Your pipes are a vital part of your plumbing, bringing water into and out of your home. Unfortunately, many of your pipes are exposed to the elements, especially in the winter time.

Failing to properly prepare your pipes can lead to them freezing. Water expands when it freezes, meaning your pipes could burst — causing costly damage and quite the headache.

To avoid this, you’ll want to prepare your pipes for cold temperature by doing the following.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating your pipes helps retain heat near them so they don’t freeze. Areas like your attic, crawl space, or garage are unheated, and thus leave your pipes exposed to cold temperatures.

Pipes in these areas are in the most need of insulation.

However, insulation on its own won’t do the job — in fact, it can make it worse by keeping heat away from these pipes. You’ll want to use heat cable along the pipes first, then insulate them to provide heat and keep it in.

2. Turn Off Your Outdoor Faucets

Make sure to turn off your outdoor faucets. To do so, first open them to drain out any extra water. Make sure the bleeder cap drains — otherwise, your pipes are still at risk of freezing and bursting.

Once you’ve drained them, turn them off at the shutoff valve.

3. Check and Get Maintenance on Your Furnace/HVAC Unit

Getting your furnace or HVAC unit before winter is a good idea regardless of your pipes. However, they do play a role in keeping your pipes in good shape. Should your unit stop working when it’s freezing outside, your pipes can freeze.

With that in mind, make sure you check your furnace or HVAC unit and get it all fixed up before it gets too cold out.

4. Look Around Your Home’s Exterior

If your home’s exterior has any cracks, cold air can slip in and pose a threat to your pipes, potentially even if you do the other things on this list. 

Take a walk around your home and scan the exterior. See if you can spot any cracks. If you see any, use caulk or spray foam to close up the crack and keep the pipes safe.

5. Open Your Cabinet Doors

This is less preparatory and more maintenance, but crack open your cabinet doors every so often when it gets especially cold out. Doing so will allow heat from your home to reach your pipes, preventing them from freezing over.

Pipes not prepared for winter yet? Not to worry — you can rely on Barner Murphy to help you out. Our professionals will make sure your pipes are kept nice and warm this winter so you don’t have to worry about frozen or bursting pipes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!

Wintertime means cranking up the heat for many people. But of course, that means a much larger heating bill hitting your mailbox or email inbox.

Then, there’s the fact that heavier reliance on heat isn’t great for the environment, as most homes use fossil fuels to keep warm.

Consequently, tons of people look for ways to keep energy usage at a minimum without freezing in their homes. 

That brings us to the debate of whether or not you should leave your heat on all the time. Is it a more efficient way of keeping your home warm, or not?

Myth: Heating Your Home is More Expensive Than Keeping it Warm

Plenty of people have heard the saying that it takes more energy to heat up a home than it does to keep it toasty. Your furnace has to “work harder” to get back up to the temperature you want, whereas if your furnace is always running, it uses less energy.

Problem is, that’s not exactly how furnaces work. Furnaces put in the same amount of “effort” — the difference is the time involved. 

If your house is freezing cold, your furnace will take a long time to bring it to a comfortable temperature. But if it’s one degree below the thermostat, it won’t take long.

Fact: Reheating Your House is Likely the More Efficient Option

With the above in mind, you can save energy by not constantly heating your home. Instead, only do so when you actually need to make the home warmer — such as during the day when people are home. 

If no one will be home during the day — perhaps you’re a couple with no children, and both of you have jobs — then no one needs heat. You can set the temperature lower and save plenty on your energy bill.

It’s the same thing at night. You can turn down the heat when you’re wrapped up in warm blankets. Plus, research has shown that the optimal sleeping temperature is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit — so you’ll get better sleep and save money.

Then, even when you do need your home heated, you can simply turn off the heat when the temperature is reached. To save a little more, you can keep your heat set a couple of degrees lower, and layer up. The US Department of Energy estimates this alone can save you 5-15% on your energy costs.

