When it comes to bathroom remodeling, there are so many different parts of a bathroom to consider.  And you need them all to be up to date with the latest bathroom styling trends. Or else, why remodel in the first place.

Most articles that discuss popular bathroom styles only discuss one item at a time. But we want to help you with everything!

So, here’s a piece by piece list, giving you the latest and trendiest features for each. From the walls to the floor to the cabinet technology, think of this list as a 3D bathroom tour, where we pan through the most popular bathroom options.

Get your 3D glasses ready, and let’s jump right in!

The Walls 

There’s a whole bunch of styles trending right now for walls. You can go a little Zen with some wood paneling, or contemporary with all marble, or fancy with intricate tiles. Just choose the look you like best and go with it!

The Floor 

A floor is considered to be a room’s fifth wall. Though they’re often forgotten about, floors can really make or break a room. The styles trending for bathroom floors right now are pretty much the same as walls: wood, marble, and tiles. So, choose your walls first, and then go ahead and see which style will work best for your floor. Don’t be afraid to make both your walls and floor the same, because the same is in now.

And don’t forget to consider underfloor heating! It’s a trending bathroom feature that will make your bathroom so much more enjoyable.

The Countertop

It’s all about that quartz. Quartz countertops are hugely in style now. This is largely because, in addition to being just plain pretty, quartz is a super convenient material. It’s strong, long-lasting, and pretty much stain proof. It’s the ultimate countertop for anyone.

The Sink 

Sinks are always a fun topic. Though under-mount sinks are a huge space saver, vessel sinks are just too cool. Vessel sinks are those sinks that sit on top of your counter. And, because they sit out in the open for all to see, they can really add a lot of spirit and pizazz to your bathroom.

The Shower

Say hello to rainfall showers. For two reasons. One, rainfall showers just feel incredible. And two, rainfalls showers really complete a look. Because they hang straight from the ceiling, they add a little bit of something extra to the room (almost like a chandelier). Especially if you have an open or glass shower door.

The Toilet

One of the biggest trending features for toilets right now is hands free flushing. This means waving your hand in front of the tank instead of actually pressing a button. Which is way more hygienic.

The Cabinet

 There may not be a specific style trending for cabinets and storage space. But there is a specific feature, and that’s technology. A big cabinet trend now is installing high tech elements, like automated lighting and mirror defoggers.

And, that’s all for our tour today!
Stay tuned for more bathroom remodeling tips, tricks, and styles you’ll adore!

    Have you ever wondered if you can handle a certain plumbing issue on your own? At Barner Murphy, we are always prepared to help with a wide range of common plumbing problems. Sometimes, plumbing concerns can be addressed on your own. In fact, we’ve got a list of 5 things your regular plumber doesn’t want you to know. Check them out below.

• It’s good to shop around.

If you need a major repair completed, it’s always best to shop around. If you can get 3 bids, this will give you a good idea as to what the project range is and you can then weigh the pros and cons of each company. 

• It’s easy to replace a toilet handle.

Many plumbers won’t tell you that it’s actually quite simple to replace a toilet handle. If you are always dealing with a loose toilet handle, it indicates the valve needs to be replaced. Why pay a plumber $100 when you can replace it yourself? 

(As a footnote to changing your toilet tank lever... The majority of these tank levers are LEFT-hand threads. So be forearmed as we’ve witnessed a few cracked toilet tanks and mini floods from homeowners attempting this easy fix.)

• Outdoor faucets should be turned off for winter.

Any easy way to end up with frozen pipes is to leave your outdoor faucets on all winter. By disconnecting all outdoor hoses, you decrease the chances of ending up with frozen pipes in the middle of winter. Drain all your hoses and store them until spring.

• Plumbers need licenses.

You probably won’t have a plumber come right out and tell you that he doesn’t have a license. Yet, hiring an unlicensed plumber should be done at your own risk. Licensed plumbers know all of the local building codes and regulations, so this should be considered when making your hiring decision. 

