There is nothing more frustrating than taking a shower and realizing that the water has risen up to your ankles, or trying to drain the sink after washing dishes to no avail, or hearing your toilet run long into the night. The best way to avoid these plumbing problems is by building some preventative steps into your routine and acting on that now instead of having to deal with the mystery puddle that won’t go away later. So, here are some of our top tips on keeping your pipes in the best shape.

There are a few things that should just never go down the drain in the first place. Avoid future clogs by watching what you put down the drain, and try to keep hair out of bathroom drains, grease and large food particles out of kitchen pipes, and anything besides toilet paper and sewage down the toilet. 
Non-biodegradable items like pre-moistened wipes, paper towels, and feminine products that are flushed down the toilet are one of the biggest problems for clogged sewage pipes. Even if the packaging says that it is safe to flush, it’s better to be safe and simply keep it out of your pipes than take the chance of a clog. 

Similarly, grease should never go down the kitchen drain. It builds up along the pipes and causes lots of problems down the line. Instead, wait for the grease to cool and place it in a plastic bag, then throw it in the trash can. Large food particles should also not be put down the drain, because garbage disposal does not mean garbage can. Scrape your plate into a can and then rinse any smaller particles off into the sink if necessary. 

Clogged showers are very common, and are luckily pretty easy to prevent at a cheap cost. One helpful item that you can try is a drain screen, which will catch all hair and larger particles from going down the drain and creating a problem. If you do find yourself with a hair clog, it’s easy to remedy with a cheap “snake” took — a long stick with teeth down the side to pull the hair out. It won’t be the most pleasant chore, but after clearing the drain and then placing a drain screen over top, the issues should become much less frequent. 

It’s also important to be prepared come cold weather. Make sure all of your hoses are disconnected from outside pipes and completely drained to avoid cracking, and then turn off the valves to keep the pipes from freezing or cracking and causing future leaks.
Keeping your pipes in shape for drastic weather is key, but it’s also important to keep up overall health. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, baking soda does that for the plumber. Periodically flush your sinks with a baking soda mixture or even boiling water to prevent minor buildup that can turn into a problem later.
And finally, make sure you know where your shut-off valve is. You never want to be in a situation where you need to know and can’t find it. Good luck!

With the arrival of spring comes the need for something new. It’s time for a renovation, and why not start with arguably the most important room in the house — the bathroom! We’ve gathered together the top trends of 2019 to help you spruce up your shower, vanity area, and powder room. 

No matter what kind of change or upgrade you are contemplating, chances are it will give your bathroom a modern touch. It’s the future, and everything floats. “Floating” vanities and storage ledges are popping up all over the place, and are even practical. Since they simply jut out of the wall, that creates way fewer crevices for dust and other bathroom grime to gather and makes the floor way easier to clean. If this futuristic style choice speaks to you, you’re in luck — the toilet floats, too. 

The minimalist trend continues to reign supreme, and “seamless design” in general is becoming more and more popular. Floating storage and plumbing is evidence of this, as well as the continuance of a muted and limited color palette. Another way that this is continuing it into the shower. Many designers are choosing to forgo the shower dam and instead allow a slight floor slant to drain water. Others are also choosing floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure, which keeps small bathrooms looking taller and wider instead of dividing up the space. 

If you are working with a small space, try a side-mounted faucet. This is good for bathrooms that can only afford the space for a narrow sink and it’s visually interesting. When you are looking for your faucets and knobs, don’t run straight for 2018’s copper. Instead, try pewter, gunmetal, and even tarnished nickel. These metals still make a statement without being quite as bold as copper or brass. Hardware is looking good when exposed for a bit of an industrial vibe, and is even being paired with concrete. Don’t be afraid of concrete making your bathroom look too cold or stark, because it takes on a sleek look when it’s put together with wood and the exposed hardware.
2019’s bathroom trends are also leaning away from the large, statement circular mirror, and adding a bit of edge — literally. This year try out a rounded rectangle-shaped mirror for your vanity. Alternatively, place your vanity in front of a window for the framing effect of a mirror with the bonus of natural light and fresh air. 

All of these minimalist designs leave room for you to give your bathroom your own personal touch, be that in the form of a statement wall, rug, or art piece. The whole point is to make this room as relaxing as peaceful as possible — your own personal spa. If you want more zen in your life but aren’t ready to make a huge change, simply try adding a candle or some plants to your bathroom. Even a few sprigs of eucalyptus hung from the showerhead can make a difference. Now, time to relax!

With tons of DIY bathroom remodeling tutorials swarming the internet, it’s easy to get pulled in to the fad.

And sometimes jumping on the DIY bandwagon is a good thing that can save you money.
But other times, DIY remodeling can cost you even more money down the road. 

Because, when it comes to bathrooms, there are certain parts that are tricky. And, if you don’t do them right, you could end up with a whole lot of mess to clean up. Literally.

So, before you roll up your sleeves and get your DIY gloves on- here are some tips on what to and what not to DIY when remodeling your bathroom.

Electricity – No!

Wiring is one of those things you want to stay clear of when considering DIY projects. For two reasons. One –open electricity circuits are dangerous. And, fooling around with exposed wires is extremely risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

Two –you don’t just want your wiring to work, you want it to work well. Which means you want it done neatly and accurately. It’s easy to do a makeshift wiring job. But how long will that really last? That’s why it’s highly recommended to get a professional on site for your bathroom electricity needs.

Plumbing – No!

This is another ‘no’ on the list when it comes to DIY jobs. The reasons are mainly the same as electricity: if you don’t do it right, you can end up in a dangerous situation or with a hefty problem later on. And if anything goes wrong, well, it’s going to cost you a lot to redo everything that gets water damage.

