyman plumber. A master plumber doesn’t always necessarily have more experience than a regular plumbing, but he or she does have more certifications.  Many people request master plumber’s when repairs are needed because of their advanced skillsets.  Master plumbers also have a thorough understanding of how building codes work and how to complete projects on a budget.  Most master plumbers are skilled craftsmen who know exactly how to handle plumbing installations of all varieties.

If you decide to solicit the help and expertise from the plumbing team at Barner Murphy, you can rest assured that your project is in good hands.  The master plumbers at Barner Murphy have the level of expertise that is required for any kind of plumbing job, no matter how big or how small.