Barner Murphy Inc. is one of the best plumbing companies in all of Bucks County.

Located in Levittown, PA, we've taken plumbing maintenance to a whole new level with guaranteed quality workmanship and terrific customer service. Barner Murphy customers give top ratings and reviews, leaving comments like: personable and reliable, fair prices, quick response time, wonderful attention to detail, and would highly recommend.

And here’s why:

1. We’ve got a wide range of plumbing and remodeling services

No matter the plumbing problem, Barner Murphy has you covered!

We offer services ranging from bathroom remodeling to heating system installations, and even complete plumbing installations for brand new constructions. We work with office buildings, residential houses, strip malls, medical offices, and more. We have the experience and skills necessary to take care of even the biggest plumbing jobs.

2. Clients keep coming back for more

When you’re checking to see if a plumbing company is really top rated, the best indicator is customers’ reactions. You want to be sure to look at both customer ratings and reviews. But most importantly, you want to know if customers would recommend the company to their closest friends and family.

This is why we publicly advertise that our work attracts second-generation customers. You know why? We truly do a job worthy of recommendation! Our clients are so happy with the work we get done, that they specifically let their friends and family know about it.

That’s how you know a plumbing company is really worth its ratings.

3. Our online photo gallery will amaze you

If you’re still wondering whether to hire Barner Murphy for your plumbing needs, take a look at our online photo gallery. The photos will impress you! The gallery includes real before and after pictures, of real projects Barner Murphy has worked on. This way, you know exactly the kind of work we do and exactly the kind of work you can expect.

The Takeaway:

Though it’s not often at the top of one’s priorities, plumbing is, in fact, a serious business. Because a poor plumbing job can result in massive ceiling cracks and water damage - all of which are costly and a major headache to deal with. Do yourself a favor and hire Barner Murphy, so you never have to deal with it again. Your house and wallet will thank you for it! 215-945-8560

Summer’s ending, and fall is here, bringing with it pumpkin spice, pretty leaves, and plumbing leaks. 

Before the weather takes a turn for the worse, turn your eye toward your plumbing. Because fixing pipes in the dead of winter is the last thing you want to deal with.

We know that plumbing maintenance can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have experience in the field. So, we’ve put together a list of the top four maintenance concerns to consider before the fall chill sets in.

Here we go: 

1. Pipes
There are two main things you want to focus on with your pipes: leaks and insulation. Winter often leads to frozen pipes. And frozen pipes can often lead to bursting pipes. Which cost a fortune to have fixed. But, if your pipes are in good working order, bursts should be nothing to worry about. First, take care of cracks and leaks in the pipes. If you know you have some, now’s the time to get them patched. If you’re not sure if you have any leaks, call a professional plumber to do a general maintenance check. It’s better you find out the bad news sooner than later. 

Next, get your pipes insulated. Or, if you already have insulated pipes, get them checked and cared for. Insulation helps balance out the frosty temperatures, ensuring that your pipes don’t freeze up. It gives your pipes a leg up during the harsh winter weather, combatting frost and condensation.   

2. Hoses
With summer coming to an end, it’s time to put away the gardening gloves and watering hoses. But first, take a minute to look over your hoses for any wear and tear. Since you’re putting them away now, you may as well make sure they’re in good working condition for next summer’s gardening. While you’re checking your hoses, it’s also highly recommended to check your outdoor water faucets. Make sure they’ve got a nice, strong water flow and pressure.

3. Water Heaters
This is so important. Think about all the hot water you’re going to want to use after shoveling snow outside for hours. That’s right, you’re going to need a lot. And that means, you’re going to need a working, fully functioning water heater. This may sound simple, but it isn’t always. Technology tends to deteriorate when it isn’t used often, and coming from the hot, sweaty days of summer, chances are high that your water heater hasn’t been used in a little while. Do some test runs around the house, and make sure the water is heating quickly and efficiently. This is not something you’re going to want to deal with in the winter.

4. Gutters
Now’s the time to start clearing out your gutters before winter hits hard. You’ll probably have to do more cleanup during the fall, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start now. Clean out all the summer pollen, blooms, and debris that’s hiding in your gutter before the mess becomes overwhelming and potentially damaging.
 

            Many homeowners have spent hours looking at images of swoon-worthy bathroom designs. If you have always wanted to remodel your bathroom, then now might be the time to start. Especially if your bathroom currently has outdated brass faucets or garish colored tile, thinking about a bathroom remodel is a great idea.

