Plumbing fixture break. It’s a fact of life. Depending on your handiness, you may be able to fix some minor issues like a leaky faucet.

But when it comes to your garbage disposal, there’s no messing around. After all, you’re dealing with a sharp blade that can be activated electronically.

It’s best to call a plumber when dealing with garbage disposal issues, and here are several reasons why.

1. Danger to Yourself

Garbage disposals use blades to cut up any materials that go down the drain in an effort to prevent clogging or jamming. The parts themselves are very sharp and quite strong. Trying to fix something like this yourself can be quite dangerous. Even when it’s not working, you could cut yourself.

Plumbers are highly skilled at solving these kinds of issues safely. Don’t put yourself at risk fixing the disposal — rely on a plumbing professional.

2. Danger to the Disposal

You aren’t the only one who could suffer injury — if you aren’t a licensed plumber, then you most likely don’t have the knowledge required to fix the device. In fact, you might unintentionally cause further damage, leading to more costs and stress.

Nothing wrong with not knowing how to fix it. But it’s best to call on someone who knows how to find and fix the problem and has the right tools for the job.

In other words, a plumber.

3. Unseen Problems

The most obvious sign of damaged garbage disposal is that it doesn’t turn on when you flip the switch on.

However, there are some other signs you might accept as normal… that aren’t actually normal.

For example, it might work, but you might hear a terrible grinding noise. That’s not supposed to happen.

Or, it might work just fine — but there’s a constant odd odor emanating from the disposal.

It also could be clogged.

Regardless, you might not know what the solution could be to some of these problems. Plumbers do — they can identify where the root cause is and fix it.

Rely on a Plumbing Professional

Overall, it’s best to leave garbage disposal issues to the professionals. They have plenty of experience doing these kinds of repairs safely, efficiently, and with minimal interruption to your life.

If you’ve been going through some garbage disposal issues in Philadelphia, don’t hesitate to reach out to Barner Murphy. Our experienced professionals would be happy to take a look at the disposal and remedy the issue. Contact us today to learn more.

Sewage backups aren’t just a nasty problem — they’re quite dangerous. When left untreated, backups can be destructive to your plumbing system (an expensive fix) and harmful to you and your family’s help.

The earlier you spot and fix sewage backups, the better. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of five common signs of a sewage backup to look for.

1. Bubbling in Your Drains or Toilets

Do you see air bubbles bubbling up in your drains or toilets during use? This might indicate that something is preventing wastewater from flowing through your plumbing systems as it normally can. Something might be restricting it.

If you don’t find out the issue, this wastewater will continue to back up further and further, getting ever closer to the fixtures in your home. Thus, this could be your first sign of a sewage backup issue.

2. Bad Odors Coming From Drains

Obviously, sewage water won’t smell too great. Your drains aim to carry wastewater away from your home, so if they’re producing foul odors — or if a sewage stench seems to be drifting through your home — the drains might not be doing their job properly. This could imply a sewage backup problem.

3. Slow or Clogged Draining in Multiple Fixtures

Still, on the topic of draining, any fixtures that drain water slower than usual might be facing a sewage backup.

Not always, though. Keep in mind that an individual drain may be clogged for another reason (such as putting improper materials down the drain). It’s more likely to be a sewage issue if multiple drains start struggling at the same time.

Getting even more specific, this sewage backup warning sign tends to show itself in the lowest drains in your home first. If the drains in your basement or on your first floor all slow down simultaneously, you might have a sewage backup on your hands.

4. Odd Behaviors in One Fixture When Using Another Fixture

Sewage backups can cause certain fixtures to act weirdly when you use another fixture. For example, flushing the toilet in your bathroom with the shower might cause sewage to come out of the shower drain. If you notice any weird events like this, you might have a sewage backup on your hands.

5. Sewer Cleanout Pipe Issues

The sewer cleanout pipe gives you direct access to your sewer line. Backups in this pipe can cause sewage to come out in other areas, usually your yard or basement.