• Plumbers aren’t required to clean up.

Many people are surprised to find out that while their hired plumber fixed the pipes without a hitch, he didn’t clean up the demolished wall that was left in his wake. It’s always a good idea to discuss the details of the job with the person you hire to make sure there are no surprises after the job is complete.
    

    Are you looking for a qualified and reputable plumber in Montgomery County? Barner Murphy Inc. of Levittown specializes in a wide range of professional plumbing services. Barner Murphy also offers bathroom remodeling services for interested customers. Barner Murphy has served the Pennsylvania and New Jersey areas for over 20 years and is proud to offer services for common plumbing problems.

    Barner Murphy can help with issues like blockages, pipe installation, new construction and retrofitting. The talented and dedicated master plumbers at Barner Murphy works to accommodate a host of common and specialized plumbing issues so that you and your family experience as little inconvenience as possible.

    There are many different kinds of plumbing problems, but some of the most common ones are included in our list below. If you have a problem with any of these, the crew at Barner Murphy can help you get the assistance you require. 

• Leaking faucets

Most of us have had a leaking faucet at one point or another. While this might seem like a minor annoyance only, a leaking faucet can also cause an increase in your electric bill as well as a waste in water. 

• Running toilets

A running toilet has the potential to waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. Any kind of internal leaking can cause an increase in expenses and also lead to damage in the affected areas.

• Low water pressure

Many older homes experience low water pressure because of a hidden leak inside the home. If you think you have a problem with an internal leak, the team at Barner Murphy can help you get it sorted out. 

• Clogged drains

Another common plumbing problem is a clogged drain. Our expert technicians can help you determine the cause of your clog and get it fixed in no time.

• Leaking pipes

Believe it or not, leaking pipes aren’t just a cold weather complaint. Many people experience leaking pipes year-round. The good news is that Barner Murphy can help. Give us a call today and someone from our team will help you as soon as possible. 
    

A new year is here, and you know what that means…

New fashion, new style, new trends!

So, today we’ve brought you a list of the hottest bathroom remodeling trends to watch out for this new year. Keep your eyes peeled!

Wooden Everything

From walls to floors, to accessorized handles, wood is making a big appearance this year. As a healthy choice for any bathroom, wood provides an encompassing sense of balance and peace.

Wood’s visually warm tones bring in calming vibes that make any bathroom a safe and happy space. PLUS, wood actually absorbs moisture, so you won’t have to worry about your steamy baths harming your newly remodeled bathroom.

Pro Tip: For a wood alternative, consider porcelain “wood” tiles for a cool new look. 

Underfloor Heating

This is one trend you definitely don’t want to miss. Just imagine the pleasure of stepping barefoot onto a warm bathroom floor during a cold, midwinter morning. And, since heat rises, an underfloor heating system not only warms the floor but also the entire room! You can’t get more functional than that.

When remodeling your bathroom, be aware that there are two types of underfloor heating systems: wet and dry. A wet heating system pumps hot water through water pipes that run beneath the floor tiles, while a dry heating system uses electric wiring. Talk to your local bathroom remodeling contractors to find out which system is best for your bathroom plans!

Minimalist Storage

While ample storage space is nice, it can also be dangerous for us hoarders. When you’ve got extra space, it’s all too easy to fill it with nonsense and unnecessary items. Remodeling your bathroom with a minimalist storage approach can be the best solution to this conundrum. It forces you to keep only what you need, and only what makes you happy- you simply don’t have room for anything more.

Remember: keep your bathroom stress free, with clutter-free storage.

Half to Whole

Turn those half bathrooms into full bathrooms! When you spend every morning in the bathroom getting ready for work, you deserve to have a nice space to do it in. And sometimes that means a big enough space. Gone are the days when you brush your teeth, fix your hair, shower, and do everything else to get you looking presentable in a tiny, cramped bathroom that makes you sad to be in.

Break down some walls, and open up space for a place where you can breathe deeply and move easy.