            At Barner Murphy, we help our customers with a full range of bathroom remodeling needs. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation for your home, then you’re taking a step in the direction of positive investment for the future, especially if you decide to sell your home years down the road. Bathroom remodeling has several benefits. Here are our favorites.

• Increases home value

            Bathroom remodels can significantly increase your home’s value. Replacing outdated features with more efficient and modernized baths, sinks and toilets can increase your property value by almost $3,000. What’s more, you’ll also attain the peace of mind that should you decide to sell your home in the future, it will appeal to many potential buyers.

• Alter specific features

            Many people opt for a bathroom remodel in an effort to correct specific features. Whether you have a sink that leaks or a floor with cracked tiles, completing a bathroom remodel will help you amend whatever needs to be fixed. A professional bathroom remodel will help ensure that your bathroom is safe and it will enhance its aesthetics, as well.

• Add space

            Another benefit to completing a bathroom remodel is that it will provide you with more space. Many people decide to remodel their bathrooms because it’s effective in making a small space feel more spacious. You can always keep up to date on current bathroom trends by looking at images online or by browsing home improvement magazines. Consider open shelving, storage racks and medicine cabinets when you think about space-saving.

• Create an energy-efficient area

            If you’re still wondering why bathroom remodeling is a good idea, consider the fact that energy-efficient appliances and fixtures can bring in massive savings over the long haul. This is beneficial for both your home and for the environment. At Barner Murphy, we can help you decide on the best remodeling ideas for your particular space to bring you a bathroom that is both functional and beautiful.

            If you’re a homeowner, then chances are you want to keep your home’s plumbing system functioning efficiently to avoid problems and expenses in the future. At Barner Murphy, we provide a full range of plumbing maintenance and repair services to ensure that your plumbing system remains healthy and strong.

            At Barner Murphy, we recommend that homeowners schedule regular maintenance checks of their home systems. This ensures that you keep all of your home systems functioning efficiently. We also recommend turning off your water heater and your washer before leaving home for an extended period of time. Learn how to protect hose bibs and pipes from the extreme cold, as well.

            As part of your maintenance plan, it’s a good idea to know how to locate the main water supply line and the main water cut-off valve. Find out where the main sewer line is located, too. It’s also advised to know what type of heat, hot water and air conditioning you have in your home. In addition, it’s a good idea to know where your water supply valve locations are for appliances, sinks and toilets.

            Plan for emergencies. Knowing how to tighten your faucet or how to run an icemaker line can come in handy. Teach yourself how to check the drain lines on your dishwasher and find out the best ways to clear blockages. Making an effort to understand how to fix problems that might arise will save you time and money in the future. When it comes to hiring a professional for your maintenance, Barner Murphy is always available.

            Understanding your water pressure is also a good idea. By regularly checking faucets, you can learn how to detect problems before a flood situation arises. Good water pressure is often taken for granted. Both high water pressure and low water pressure inside a home can be sources of frustration.

            Water pressure is affected in several ways. Residential water pressure tends to be between 45 and 80 psi. Anything below 30 psi is considered too low and anything above 80 psi are too high. While low water pressure is more of a nuisance than a serious problem, high water pressure, on the other hand, can create an increased risk of damage to pipes, joints, fixtures and seals. It can also lead to increased water waste.

Do you like the look of beautiful tile in your bathroom? Many people love the design options offered with tile, but they are less excited over the grout maintenance. Grout is important because it keeps your tiles in place. Yet it is porous and light-colored, making it susceptible to both water damage and staining.

Fresh grout looks appealing, but it can quickly become mildewed and stained without proper maintenance. It can also become cracked, which allows water to seep behind the walls and cause damage. At Barner Murphy, we help all of our customers with plumbing maintenance and services. If you want to find out how to keep your grout looking beautiful, just follow a few of our quick tips.

• Wipe and spray regularly.

One of the best ways to keep your grout in tip-top shape is through daily wiping and spraying. This will keep your tiles clean and will prevent premature damage and staining. It will also save you a lot of trouble in the long run. A good squeegee is easy to use and works like a charm. Simply run the squeegee over your tile after each bath or shower. This will remove excess water. Then, spray your tile with a mild shower cleaner and

• Clean weekly.

Try to give your bathroom a deep clean at least once a week. This will keep your walls clean and fresh by removing the body oils and dirt that accumulate on the surfaces. Using a simple baking soda and water paste, rub into the grout with a used toothbrush and then rinse with water. You can use hydrogen peroxide for tougher stains but be mindful of not mixing it with vinegar.

• Treat tough stains.