Standing water in your sewer cleanout pipe can also indicate a potential sewer backup.

Notice any of these problems in your Philadelphia home? Fixing them is often unpleasant and can even be dangerous — which is why you should leave sewage backup issues to the experts. If you see any sewage backup warning signs, the professionals at Barner Murphy will be happy to promptly diagnose and fix the issue with minimal interruption to your everyday life. Contact us today to learn more.

What Is the Sewer Line?

Homes that are connected to sewer systems need a way to connect the drains in the home to the main sewer drain.

That’s what the sewer line is for.

The sewer line is an underground pipe that carries all the wastewater from your home to the sewers that sit under the streets.

They can be made of various materials depending on your home’s age:

● Cast iron — Heavy and expensive, but durable. Found in many homes, but plastic pipes are becoming more common.

● Clay — Doesn’t degrade from chemicals, but can break from pressure from underground tree roots.

● Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — A flexible plastic polymer. Used in many new homes today.

● Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) — Similar to PVC. Less flexible and uses a different adhesive, but ABS is stronger.

● Orangeburg — Light and easy to cut, making it once-popular. However, it lacks durability, making it uncommon among new installations nowadays.

Why Do You Need a Professional Sewer Line Inspection?

Your sewer line is a critical portion of your plumbing. If it isn’t functioning properly, all sorts of nasty, expensive, and dangerous plumbing problems can occur — clogs being a common one.

Clogs can cause wastewater to back up into your home’s plumbing fixtures, which is quite unpleasant and puts you and your family in harm’s way.

There are also instances where the wastewater can spill out into your yard, which is also disastrous and a headache to clean up.

Sewer lines don’t last forever, as you saw from the list of common materials above. Thus, a sewer line inspection is imperative if you’re, say, moving to a home that’s been around for a while.

You’ll want a professional plumber to closely inspect the sewer line for any issues because once you buy, that sewer line becomes your problem.

What if you’re not moving?

As a general rule, many plumbers recommend getting your sewer line cleaned every 18-22 months. Doing so will hopefully keep you in the clear when it comes to sewer line issues.

However, if you’re experiencing sewer line issues, you may want to get an inspection of your pipes done. Anything from tree roots to leaks from changing seasons may be the cause, and a professional plumber is best suited to identify the origin of the issue.

Rely on Barner Murphy to Inspect and Address Sewer Line Problems

At Barner Murphy, our plumbing professionals have years of experience performing a range of plumbing activities, including sewer line inspections. We provide sewer line inspections in Bucks County, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about our sewer line inspection services.

Spring is here and is bound to give way to summer fast. Soon enough, we’ll be outside playing baseball in the yard, hitting the pool for a swim, grilling up food, and going on vacation, to name a few summer favorites.

Not to mention there are grad parties, weddings, outdoor music festivals/concerts, and a general increase in social gatherings and events.

Much of the summer fun means more people will be in and out of your home. Naturally, your plumbing will see heavier usage. At the same time, a single plumbing problem can put a serious damper on the summer festivities.

Prepare your plumbing for summer ahead of time with these 4 tips.

1. Check For Pipe Leaks

Winter is the most “dangerous” season for your pipes, as the cold weather can lead to water freezing, expanding, and cracking, or even bursting the pipes.

Check all areas in your house where pipes could leak, such as under your sinks, your showerheads, your drinking water line, and so on. Investigate things like sprinklers (especially important in the summer) and your pool (if you have one) too.

Find any leaks? Patch them up asap. Doing so will cut your water usage and minimize the chance of costly problems.

2. Ensure Good Water Pressure

Whether you’re having guests over or you’re showering several times a day to beat the heat, your shower’s going to see a lot more use.

It’s a good idea to make sure the water pressure stays consistent.

Ideally, you want your water pressure 40-45 psi. It should never exceed 60 psi.