Now, furnaces can become less efficient over time. This can cost you more money, as your furnace has to run even longer to get your home to the same temperature. Cracked or loose parts, air leaks, and a dirty filter are just a few of many ways a furnace can become costlier to run.

If you’ve noticed your energy bill climbing recently — more than it normally does when it’s cold out — it may be time for some maintenance. Call Barner Murphy at 215-945-8560. 

We’re happy to help you get your furnace back to running at maximum efficiency!

Taking care of your plumbing isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. It’s work. 

But you can’t avoid proper upkeep. The consequences of neglecting your plumbing system will cost you heavy in time, money, and stress.

With that in mind, here are some common yet disastrous occurrences we see in many peoples’ plumbing systems.

Water Backflow

Unfortunately, sickness can sometimes come from your own water supply. In most of these cases, it’s due to water backflow — which happens when contaminated water enters your clean water supply.

Backflow prevention devices can help mitigate this threat. These devices force water to flow only one way.

Installing these devices incorrectly can cause dangerous consequences, though. It’s best to call a professional.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are more than an annoyance. Clogs left untreated can cause a variety of issues.

For one, the water can get blocked up and cause a pipe to burst — leading to an expensive headache.

It gets worse, though. These clogs also provide a breeding ground for bacteria or mold, which can threaten the health of those in your home — especially if any members of your household have breathing issues.

Leaky Pipes

Leaks can be hard to catch, as their results seem innocuous at first. But as the leaks build up over time, they will saturate the wood and drywall in your home. This will create areas where mold can thrive. Additionally, the water may reach your electrical wiring and you could risk an electrical short.

The earlier you spot a leak, the better.

If you see any unexplained wetness or staining in your walls or on your floor, or if either feels warmer or colder than it normally should, you might have a pipe leak on your hands. Fix it yourself if you are 100% confident in your ability to do so; otherwise, call a plumber for help.

Frozen Pipes

Pipes face a lot of threats, as you can see. As the weather gets colder, frozen pipes become more of a danger. The frigid air can reach any under-insulated parts of your home (such as under the sink), and freeze the pipes solid.

Water expands when it freezes, meaning these pipes will likely burst. If you don’t properly insulate your pipes and/or address any frozen pipes as soon as possible, you could lose hundreds of gallons of water.

Make sure all pipes are well-insulated where possible. For your pipes under the sink, consider putting a small space heater in the cabinet to keep warm water flowing through the pipes.

Are you seeing any of these issues yourself? Do you want a plumber to take a look at your plumbing and make sure you aren’t at risk of a plumbing catastrophe? Contact Barner Murphy. 

Our professionals work quickly and efficiently to get your plumbing system back on track — with minimal disruption to your life. Call us today!

Halloween has passed us, which means we are full speed ahead into the holiday season. You might be ready for it, but is your plumbing?

The last thing you want to worry about when you’re enjoying yourself this holiday season is a plumbing problem. Yet the holidays also pose a greater threat to your home’s plumbing systems!

While you’re caught up in the excitement (and stress) of buying gifts, planning holiday parties, and cooking holiday dinners, don’t forget to prepare your plumbing by doing these few things.

Clean the Garbage Disposal (and Know What Goes Down it)

Your garbage disposal takes extra abuse around the holidays, thanks to all the holiday feasts. To prepare your disposal, first pour ice and rock salt down it. After that, run some cold water down it and turn it on to clear the disposal and sharpen the blades.

With that done, make sure you put the right kinds of waste down the disposal. Avoid using the disposal for fat/grease/oil, bones, and coffee grounds. These can cause clogs or get stuck in your disposal.

Clear Out Your Drains

Clear drains are essential now that you’re having guests over — especially if those guests are staying overnight. Clear drains help ensure everyone can take showers without issue.

Fortunately, clearing your drains only takes a few simple household products.