Sometimes, baking soda and water aren’t enough. This is sometimes the case with tougher, deeper stains. If you need to resort to bleach, try using a bleach pen which will allow you to reach smaller spaces without compromising any surface area. Bleach is good for those times when you need just a little more cleaning strength.

If you decide that your tile really needs an overhaul, you might want to consider an oxygen-type powdered bleach. This is gentler on your tile than the liquid form and it is usually strong enough to treat the stains in question. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and mix it in a well-ventilated area. Apply with a brush, let it stand for about fifteen minutes and then rinse with water.

• Use grout renewal

Sometimes, nothing works on those tough stains. In these cases, you might want to consider grout renewal. This allows you to either renew the color of your original grout or change it to something darker. It will also help extend the life of your grout for years to come.

• Change your grout.

If your grout begins to flake or if tiles become loose, you’ll want to consider changing your grout. You should change your grout at the first sign of breakage because water can seep into your walls and create significant damage. Some people take the opportunity to change their grout and select new tile colors or designs while they’re’ at it. You can lay grout and install tiles on your own or you can call a trusted professional like Barner Murphy.

If you discover that you have water damage inside our home, there’s no need to panic. Instead, you can follow a short list of steps to help you determine how to properly solve the problem. At Barner Murphy, we provide a full range of plumbing services to help customers with a wide range of household needs.

• Find the source.

The first step that you’ll need to take upon discovering water in your home is finding the source of the issue. Water damage can be a complex issue because oftentimes, the source isn’t obvious. If you have a broken pipe, the issue is straightforward, but most water damage results from less conspicuous sources.

Do your best to control the leak by turning off the main valve in your home. Next, call a trusted plumbing service, such as Barner Murphy. If you are lucky enough to catch the leak early, you will end up with fewer issues and the severity of the damage will be less. Most cases of serious water damage are the result of slow leaks inside walls or poorly constructed bath areas. Cases like these, where the issue is less obvious, nearly always require the assistance of a skilled professional.

• Repair the damage.

This can be tricky. Before you can do any kind of work on your bathroom, you’ll need to determine exactly what has happened. In some of the more severe cases, bathrooms suffer from structural damage and mold infestation. Returning your home to a safe and inhabitable state might be a long process in this kind of situation. What’s most important is that you first assess the damage and then decide how to proceed.

• Consider a remodel.

In some cases, homeowners decide that the damage is enough to warrant a complete remodel. It will cost more initially to call in a bathroom contractor for a complete remodel, but you can count on a higher resale value of your home in the long run.

If you decide that you want a trusted contractor for a bathroom remodel, don’t hesitate to call Barner Murphy. Hiring the professionals at Barner Murphy guarantees that the source of your water issue is resolved completely.

Did you know that your home plumbing system comprises almost 20 percent of your total home value? That’s a significant amount. As a homeowner, you might want to think about more beneficial ways to keep up on your plumbing maintenance to protect your important investment.

An efficient plumbing system allows you to have access to clean, fresh water. Clean water is significant in relation to good health. It is important for hygiene and it is one of the conveniences that we expect with modernized living. A properly functioning plumbing system is an asset during times of drought or during times of community need.

• Kitchen

Most kitchen drains get clogged because of too much debris getting shoved down the pipes. If you want to prevent clogged drains, then it's recommended that you keep grease, butter and oil away from your drains because these will only congeal in the pipes and block water flow.

Incorrect use of the garbage disposal can also pose problems for your plumbing system. Try to follow these recommendations when using your garbage disposal: always run the faucet when using the disposal, never put fibrous foods, such as celery or banana peels down the disposal and always allow the cold water to run for at least 15 seconds after using the disposal.

• Bathroom

Many people complain of clogged bathroom drains, as well. You can reduce the likelihood of clogs by following a few plumbing maintenance tips: reduce your use of bath oils and use drain screens to prevent hair from traveling down the drain, wait ten minutes between showers to maintain good water pressure. You should also avoid flushing anything down your toilet aside from human waste and toilet paper.

Try to check your pipes weekly so that you prevent small problems from becoming large problems. A few weekly plumbing maintenance tips include: checking for leaks under the sink as well as testing sink and shower drains for drainage speed.

            Do you ever browse at home decorating magazines and wish that you could upgrade your bathroom like the pros? It might seem like a dream but rest assured that builder-grade bathrooms are possible, even for the DIYer. If an acrylic-crystal faucet or an oak vanity decked out in a wild shade of orange is your dream, then look no further. Barner Murphy has a few quick builder-grade bathroom ideas that will satisfy even the hardest to please remodeler.