Plus, it’s a great real-estate investment.

High-Tech Conveniences

It’s a brand-new year, so why not throw in some brand-new tech to your bathroom? Consider heated towel bars, fog-free mirrors, motion sensitive faucets, motion-sensitive lights, and maybe even an infrared light or two to dry you off after the shower. This year, there are all sorts of new tech trends to try for your bathroom, and all of them are just as functional as they look fashionable.

Happy New Year!
 

Winter is one of the worst seasons for your plumbing.

Unfortunately, the cold, wet weather can really do a number on your pipes and plumbing parts. To avoid this, we highly recommend prewinter plumbing maintenance checkups to ensure that all your plumbing is in tip-top shape to withstand the bad weather. It’s the surest way to avoid winter plumbing headaches.

However, if you didn’t have a chance to do so, and you’re wondering if something is wrong with your plumbing, here are some common winter plumbing problems to consider.

And don’t forget: always feel free to call your local plumber in Bucks County for any questions or concerns!

Broken Water Heating

Sadly, broken water heaters are a huge problem in the winter. One minute you’re taking a nice, steamy shower, and the next minute the heating is broken and you’re stuck in the cold. Ugh.

Though you use hot water all year round, broken water heaters are mainly a concern in the winter. This is because in the winter your water heater has to use more energy to keep the water heated. All that extra energy puts a lot of extra stress on our water heater’s systems. If you’ve got an old water boiler, the extra stress could be enough to do it in. For good. That’s why, it’s important to take a look at your water heater before the winter weather comes in. This way you’ll know if you need to buy a new heater before the damage is done.

The other problem with a broken water heater in the winter, is finding someone to fix it in a timely manner. When everyone’s having plumbing issues because of the winter weather, it can be hard to get a hold of a plumber. Avoid the rush, and get your water heater checked out before the emergency.

Frozen Pipes

The issue with frozen pipes is not just the freezing, but the bursting that tends to accompany the freezing. When water freezes, it also expands. When the water within your pipes freezes and expands, it puts a lot of pressure on the metal pipes. This pressure can cause the pipes to crack. But the worst part comes as the pipes thaw and the unfrozen water starts rushing. Because that’s when the pipes are actually in danger of bursting.

To prevent frozen pipes, make sure that your plumbing is properly insulated. To prevent bursting pipes, turn off your water supply and call your local plumber.

Septic Tank Rupture

A septic tank is a small compartment, usually below ground, that collects water waste and sewage from your home.  Just like with frozen pipes, the line connecting the septic tank to your house can freeze during the cold winter weather. Crazy as it sounds, this can result in the entire septic tank bursting, which costs a lot of time and money to fix.
 
To avoid a septic tank burst, carefully clean out the tank before the bad weather hits.

Help, my water heater is broken - what should I do?
Call Barner Murphy!

The winter season is here, and, unfortunately, so is the broken water heater season.

For a plethora of reasons – rust, loose gears, just plain malfunctioning– broken water heaters are a common issue in the winter. Which is regrettable, since winter is when you want that hot steamy bath or a hot cup of cocoa the most.

Water heaters are meant to last up to 13 years, but sometimes they get a little wonky in the interim and need some professional help. Particularly of the plumbing variety.

That’s where we come in.

We know choosing a plumber can be stressful, especially when the sad sounds of your broken water heater are plunking in the background. So, we’re here to ease the sorrow and help you make the right decision.

How to Choose a Plumber

When there’s a plumbing problem, we say to call your local plumber.  But who is your local plumber? Because there’s never just one plumber in the area. 

So, you’ve got to do your research and choose the one that’s best for you.

To make things a little easier, we’ve narrowed down the search criteria to three C’s: Cost, Certification, and Customer Reviews.

Cost – How much are they charging? Call at least two different plumbers and compare prices. This way you know you’re not getting ripped off. When it comes to emergency services, some plumbers will hike up the price. Be aware of this, and don’t let them do it.