One solution is to use hot water and vinegar. Pour the vinegar down the drain, wait several hours for the vinegar to work its magic, then pour hot water to wash it all away.

Another solution would be to add baking soda to the mix. Sprinkle baking soda in the drain, then add vinegar. Wait a few hours, then wash away with hot water.

If neither of those work, use a drain snake. Simply push the snake down into the drain until you hit the clog.

Place a Garbage Can (and Signs) in All of Your Bathrooms

More people in your home means a higher chance someone flushes something down the toilet that they shouldn’t — especially if there isn’t a garbage can available.

Put a garbage can in every bathroom, and put it in a visible location. Make sure you empty it the moment it gets full to further encourage your guests to throw away other bathroom products in the trash.

Check For Any Sewer Issues

If all your drains slow at the same time, or if your drains are making gurgling noises, you might have sewer problems. Get a plumber to investigate as soon as possible so your home can be ready to accommodate guests.

Contact Barner Murphy

If you have any issues fixing up your plumbing for the holidays, contact Barner Murphy. Our plumbing experts are happy to help you get your home ready food, fun, and family this winter. Call us today at 215-945-8560 to learn more!

We’re deep into fall at this point, meaning winter’s only a couple of months away. And you can tell because the temperatures outside get chillier by the day.

As you shift from t-shirt and shorts to jacket and pants, make sure you prepare your plumbing for the cold as well to avoid any expensive and inconvenient damage.

1. Prepare Your Pipes

First, inspect all your pipes for leaks. If you find any, fix them right away.

Once all the leaks are fixed, make sure that all your pipes are insulated. This includes pipes inside your home that aren’t in heated areas.

Protecting your pipes from the cold temperatures is vital. Without proper insulation, the pipes will freeze and likely burst — causing a huge and expensive headache for you.

2. Handle The Heaters

There are two heat sources we’re talking about here: your furnace and your water heater.

For your furnace, first, address any major repairs by calling a professional. When these repairs are out of the way, make sure you have clean filters for your furnace. Clogged filters spread dust and allergens through your home and drive your energy bill through the roof (since your furnace has to work harder).

Next, there’s the water heater. To prepare this vital plumbing component for the frigid temperatures, you’ll first want to flush it to get rid of any sediment. Then, check all the components to make sure everything’s working fine, and insulate it to protect it and the pipes connected to it.

If you’re unsure how to winterize your water heater, a professional plumber will be happy to help.

3. Winterize Any Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets can cause substantial damage to your plumbing if not properly winterized, as they also have pipes vulnerable to the cold. Drain and disconnect hoses connected to any outdoor faucets, and store them somewhere safe. Drain the water out of the pipes as well — perhaps the best way to do so is to shut off water to them.

4. Know Your Water Main’s Location

Even the most prepared homes sometimes suffer a burst pipe or another problem. In the event of an emergency, it’s essential to know where your water main is. That way, you can quickly shut off water to the affected area and minimize damage.

Additionally, if you’re doing any traveling for the holidays, it’s a good idea to shut off the water main to avoid a nasty surprise when you return home.

Feel overwhelmed at all the winterization tasks you need to knock out? Barner Murphy is here to help. We provide a wide range of plumbing services in Philadelphia, including winterization. Contact us today if you need help preparing your home for the cold!

Fall is a favorite season of many. Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, Halloween, Football… there’s a lot of stuff to do.

But the autumn could spell bad news for your plumbing. Changes in weather cause many homeowners to experience several issues and potentially expensive problems.

We at Barner Murphy love to keep Philadelphia residents informed about plumbing issues and prepared for any problems. To that end, here are some ways the fall season can affect your plumbing system.

Drainage Blockages

Does your sink seem clogged up, even if you have no reason to believe it should be? The next place you should think about is your yard — specifically, to see if there are leaves accumulating in certain areas.