            If gutting the entire bathroom isn’t an option, then Barner Murphy is here to help. To make the best of what you already have in your bathroom and to avoid breaking the bank, simply create a quick list of what you wish to accomplish and then give us a call so that we can help you get started. The options are practically endless when it comes to builder-grade bathrooms. Here’s a few ideas to get you going:

• Frameless mirrors

Oftentimes, a frameless mirror is part of the package in a builder’s special home. Many of these are large, so it pays to use them to your advantage. Upgrade whatever you can with fluted door casing to maximize the effects of the mirror. 

• Framed showers

Another possibility in the bathroom is a shower-door upgrade. A simple framed shower door enclosure can be designed to make the space look like a factory window. You can accomplish this for around $50 or less with just a little bit of spray paint and some attractive trim.

• Bright vanities

You can change a less-than-desirable vanity into something beautiful with a little bit of imagination. Try a few shades of paint to discover which you like best and then go to town. You’ll be surprised what a nice paint job can do to the space. As a finishing touch, you can add some custom knobs, too.

• Board-and-batten

Using board-and-batten can add character to any space, whether large or small. Many people can create a custom look with board-and-batten for around $30 in lumber.

• Custom floor

If you really aren’t impressed with the floors that are currently in the bathroom, then create a new look with vinyl. This is much less expensive than stone or tile. You can create a beautiful, custom look with patterns and shapes.

If you'd rather not tackle even minor fixes, call Barner Murphy for quality plumbing and remodeling in Montgomery and Bucks County.
           

            Remodeling a bathroom is hard work. Before you even start to think about tearing down old cabinets and installing brand new fixtures, it’s important to ensure that you have everything you need to get started on the right foot. At Barner Murphy, we help customers complete all of their bathroom remodels with our top-notch installation services. We also make ourselves available for DIYers that want a chance to try out a remodel on their own.

            There’s a lot of preparation that goes into a bathroom remodeling project. One of the most overlooked aspects of a bathroom remodeling project is the season that it’s completed. A bathroom remodel can be completed any time of the year, but there are a few reasons that some people like to complete them in the summer.

            Completing a bathroom remodel in the summer has its advantages. For one, the weather is warm. This means that it’s a great time for working outside. You don’t need to worry about tearing out old bathtubs in the dead of winter if you complete your remodeling in the summer. Summer is perfect for remodeling because you don’t need to worry about unfavorable conditions that might interrupt work.

            Another reason is that most contractors and plumbers are available for long-term work during the summer because they don’t have to deal with customers that have frozen pipes, flooding or other cold weather issues.

            Another reason that some people like the idea of summer bathroom renovations is because you can use the time that your bathroom is out of commission to take a summer vacation. Instead of hanging around your house while the bathroom is remodeled, why not take a trip somewhere fun, instead?

After a long, cold winter, who isn’t ready for some sunshine and fun? Summer is all about relaxing and enjoying your downtime. At Barner Murphy, we want all of our customers to enjoy the summer months, but we also know that the season can pose some problems for plumbing systems. Our team is always fully prepared to help you handle whatever sort of plumbing problem comes your way.

Some of the most common plumbing problems can be fixed rather easily. You just need to know how to identify the problem and then find a quick solution to fix it. Most people will agree that whether you decide to increase your time hiking, surfing or biking this summer, it will likely mean more dirt inside your home.

One way to avoid plumbing issues is to wash up really well after your outdoor adventures to keep unwanted dirt from clogging up your drains. Most plumbing systems weren’t designed to handle large amounts of sand, gravel or mud, so it’s best to do a thorough clean before tracking muddy feet into the tub.

If possible, use a hose to clean off your kids and your pets before coming inside. You might also want to knock off any unwanted debris from your clothing before putting it in the washing machine. Your drains will be all the happier for your efforts.

Keep an eye on your garbage disposal when the summer months hit because thus can be another area for potential clogs. Most garbage disposals work hard all year, but summer can put them into overdrive. If you like to enjoy fibrous summer foods such as corn, celery and artichokes, then make sure that you watch what scraps go down the disposal. Some parts of these foods can really jam up a disposal if you’re not careful. Take care of seeds and pits, especially.

If your sprinkler system was inspected this spring after sitting all winter long, then you’re one step ahead of keeping it in working order throughout the summer. However, there are still a few tips and tricks to keep plumbing issues at bay: Be careful moving your sprinkler system to avoid damage from mower blades. Prevent pet damage by making sure that you don’t leave parts out that might get torn or chewed.