Shower curtain – Yes!

Shower curtains are a super fun DIY project. Not only can you save money making a beautiful curtain, but you can also personalize and customize it when you do it yourself. Shower curtains can really pull a bathroom together (or tear it apart), so it’s a very important decorative feature. For this reason, go DIY on this one so you have full control over your bathroom’s look.
 
Mirror – Yes!

DIY mirrors are super fresh. They’re another feature that can really make or break the whole look of a newly renovated bathroom. But when you DIY, you can make it work the look exactly as you want. Which means, you don’t have to worry about finding ‘the one’, because you can make it yourself!

Tiling – Sometimes?

Okay, so here’s where it can get a little complicated. 
If you’re looking for a simple, low budget tile- then putting it in DIY-style might be another way to cut down on the cost. However, if you’re looking for a little more upscale tiling, with fancy patterns and mosaics –then it’s probably better to go the professional route. Crooked tiling and mismatched patterns are a big red flag when it comes to bathroom remodeling. Nobody wants to see that.  So, when deciding whether to DIY with the tiling, you’ve got to think about what kind of tiling design you’re going for.

Spring is officially here in Buck County!

Unfortunately, so are the common spring plumbing problems.
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to get checking on your plumbing. It’s better to find a problem now and get it fixed early, then have to suddenly deal with it in the heat of the season.

Here’s what to look out for this spring!

Broken Hose/Sprinkler

Most people don’t use their hoses and sprinklers during the winter. There’s simply not much need for them. Which means that if you don’t check them now –you won’t know if they’re working properly until its already too late. Take a quick peak and test your hose and sprinkler system now. This way, when the time comes, you can start growing your gardens without a hitch.
 
Clogged Drain

It’s always a good idea to have your drains cleaned out between seasonal changes. Because, if it’s not clogged already, it might be on its way to clogging. And, why start the new season with a clogging drain –right? After months of usage, it’s common for drains to start getting a little slow on the draining part. 

If you notice your sink or shower is taking a while to clear out- it might be high time to get your drains checked out.

Displaced Water

AKA: Flooding. 

When the sun comes out and the snow melts, it’s common to get basement flooding. Often, this happens as a result of pipes freezing and unfreezing. When your pipes unfreeze from the warmer weather, and the water starts rushing through, the pressure from the water can cause the pipes to leak or crack. And this can result in flooding. 

Check for signs of flooding by looking for stains, strange odors, and cracks in the walls or ceilings.

Damaged Pipes

With the cold, rainy weather that we had this past winter, it’s not unlikely that your pipes were dealt some heavy wear and tear. And now that the temperature is turning over, your pipes might have to take even more of a hit. Get your pipes checked now by a professional, before it’s too late and the wait time to get a plumber is through the roof.

What to do if you have one of these problems?

If you already know you have one of these issues, it’s best to call your local plumber right away. When it comes to plumbing problems –the longer they sit, the bigger (and more expensive!) they get. That’s why it’s important to call someone in right away to take care of the problem.

If you’re not sure if you have one of the above mentioned common spring plumbing troubles, it never hurts to have an experienced plumber do a quick maintenance check. Though it sounds like a hassle, it can end up saving you a ton later on down the road. And, this way your home will be all set for spring. 

You won’t have to worry at all when the warmer weather comes to stay!

If you’re not already living through it, picture this: 

You’re renovating your bathroom.
You’ve just spent weeks carefully choosing the interior for your new bathroom. You’re excited, but also kind of exhausted from all the decision making. And now, it’s time to answer the final question. To make the final decision.

What material are you going to use for your countertop?

It’s a major problem that stumps a lot of people when doing bathroom renovations. That’s why we’re here to make the decision a little easier and give you a suggestion: quartz.

Quartz makes for an absolutely great countertop material. And here’s why. 

What is quartz?

When we think of quartz, we often think of shiny semi-precious gems and pretty jewelry. But when it comes to quartz countertops, it’s not quite the same material.

Quartz countertops are actually considered manmade. This is because, though they are mostly composed of quartz, these countertops are not wholly quartz. They also contain other substances and colorings mixed together to create what we know as a quartz countertop.

Now, just because it is manmade, doesn’t mean it’s less than a countertop made of natural material. In fact, because it’s manmade, quartz countertops are extremely durable and don’t have the cracks and flaws that come with natural stone.

Why should you use quartz for your countertop?

There are a number of pros to using quartz for your countertop.

• Strength- Quartz countertops are stronger and firmer than other natural made countertops. This makes them great for family bathrooms, where everything needs to be childproof and petproof.
• Stain resistance- Quartz is less absorbent than other countertop materials. Which makes it extremely resistant to stains. Quartz countertops are easy to clean and even easier to keep clean – they’re the busy person’s ideal countertops. And, they can even be installed without a sealant.
• Customization- Since they are manmade, quartz countertops can be shaped to fit the style you like. This makes choosing a sink basin a whole lot easier. Because, you can have the quartz shaped to perfectly encircle the basin. 
• Variety- When it comes to choosing your quartz pattern and colors, there is a wide selection to choose from. With quartz countertops, you can pretty much have whatever pattern you can think of. You can even have it resemble natural stone. No one will know the difference!

Is a quartz countertop really the better option?

Even though a quartz countertop may be more expensive, it’s well worth its cost.

Quartz countertops are sturdy and long-lasting. They look gorgeous in a contemporary bathroom setting, and they’re relatively easy to install. 

Plus, they don’t take much upkeep and maintenance. Once you’ve gotten your quartz countertop properly installed by a professional, you’ll be able to leave it as is without a worry.

The only thing that will be left for you to do, will be to gaze upon its beauty. And be happy about the choice you made.

So, start shopping quartz countertops!

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.