See, when leaves pile up, they can work their way into the drainage system (via wind, rain, and vehicles) and cause blockages. When this drainage is blocked, the clog works its way back to your sink’s plumbing.

A plumber can help here a lot by replacing your drain cover. This will fix the problem and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Also, make sure you rake your leaves regularly, as it’s good for your plumbing.

Burst and/or Frozen Pipes

As fall gets closer to winter, the dropping temperatures won’t bode well for your pipes. Improperly insulated pipes can lead to water freezing inside. Water expands as it freezes, which can cause your pipes to burst — leading to costly damage.

Fortunately, plumbers are experts at pipe insulation. They can ensure your pipes keep the water inside at optimal temperatures even into the winter.

Declining Water Heater

As temperatures fall, and cold rain and wind hit the ground, the ground temperature will fall. This will cause the water that goes into your heater to be colder.

Then, as you work through your warm water, it’ll slowly be replaced by this colder water.

But the heater doesn’t rest. It works twice as hard to heat this ice-cold water up to a suitable temperature.

All this extra work greatly increases the chances that your heater breaks down in some way. Then, you won’t be able to enjoy warm baths/showers when it’s cold out.

Like with the last tip, you can have a plumber insulate the pipes around your water heater to minimize heat loss. Also, we’d recommend flushing your heater to remove sediment, as sediment can mess up the transfer of heat.

Wind

Most of your plumbing is either inside your home or underground, but that doesn’t mean the wind can’t cause serious damage.

Once the wind really picks up (as it may in the fall), it can knock trees over. If the tree roots are close to pipes underground, they can damage them and wreak havoc on your plumbing.

Of course, the trees could physically crash into your house and cause damage to physical plumbing fixtures, among many other things. This is unlikely to happen, though.

Any of these problems sound familiar? Or maybe you want to get your plumbing checked before the shifting season worsens any hidden problems? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Barner Murphy. Our professionals will get your plumbing back up to speed for the colder weather.

Plumbing. It’s not something you think about in your day-to-day life… until something goes wrong. Then, it can become your worst nightmare.

That’s why we at Barner Murphy believe people should have some basic knowledge about their plumbing. To that end, we’ve compiled a few plumbing tips you need to know to minimize stress and headache.

1. Know What You Can and Can’t Flush

The only thing you can safely put down your toilet is toilet paper. Don’t throw trash of any kind into your toilet. Even “flushable” wipes may not be good for your plumbing.

2. Avoid Using the Drain as a Garbage Can

Garbage disposals can’t handle things like bones, coffee grounds, grease/oil/fat, or large food debris. These can get stuck in blades or clog the pipes. Read your garbage disposal manufacturer's manual to know exactly what your drain can take.

3. Know Where Your Shutoff Valves Are Located

Any time you need to make plumbing repairs, you’ll want to turn off your water. Thus, you should know where your main shutoff valve is located. In some cases, it might be outside.

4. Get a Quality Plunger

A small investment in a quality plunger can go a long way in saving you money and stress with basic clogs in your toilets, drains, and sinks. Your plunger will help you dislodge these clogs and get back to normal with ease. They’re especially useful in minimizing messes when dealing with sink trap clogs.

5. Use the Vacuum for Hard Objects

Sometimes, a hard object — such as a toothbrush — finds its way into one of your plumbing fixtures. Plungers will worsen this issue by shoving the object deeper in. In this case, you’ll want to use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out the item.

6. Address Leaks ASAP

Drip, drip, drip. It’s more than a minor annoyance — it could be a substantial “drain” on your wallet. Studies have shown that those tiny drops coming from your leaky sink could waste up to eight gallons of water a day.

And it’s worse for toilets: a running toilet can run through 200 gallons of water a day!

And neither of these include potential future problems caused by leaks that’ll be much more costly.

Check for leaks regularly and fix them as soon as possible. If you aren’t comfortable doing so, call a plumbing professional.