To check your water pressure, you can grab yourself a water pressure gauge from the store and attach it to a spigot outside.

If it’s too low, it could be due to leaks or a pressure regulator problem. You’ll need to find and fix the issue to get your pressure back to normal.

3. Keep the Gutters Clean

Gutters keep water away from your home. When they get clogged by twigs, leaves, and other debris, water can get onto your roof and lead to costly (and nasty) water damage to your roof and foundation.

Keep those gutters clear.

On a similar note, make sure your sprinklers aren’t pointed at your foundation. This can cause the same type of damage as clogged gutters.

4. Throw the Right Things Down the Disposal

Summer means barbecues as well as freshly-grown fruits and vegetables. But so much of these foods come with the risk of throwing the wrong things down the garbage disposal.

Avoid throwing the following types of items down the disposal:

• Stringy foods (banana peels, celery, corn husks)
• Anything relatively bulky (melon rinds, corn husks)
• Oils or fats (these solidify and clog the disposal)
• Bones
• Chicken skin

Really, the only things that should go down the garbage disposal are crumbs and many liquids that aren’t oils or fats. When in doubt, it’s probably best to throw it in your garbage can.

If you’re looking to prepare your home for the summer in Philadelphia, Barner Murphy would be happy to take a look at your plumbing system and fix any problems you might be dealing with. Contact us today to learn more.

If you’re looking to install a swimming pool at your home, you may quickly become overwhelmed at all your options (or at the fact that there are so many options at all).

There are a lot of considerations to make when choosing a pool type, from your budget to local codes to the space you have.

To help you out, here’s a quick guide to various popular types of pools.

Above-Ground

Above-ground pools are generally one of the more affordable types (other than an inflatable kiddie pool). As the name implies, they are above-ground. To enter, you use a short ladder or set of stairs.

Some benefits include:

● Relatively inexpensive

● Portable

● More adaptable to varying types of land

● You can add a deck later and still save money compared to other pool types

Family/Recreational

If you’ve got a bigger budget and a family to satisfy, the recreational pool might be the way to go. These often come with slides, as well as other fun stuff like boulders, plants, and basketball hoops.

These provide a good amount of room for swimming as exercise on your own, while also allowing for the whole family to get in on some fun in the water.

Architectural

Architectural pools focus more on style. They have defined structure and lines, often matching the house they belong to.

As the name implies, these pools are often designed by architects. They may even be built at the same time as the home itself (if the home is custom-built), allowing for the pool to match.

Naturally, these tend to be pricey, as pools go.

Infinity

Infinity pools are called this name because one of the edges “vanishes”. This edge often overlooks some sort of drop, rather than simply being connected to concrete like other pools. It’s supposed to look like the water is dropping off the edge from your point of view at the home, even though the water isn’t.

These pools are best suited for homes at higher elevations that offer a beautiful view. They’re always custom-built and on the higher end of pool pricing.

Indoor

Indoor pools are pretty straightforward — they’re pools that are inside. They’ve got walls and a roof.

They’re generally simple in shape and structure, with the focus more on utility than style.

Since they’re inside, you can use them at any time of the year. Thus, they’re good for anyone who trains as a swimmer or enjoys swimming as exercise year-round.

You will need to spend extra on the indoor space (if you don’t already have it), but heating costs will be much lower since it's inside.

Spool

What do you get when you combine a spa and a pool?

A spool.

These are great for people who want a pool more for relaxation or cooling off, rather than exercising or having a party. Naturally, they’re much cheaper than true pools, given the small size.

There’s a lot of plumbing work associated with getting a pool, regardless of the style you get. If you need help with any pool-related plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Barner Murphy. Contact us today!

Many homeowners love to DIY projects around the house, including plumbing work.

It makes sense: it feels good to get the job done yourself, not to mention it saves money.

However, investing in professional plumbing services provide plenty of additional benefits that justify the increased cost.