Certification – Are they certified plumbers? When you’ve got a plumbing problem, the last thing you want is for someone who has no idea what they’re doing to tamper with the pipes and make things worse. That’s why it’s important to ask for proof of certification before hiring a plumber.

Customer Reviews –Do their customers like their work? Checking customer reviews is the most reliable way to find out if a plumber is truly good. Look for both past reviews and past ratings.

Who to Actually Hire

We, at Barner Murphy, offer you the best for those three C’s.

Cost – Plumbing help is something that everyone needs- and something no one should go without. And so, we try to make our prices as affordable as possible. We get where you’re coming from, and we want to help.

Certification – We are certified Master Plumbers. We know what we’re doing, and we do it well. But more than that, we go beyond just the technical approach. We take the time to consider all possibilities so that we find the solution that works best for you and your home.

Customer Reviews – Our customers love the work we do for them. If you don’t believe us, just check out our A+ testimonials. When you’ve got a plumbing emergency, like a broken water heater, we do our best to get to you as quickly as possible and get the problem fixed. Give us a call at (215) 945-8560

When it comes to plumbing, there are two strategies that come into play: immediate and preventative.

Immediate plumbing

The immediate strategy is for plumbing that’s already broken. Like, when your shower head falls off, when the laundry machine starts leaking, or when your entire basement just suddenly floods.

These are all problems that require immediate fixes, and so you use the immediate strategy of calling in an emergency plumber and getting the problems patched.

The immediate strategy is great. It’s a full proof plan for when things are already broken. BUT, that also means that things are already broken. And we all know that broken things never stay by themselves quietly in the corner. No. They like to involve others and spread the damage. At which point, you’ve got a massive bill to pay for all the parts and repairs.

This is where strategy #2 comes into play.

Preventative plumbing

The prevention strategy is for checking all your plumbing systems in advance, so you can catch the breaks before they actually break.

This means conducting regular plumbing checkups. Especially between season changes, and particularly before the winter season.

Say one of your pipes has a small crack. You’re unaware of this small crack because throughout the fall your pipes have been working just fine. So, you head into the winter weather without an inkling of what’s actually going on with your pipes. And, what’s actually going on with your pipes, is that one snowy day, when the ice is bad - that pipe with the small crack? Well, it freezes over and suddenly bursts. What once was something small, is now a major headache.

The problem doesn’t even end there, because you also have to worry about your house getting water damage. And who knows when you’ll be able to get the next available plumber in the winter when everyone else is having plumbing emergencies as well.

Now, let’s go the other route:

Say one of your pipes has a small crack. Lucky for you, when your local Bucks County plumber comes to do the seasonal plumbing checkup, he notices the crack. He right away takes care of the problem. And you live happily ever after during the winter.

Spot the differences?

If you want to save money, time, and effort, preventative plumbing is the way to go. It lets you stay one step ahead of the game so that you can be in control of what’s really going on with your house.

The List

So, what goes into a plumbing checkup?

At Barner Murphy, here’s what we always look for when conducting our winter plumbing checkups in Bucks County:

Pipes – We make sure all your major pipes are good to go - no cracks or leaks.

Heating – We make sure your heating systems are working optimally.

Hoses – We make sure your outdoor water hoses are turned off properly.

Drains – We make sure your drains are clean and in the clear.

How many times have you tried to fix something in your house and realized midway through that you have no idea what you’re actually doing? The answer is: too many to count.

We’ve all experienced it at some point in our lives- trying out DIY fixes and completely failing.

Truth be told, sometimes the best thing to do is to just leave the fixing to the professionals. Especially, when it comes to plumbing breaks. There are so many different pipes and tools and knowledge sets that go into plumbing, that at the end of the day, it makes sense to let someone experienced take care of the problem.

We don’t need to be experts in everything.

Here are 4 DIY plumbing fails to avoid!

1. Duct Tape Everything

As much as we love duct tape, it is not a real plumbing solution!