7. Watch For Pipes When Doing Home Improvements

If you aren’t careful during a home improvement project, you might hammer a nail or drill a hole into your pipes. Before commencing any of these projects, determine if there are any pipes behind the areas on which you’ll work.

Running into plumbing problems in Bucks County, PA? Don’t hesitate to call Barner Murphy. Our professionals will work fast to identify and fix the problems so you can escape your plumbing nightmare and get back to normal life. Call us today!

Most people can now take hot water for granted. So when your heater suddenly fails, you really notice it. You’ll want to replace your heater fast.

Whether you’re replacing your water heater or buying a new one, pricing can vary depending on the water heater type. Below, we’ll discuss the different types of heaters and their relative costs.

Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters

Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters are cheaper upfront than gas heaters — running you about $500 for a 50-gallon tank heater. Plus, they’re safer than gas heaters and friendlier for the environment.

However, they tend to cost more in energy over time. Plus, you lose hot water if you lose power.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters cost more initially, but it’s cheaper to use them. You don’t have to worry about losing hot water during a power outage, either.

That said, gas heaters can cause more harm to the environment due to their fuel source.

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters are much more common, less expensive, and easier to install than their tankless counterparts. 

They work by storing and heating several gallons of water constantly, though. That means they use more energy and wear out quicker than tankless heaters.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless heaters have a more intensive setup process (involving new electrical wiring), leading to higher installation costs.

But the large investment comes with some advantages: tankless heaters use a lot less energy than tank heaters and last up to 20 years. 

Energy-Efficient Water Heaters

Here are some water heaters that can minimize harm to the environment.

Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters are tank heaters that heat your water using the sun’s rays. There are two types of solar heater systems:

• Active systems — Pumps water into your home. Usually costs around $3,000.
• Passive systems — Uses natural convection to provide your home with water. Usually costs around $2,000.

Most solar heaters have traditional heaters just in case.

Indirect Water Heaters

Indirect heaters draw on your furnace or boiler’s heat to heat your water. Because of this, indirect water heaters are quite energy-efficient.

However, they also have a fairly hefty $1,500 price tag.

Is My Water Heater Failing?

Here are some signs your water heater might be failing:

• Leaks
• Loud noises coming from heater
• Slow-heating water or water that doesn’t heat
• Discolored or funny-tasting water

Also, it may be time to replace your water heater if it’s 15 years old or older.

How to Pick a Water Heater

Here are some guidelines for picking a water heater:

• Home size — Larger homes need larger heaters. A two-person home could do with 30-40 gallons, while a four-person home could step up to 50-60.
• Energy usage — Some heaters might cost more but pay for themselves in energy savings.
• Fuel type — Make sure the fuel your potential water heater uses is available. For example, if it uses natural gas, make sure your property has or can get a natural gas line.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Replacing a water heater on your own is a long and tough job. You should call a professional plumber like Barner Murphy if your water heater is showing signs of deterioration or if it breaks down unexpectedly. We’ll work fast and efficiently to make sure you can continue to enjoy hot water in your home. Contact us today!

Water is fundamental to life. In modern civilization, we tend to take this vital substance for granted. Every time we run the sink to wash our hands, enjoy a warm shower, and even flush the toilet, we’re putting faith in the fact that our water is clean and safe to use.

Yet even if your water looks perfectly fine, well, it might not be. There could be unseen pollutants in it, such as minerals or chlorine.

You’re likely not in immediate danger if these substances leach into your water. However, they can damage your plumbing system, affect your appliances’ performance, and, most importantly, negatively impact your health.

Scheduling professional water testing is a good idea if you suspect your water is contaminated. You can then determine which actions to take based on the results.

If you’re noticing any of the following signs in your water or your home, it might be time to call a professional.

Signs You Need Water Conditioning In Your Home

1. Stains or Residue Buildup

Water isn’t supposed to cause constant stain or scummy residue buildup. You may have gotten used to it over time and accepted it, but stain and residue could mean bad water. Installing water conditioning in your home will minimize buildup on your plumbing fixtures and in your sinks and shower.