Below are some of the top reasons you should hire a professional plumber for your home’s plumbing projects.

You Can’t Do Some Projects Yourself

Some plumbing projects are too complex or even dangerous for someone untrained in plumbing to handle. Your only real choice is to hire a professional plumber in these instances.

For example, you can’t really do anything related to your sewer lines on your own. Any mistakes can cause nasty and even dangerous issues.

Another example would be repairing gas leaks. These are also quite dangerous and should be left to a trained and licensed professional.

Peace of Mind on All Other Projects

Sure, most people can handle simpler plumbing projects, such as pipe repairs or leak fixes with a bit of Internet browsing.

However, you may not be confident in your ability to fix these problems. If things go wrong, you might create an even more costly issue at worst. At best, the problem might reemerge sometime down the road.

By hiring a plumber for the job, you virtually guarantee the issue will be fixed promptly and with minimal disruption to your life.

Finding and Fixing the Root Cause

Sometimes, problems you spot (such as a leak) may have hidden causes somewhere else in your plumbing system. Addressing the visible part of the problem would be akin to putting a band-aid on your plumbing when you actually need to find and fix the root cause.

That’s what plumbers can do. With their knowledge of and experience with plumbing systems, they can often quickly identify where the problem originates from, then take the proper steps to remedy the problem safely and efficiently.

Multiple Plumbing Services Available

Plumbers offer a wide range of services beyond simple leak fixes. They can fix pipes, repair gas leaks, install new plumbing-related fixtures (such as dishwashers), winterize your plumbing systems, and more.

By working with a plumber, you can be sure that all your plumbing systems will be in excellent shape with minimal work on your part.

Plumbing Code Knowledge

When you make plumbing repairs, you have to be careful. Your fixes must comply with plumbing codes to avoid breaking the law.

Professional plumbers have in-depth training and knowledge of plumbing codes on local, state, and national levels.

Additionally, these codes can change over time — plumbing professionals study and keep up with these changes so they can continue delivering excellent, compliant service to their customers.

Need a professional plumber in Philadelphia? Barner Murphy would be happy to help. Our expert plumbers can fix nearly any plumbing issue, from simple leaks to complex repairs only a plumber can handle. Contact us today!

The warmth and sunlight of spring bring joy to many in Bucks County, but they also can lead to plenty of plumbing issues that’ll quickly ruin the positive mood. If you don’t take action fast, these can become quite expensive and put a damper on your whole spring.

With that in mind, here are 5 springtime plumbing problems you might face in Bucks County.

1. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is frustrating, making it hard to enjoy your showers or clean your dishes in the sink.

However, low water pressure isn’t a problem on its own — it’s often a sign of a true plumbing problem somewhere else.

Get ahold of a plumber if your home experiences many instances of low water pressure or sustained periods of low water pressure.

2. Leaky Pipes

As the seasons change, the temperature doesn’t adjust linearly. Some days might be biting cold, while others are nice and warm.

This causes a lot of water expansion and contraction in your pipes, which can lead to cracks and leaks that aren’t noticeable until it’s warmer outside.

Your plumbing is especially at risk if it's old. Outdoor items are as well, given their exposure to the elements.

You may have leaky pipes if you notice musty odors around your home, a higher water bill/water usage, or standing water in areas near the affected area. Low water pressure may also be a symptom.

3. Gutter Obstructions

Spring means plenty of new plants are growing. This vibrant greenery is beautiful to look at, but all this new plantlife can get stuck in your gutters.

Twigs, leaves, and other similar materials can block your gutters. This can cause water to overflow out of gutters and onto your roof or the side of your home, causing expensive water damage and unsightly stains.

So make sure you clean out your gutters and downspout regularly. It will save you a lot of money and headache.

4. Water Line Obstructions

Plantlife needs water, especially when growing during the spring. Your plumbing system has plenty of water.  It’s not uncommon for trees to target your main and sewer lines as places to stretch out their roots and obtain water.