People often think they can patch a piping problem with tape, but there are two main issues with this. One, the tape is not a permanent solution and when it wears off, you’re going to be left with a pretty ugly mess to clean. Two, if the problem isn’t getting fixed, it’s getting worse. If you’ve got a plumbing break, the best thing to do is just call in a professional plumber right off the bat.

Take care of the problem properly before it gets more complicated and before it involves a more expensive fix.

2. Losing the Pieces

Plumbing fixtures contain lots of tiny pieces (and big pieces for that matter). This makes it incredibly easy to lose the parts. Particularly, if you don’t know what the pieces are or what they really do. Time after time, people accidentally throw out crucial plumbing pieces only to be stuck later on having to figure out where to buy replacements. Skip a headache and let a real plumber deal with the nitty-gritty.

3. Forgetting How to Put It Back Together

Also on the topic of small pieces, is forgetting how to put those pieces back together.

Say you manage to be organized enough not lose any of the parts. Now what? You’ve got no manual and no instruction paper- how do you put the pieces back? Too many times, people open up their toilet tanks, take apart laundry pipes, disassemble faucets, and then when it’s time to put the pieces back together, they completely forget how. It’s a real DIY problem.

4. Forgetting to Turn off the Water

This is a classic newbie mistake.

People frequently get so overexcited with the mechanics of their plumbing issues, that they forget practically the most important step, which is: shutting off your water! Forgetting to turn off the water supply before you start working, can be disastrous. It can cause flooding, leaking, and totally soak your clothing.

It’s a simple step, but one that is too easily overlooked.

Save yourself the extra expenses, water damage, and lost time. Call a professional plumber to take care of your plumbing needs, today.

Congrats!

If you’re reading this article, it’s because you are thinking about (or have already decided to) move forward and start remodeling your bathroom in Bucks County!

It’s a fun and worthwhile move. BUT, only if you get it done well and by the right people. The right people will be master plumbers who use only the best products, best plumbing techniques and have the best communication skills.

There’s a whole lot that goes into remodeling a bathroom. You’ve got to pay attention to both functionality and style. So, forget exhausting DIY projects, and leave the remodeling to a company that will design the perfect bathroom for you.

Why Use a Professional?

Chances are, that if you’re remodeling your bathroom now, you’re not going to be changing it for quite some time. So, you need to make sure that you’re taking into account every little detail that goes into the planning and design.

That’s where a professional comes into the picture.

Professionals in the field have detailed lists, so nothing will be overlooked. And, they’ve got trained eyes to notice little remodeling nuances you might otherwise never catch.

With a professional, you can sit back and relax, knowing it’s not all up to you.

What Kind of Professional Should You Look For?

Look for a master plumbing company that works with highly skilled contractors.

The biggest part of remodeling a bathroom is getting the plumbing right. So, first find a plumbing company that you trust. One that has good reviews, and is polite and informative on the phone.

Make sure they do full bathroom renovations!

The rest is a cinch. If they are a plumbing company that has connections with contractors, then you’re all set to go. They’ll coordinate everything, and you can just relax and watch the magic happen.

What Can a Professional Plumber Offer You?

An experienced and competent plumbing company creates a design that combines your practical needs with your style needs. This is crucial, and harder than it sounds.

More often than not, designers get so carried away with styling the room, that they forget about functionality. And, when that happens, you’re left with strange situations like having a beautiful bathtub that’s just too big for the room, or an expensive, yet gorgeous toilet that really didn’t work with your budget.

The perfect plumber, working alongside their team of contractors, will know how to combine function and beauty to make the bathroom that’s right for you.

How to Find a Plumber Near You?

Look no further!

Here at Barner Murphy Inc., located in Bucks County, we pride ourselves on creating a bathroom remodeling strategy that works in tandem with your taste, space, and budget needs. We offer a plethora of options, and we don’t stop until we find the bathroom design that makes you happy.

At Barner Murphy, we work with only the most professional contracting partners throughout the whole renovation process.

Rest assured you’re getting high-quality work for your home.

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