2. Strange Odor or Taste in Water

Water shouldn’t have much of a taste or smell — so if it does, that’s a sign there are pollutants in it. Water that smells like chlorine, metal, or rotten eggs is bound to have pollutants harmful to you and your family’s health.

3. Skin and Hair Issues

Does your skin feel irritated after you shower? Is your hair excessively dry? Your water may have a high concentration of minerals in it. These minerals react with the soaps and shampoos you use, leaving your skin and hair feeling dried out and unclean.

4. Your Utility Bills Are Rising With No Explanation

Untreated water slowly damages your plumbing system and reduces its efficiency. It then has to work harder to provide you the same amount of water, resulting in rising utility costs.

5. You Have to Make Repairs Often

Again, hard water causes damages to pipes and other parts of your plumbing system. If you’ve been making frequent repairs recently, the culprit might be minerals or other chemicals flowing through your water.

If you need your water treated in Bucks County, PA, look no further than Barner Murphy. Our expert plumbing professionals will work quickly and accurately to diagnose and fix the problem.

You should be able to rely on having clean, safe water coming out of the tap every day. Contact Barner Murphy today so you can get your water back to normal.

The lockdowns of early 2020 led to the widespread buying of many items — toilet paper being among the most purchased. Stores sold out everywhere (both brick-and-mortar stores and online), and had to put limits on how much customers could buy when new inventory arrived.

Many people who now struggled to find toilet paper looked to alternatives — desperately searching the web to see if various toilet paper alternatives were toilet-safe.

It’s tough to find an answer online nowadays with so much conflicting information, though. Some people resigned to using toilet paper alternatives anyways. As long as the toilet didn’t break when they flushed the alternatives down, then things should be fine, right?

Not exactly. Keep reading to learn the facts about toilet paper alternatives.

Are Flushable Wipes Safe?

Flushable wipes manufacturers show evidence of their wipes being safe for your plumbing system. They state that the products are biodegradable, and will thus decompose.

That may be true, but some evidence shows that these wipes simply don’t degrade fast enough. They mix with other items flushed down the toilet and cause clogs.

So although flushable wipes are excellent for a variety of situations — such as potty training your child — it might be best to seek an alternative disposal method.

Keep These Things Out of Your Toilet

Sometimes, it's tempting to flush certain items instead of throwing them in the trash. That way, you can wait longer before taking out the trash.

But you should avoid doing so. Numerous items — even very small ones — can cause expensive damage to your plumbing over time. Don’t flush the following down the toilet:

• Coffee grounds

• Cotton balls

• Dental floss

• Diapers (cloth, disposable, even “flushable” diapers)

• Eggshells

• Facial tissues

• Fats, oils, and greases

• Hair

• Napkins (paper or cloth)

• Nut shells

• Paper towels

• Plastic

• Q-tips

• Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, or any non-organic material

• Toilet bowl scrub pads

• Vitamins, medicines, or other pharmaceuticals

• Wipes (baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, moist wipes, etc.)

Sometimes, these things make their way into the toilet by accident and cause a clog. In that case, you may want to call a plumbing professional to unclog your toilet and get things back to normal.

Toilet Paper Alternatives That Work

One alternative that’s safe (for yourself and your toilet) and clean is a bidet. This is a little device mounted in your toilet that sprays water to clean you up after using the bathroom. These were invented as far back as the 1700s and are now widespread in places like Europe and Asia.

Bidets cost a few hundred dollars up front. However, you’ll never have to worry about toilet paper again. You’ll save thousands on toilet paper over your life — but more importantly, if the stores ever run out again, you’ll be fine.

If you’ve run into any toilet clogs — whether from flushing items down the toilet or not — Barner Murphy is happy to help. Call us today to get your toilet fixed!