Roots can get into the pipes, leading to damage, water pressure issues, and slow drainage — more on slow drainage next.

5. Outdoor Drainage Issues

Effective outdoor drainage helps take care of the excess water caused by melting ice and snow. If you have slow outdoor drainage, water can flood your property, possibly getting into your basement can cause nasty, costly damage.

Make sure you get your gutters cleaned and your main and sewer lines checked. Take a look at exterior pipes around your property, and check out your sump pump as well to make sure it works fine.

Experiencing any of these plumbing problems in Bucks County? Or maybe you aren’t but you want a professional to look at your plumbing and make sure everything looks good.

You can rely on the professionals at Barner Murphy to fix any of these issues and more quickly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your life. Contact us today to learn more.

Garbage disposals are wonderful modern plumbing devices. They take a lot of abuse for us behind the scenes, helping to get rid of the waste that makes it down the sink.

It makes cleaning up after cooking or doing dishes nice and easy.

That said, garbage disposals aren’t indestructible. Over time, they wear down.

Additionally, you can unknowingly cause damage by putting objects down the garbage disposal (such as grease/oil/fat, bones, and excessive coffee grounds) which may cause your garbage disposal to leak.

If you’re currently dealing with a leaky garbage disposal, or you want to be prepared in case it ever happens to you, keep on reading. We’ll explain why garbage disposal might be leaking from the top, bottom, or side, and how to fix it in each cast.

Leaking From the Top

Your sink connects to your garbage disposal via an object called a sink flange. As water and waste flow down your sink, this flange can experience corrosion.

If your disposal is leaking from the top, then in most cases, it’s because the flange is corroded.

To remedy the problem, you’ll have to go in and reseal the flange. To do so, all you need is a screwdriver. Just tighten the screws on the flange and you should be good to go.

If the leaking doesn’t stop, it might be time to rely on an expert from Barner Murphy.

Leaking From the Bottom

A leak from the bottom is often due to wear on a pipe’s inner seal. Once again, water and other materials that flow through the sink and disposal can wear down this seal, creating the opportunity for leaking.

Now, unless your warranty hasn’t expired, fixing this leak might not be worth the time, money, and effort. You’d probably be better off getting new garbage disposal that’ll last you for a long time.

Side Leaks

Side leaks often come from the area where drain lines connect with your garbage disposal. The leak is caused by a loose connection here.

There are two drains connected to your garbage disposal. Here is how to fix each one.

• Dishwasher: Tighten the screw on the clamp that connects the lines from your dishwasher to your garbage disposal.
• Main sewer: Tightening the screws here may also work. However, if it doesn’t, you might need to replace the rubber gasket — something a plumber can help with.

Have you tried any of these fixes for your disposal, yet you can’t seem to solve the issue? Or perhaps you don’t want to accidentally damage something in your disposal?

No worries — Barner Murphy is here to help. Our plumbing specialists can diagnose and fix the issue fast so you can get on with your life. Contact us today if you’re interested in our expert plumbing services.

The ongoing pandemic has, for obvious reasons, reinvigorated peoples’ interest in staying and healthy and maintaining good cleanliness/sanitization practices.

Washing our hands frequently, coughing and sneezing away from people into our elbows, wiping down and sanitizing surfaces, and applying hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available all occur much more frequently.

It’s excellent to see people keeping themselves so clean, but hygiene doesn’t stop at the personal level.

The air we breathe plays a significant role in our health as well, even if we often take clean air for granted. After all, we have to breathe — so the air we inhale should be clean of germs, allergens, and so on.

And what’s responsible for that?

Your home’s heating and cooling systems.

Guarding Your Home Against Allergens and Germs

As mentioned, your heating and cooling systems are substantially responsible for maintaining good air quality in your home. They constantly circulate air throughout your house.

However, bad things can sneak into this air and potentially decrease air quality. Any time you open your door or window, things from the outside world can make it into your home and circulate through the air.

