August Update

 Sewage Lines!

We helped a local business clear out their sewage lines. We love working with our local fellow business owners to ensure everything is operating smoothly (hehe). If your toilets or drains seem to be moving slow, give us a call today and our friendly expert plumbers are are happy to come and investigate! 

(360) 647-2255

info@BarkleyPlumbing.net

Excavation, Sewer Line, and Sewage Pump Installation for Bellingham Church

 Summer’s in full swing and so are we! Here’s a few shots of our journeyman plumber excavating before installation of a brand new sewage pump and sewer line for our friends over at Unity of Bellingham. We're proud to have the skills and experience to take on every aspect of service!

Lending a Hand in Bellingham

 Quick customer appreciation post! We had the pleasure of helping Ms. Kim this week, her hands-on approach almost got her a spot on our team. Always feel free to give us your input before, during, and after service we're all ears!

Full-Service For All Repairs, Replacements, and Installations

A key part of what distinguishes Barkley Plumbing amongst other Bellingham plumbers is our team's comprehensive knowledge of all areas related to the services that we provide. Our plumber's have the multi-faceted skillset required to provide complete same-day service!

Bellingham Crawlspaces

 More often than not, access points for plumbing installations and repairs are a bit of a squeeze! Our plumbers embrace the unique spaces we encounter on the job here in Bellingham so that homeowners don't have to. 

Water Heater Installation in Small Bellingham Crawlspace

 Below is a great example of the interesting spaces we see in households serviced by the Barkley Plumbers! Bellingham is notorious for its beautiful and well-kept homes that were constructed in the 18 and 1900s, and our plumbers take pride in keeping these homes safe from water damage so that we can admire them for decades to come!

Pipe Damage After Bellingham's "Big Freeze"

After this winter's "Big Freeze", sudden pipe bursts and leaks have been the primary concern for the households serviced by the Barkley Plumbers. Our plumbers know that a fast response and thorough repair are crucial in urgent cases like these. Below are a few highlights of our plumbers in the field this spring doing what they do best!

Before-and-After Faucet Installation

The Barkley plumbers had the pleasure of installing this brand new bathroom sink fixture today. Following the renovation of our client's bathroom, our plumbers secured all bathroom attachments and finished the job off with this matte black faucet.

Barkley Plumbers on Whatcom News

We're proud to say that the Barkley plumbers of Bellingham support our local journalists over at Whatcom News! So proud that we just had to save a screenshot😀 

Bellingham Water Pressure Regulator Valve: PRV

So what does a water pressure regulator valve (PRV) look like and where does it go? The valve is put on the main water line before any fixture or hose bib and it's usually located under the building. It's usually all brass, but there's a plastic and brass model that's more common in our little slice of heaven.

I use a double union model (pictured) because it's easier to replace; should only take 5 minutes to do the actual replacement with the same model. Shutting down the water, setting up and crawling to the valve takes some time.

New installs can take up to two hours depending on the job.

A Plumber's Cat

Sadly, Goon has been gone almost a month.

One day last month, he used the sofa as a litter box a few times before we caught it. I put him in isolation, but let him out and he bolted for the door, never to be seen again.

He was 9 years old, born in our bathtub, and a true indoor/outdoor cat.. He fought many a brave battle and had the torn ears and battle scars to prove it. He was a gentlecat to his friends, though.

May Bast embrace his warrior soul!

The Plumber

For years, Ball Plumbing has supported NWNPR and we listen daily.

Here's a tribute to plumbers from the Prairie Home Companion. Click the link to access the audio. It's worth the clicking of your mouse.

The Plumber Is The Man
Listen: Ode to the Plumber


When the ice comes and the snow and it's twenty-eight below
And then the temperature begins to fall
And they hear the moan and whine of that frozen water line
Then the plumber is the man who saves them all.

O the plumber is the man, the plumber is the man.
Down into the cellar he must crawl.
He is not sleek and slim but they don't look down on him
For the plumber is the man who saves them all.

When the toilet will not flush and the odor makes you blush
And you cannot use the sink or shower stall,
Then your learning and your art slowly start to fall apart
But the plumber is the man who saves it all.

O the plumber is the man, the plumber is the man.
With his wrenches and his pipes he comes to call.
They can take their sins to Jesus but when their water freezes
Then the plumber is the man who saves them all.

TR: This is Bernie at Murphy's Plumbing. It pays to be polite to your plumber. To invite him to your dinner party and send him a little Christmas gift and a bottle of wine on his birthday. What? You don't know when his birthday is? Time to find out. Because when January rolls around and your pipes freeze and suddenly you find yourself living in the early 19th Century, you want your plumber to know who you are and make time for you in his busy schedule. Get the idea? Good.

Oh, I know that in one's youth that beauty, justice, truth,
Seem to be what life is all about,
But when the facts are faced, you realize that life is based
On water coming in and going out.

They don't let him in their club cause he never dresses up
And he doesn't go for tennis or handball,
Or Mozart or Chopin, but when it hits the fan
Then the plumber is the man who saves them all.

O the plumber is the man, the plumber is the man.
In his vest and rubber boots and overalls.
So don't turn up your nose at the aroma of his clothes
For the plumber is the man who saves us all.

New office in Burlington

We've moved to 10943 Chuckanut in Burlington. Nice big place with freeway access, parking and everything.

Phone numbers will stay the same, but 360-757-4455 is the main office number.

Watch for our freeway sign right before exit 231.

Good Plumber here

Another day driving from one end of Whatcom county to the other. At least the weather is nice.

I did a quick water heater repair in Glacier, WA. The connectors corroded right through so I unsoldered and then soldered on new connectors.

From there I went to Fairhaven, WA. to clear a washing machine drain line stoppage. Easy enough, but the drain didn't have a trap! I added one easily enough (for me), but there should have been one there. DIYers cause a lot of damage and usually spend more in the short run.

Not that I can blame 'em. This homeowner had called another plumber out of the phone book, (small ad, big promises) and the plumber quoted him some outlandish fix for a weird price. Luckily, the homeowner had the sense to call us.

I think my motto "Honest, Reliable, Local" will get painted on the truck.

Plumbing

A Grand Dame of Fairhaven, WA (95-year-old Lady) had broken a very valuable glass and most of it went down her disposal. She wasn't amused when it took me less than a minute to repair it, but at least I was able to salvage the unit, if not put the glass back together. I hope I'm as active, good-looking, and richer than her at 95. Well, I can sure rule out good-looking....:)

Did a water heater in Blaine, WA today. Darn thing was only 9 years old and the tank gave out. Of course, the homeowners were on vacation when it blew out, so the garage walls were damaged. It was a 50 gallon Bradford White water heater and I replaced it with the same. Not much choice up here for brands.

From there, I went to Sedro-Woolley, WA to a mobile home that had a broken PVC water main under the house. It took longer for the glue to dry than anything. Darn PVC, anyway.

So I went to a millionaire to a border town to a mobile home in a logging town....such is the life of a plumber!