Of course, that’s what your system’s air filter is for. Your air filter accumulates this stuff, though, which makes your system less efficient. Thus, you want to replace your air filter regularly.

Similarly, your ducts build up this junk. Cleaning your ducts regularly keeps your air as clean as possible.

For further cleaning of the air, you can buy various air quality products, such as air purifiers or items that use UV light to kill germs.

What About the Pandemic?

Air filters can trap plenty of particles, but the current pandemic is quite small and may be able to squeeze through these filters. Even the finest of filters might not stop it.

That’s where UV products can come in handy. Studies have shown that lamps or other devices that emit UV-C light can be effective at killing this specific virus.

Of course, you don’t want to rely on these products alone. It’s best to continue wiping down and sanitizing surfaces and keeping all your filters and ducts clean for good airflow. This is especially important for rooms where people gather, as close contact is one of the most common methods of respiratory illness spread.

Along with these, continuing to wash your hands and cough/sneeze into your elbow will help minimize the spread of illness.

In these times, you’re likely a bit more on guard about who comes into your house. Don’t worry — at Barner Murphy, your safety is of the utmost importance to us. All of our professionals wear masks when at your home and maintain a distance of at least six feet whenever possible. We can fix up your central heating and cooling and make sure it’s keeping your air nice and clean — and, by extension, keeping you healthy. Contact us today to learn more.

Keeping your plumbing in tip-top shape is essential to a happy and healthy home. It helps you keep your water bill down and avoid costly damage and other risks.

However, many plumbing upgrades can also boost the value of your home. Here are some plumbing upgrades you can make to make your home more valuable to potential buyers.

Pull-Out Faucets

Got old sinks? Why not upgrade them to pull-out faucets? Pull-out faucets have a cord attached to them that lets you detach them and move them around. This offers plenty of added versatility for washing foods and cleaning dishes. Thus, they’re quite attractive to homeowners.

Additionally, you should consider a dual-basin sink if you have the space to add it. This adds plenty of room to clean dishes. Alternatively, it offers your sink the ability to serve multiple purposes at once. One side can be for dirty dishes, while the other can be kept clear for washing food or other purposes.

Both of these upgrades can give your home a nice value boost.

Modern Pipes

Many homes are still using corrosion-vulnerable galvanized pipes. When pipes corrode, corroded material can get into your water. This causes both a bad taste in the water and potential health risks to those who drink it. In some cases, corrosion can build up and cause blockages, leading to pipes bursting.

If your pipes contain lead or polybutylene, we advise you to replace those pipes immediately. For your water pipes, copper is a good choice. PVC works well for waste pipes. Neither of these materials are at risk of corrosion.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Fixtures

Old washers and dryers use up a ton of water and energy, which is costing you money and doing more potential harm to the environment. Upgrading to eco-friendly appliances can cut these bills down and improve your environmental impact.

For appliances like your washers and water heats, look for the energy star. This signals that the appliance is energy-efficient.

As for fixtures, there are many areas for improvement. Low-flow showerheads and faucets can ease the strain on your plumbing and save you untold gallons of water. If you get a dual-flush toilet, you can further cut water use, as these use less water to flush than traditional toilets.

A New Bathroom

One of the most work-intensive, yet obvious ways to substantially improve your home’s value is to add a second bathroom. Building a new bathroom allows you to add some style and luxury to your home, as well as making it easier for a larger family to live there — or for people to spend less time in the morning waiting for a bathroom to be available.

You may also consider renovating your first bathroom. There is a lot of work involved, sure, but the return on investment is also worth it. Even if you don’t sell your home anytime soon, your bathroom will be a much more enjoyable place to spend time in.

As you can see, some simple plumbing upgrades can make your home a lot more valuable. If you’re thinking of adding these upgrades to your home, but aren’t sure if you can do it yourself, Barner Murphy is happy to help. Contact us today to learn more.