Summer is a season of relaxation, fun, and outdoor activities, but it is also a season that can bring some unexpected plumbing issues. As the temperature rises, so does the likelihood of encountering common plumbing problems. In this blog, we will discuss the top five most common plumbing issues in summer and how you can prevent them from happening.

1. Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing issues during summer. With more people using the bathroom due to increased outdoor activities and parties, the chances of a toilet getting clogged also increase. To prevent this issue, make sure to inform your guests about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Providing a trash can in the bathroom can also help reduce the risk of clogs.

2. Leaking Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets can develop leaks due to the wear and tear caused by constant use during summer. This can result in water wastage and higher utility bills. To prevent this issue, make sure to turn off the faucet tightly after each use and inspect the faucet for any leaks or damage.

3. Sewer Line Backup

Summer rains can cause sewer line backups due to the excess water overwhelming the sewer system. This can result in unpleasant odors and sewage backup in your home. To prevent this issue, make sure to have your sewer system inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional plumber.

4. Water Heater Problems

As the temperature rises, the demand for hot water decreases, and your water heater may not be used as frequently as it was during winter. This can cause sediment buildup in the tank, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy bills. To prevent this issue, have your water heater inspected and flushed at least once a year.

5. Garbage Disposal Troubles

Hosting a backyard barbecue this summer? Keep in mind that barbecues and outdoor parties can put a strain on your garbage disposal. Disposing of fibrous or hard-to-grind foods like corn cobs, fruit pits, and bones can cause damage to the blades and motor. To prevent this issue, make sure to only dispose of food waste that is safe for your garbage disposal.

Contact MA Williams For All Your Professional Plumbing Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today

Summer is a season that brings with it some common plumbing issues. By taking preventive measures, such as informing your guests about what can be flushed down the toilet, turning off outdoor faucets tightly, having your sewer system inspected, flushing your water heater, and being careful about what you dispose of in your garbage disposal, you can avoid these issues and enjoy a stress-free summer. If you encounter any plumbing problems at any time, however, MA Williams is here to help! We are here for all your plumbing maintenance, repair, replacement and installation needs. Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.

First, let’s cover the basics. What is hard water? It’s water that contains high levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. While it’s not harmful to drink, hard water can certainly cause damage to your home’s plumbing system over time. Here are the top 5 ways hard water can cause damage to your home.

1. Damage To Plumbing

It can create a buildup of minerals in your plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances. Eventually, this buildup can cause blockages, reduce your water flow, and even cause your pipes to burst. In addition, the minerals in hard water can react with metal pipes, leading to corrosion and further damage. This can result in costly repairs or replacement of your plumbing system.

2. Stains On Surfaces

It can leave unsightly stains on surfaces such as bathtubs, sinks, and toilets. These stains can be difficult to remove and make your home look dirty and unappealing. Furthermore, the minerals in hard water can also cause soap scum to form, which can be challenging and time-consuming to clean.

3. Damage To Appliances

It can also cause damage to your appliances, such as your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater. The minerals in hard water can build up on heating elements and other components, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.

4. Dry Skin and Hairf

It can cause dryness and irritation of the skin and hair. The minerals in hard water can leave a residue on the skin and hair, preventing moisture from penetrating. This can lead to dryness and irritation of your skin, and even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and acne. It can also make your hair feel dull, brittle, and difficult to manage. Over time, hard water can lead to long-term damage to your skin and hair, which can be difficult to reverse once the damage is already done.

5. Increased Energy Costs

It can increase your energy costs by reducing the efficiency of your appliances. When minerals build up in your water heater, for example, it can take longer to heat up the water, requiring more energy to do so. The same is true for appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher, which can become less efficient over time due to mineral buildup. One way to help prevent this is to invest in a water softener, which will help you reduce energy costs and extend the lifespan of your appliances.

Contact MA Williams For All Your Plumbing Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

6 Plumbing Tips To Add To Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring cleaning is in full effect! While you are cleaning out cabinets, organizing closets, scrubbing the floors, and more, make sure to add “plumbing” to the list! Things like plumbing are what keep your home in working order, after all. Here are the top 6 plumbing tips to add to your spring cleaning checklist.

1. Check Your Pipes

Now is a great time to check your pipes to make sure there aren’t any visible leaks anywhere. If you spot something out of the ordinary, don’t wait to have it checked out. Leaks that go unaddressed for too long can lead to high water bills, water damage, and more issues. Unfortunately, not all leaks are that obvious so it’s important to also know the signs of potential water leaks. Some things to watch out for include:

• Higher than usual water bills
• Damaged ceilings and flooring
• Mold and mildew
• Strange noises in plumbing
• Unexplained wet or damp spots
• Poor water pressure

2. Have Your Drains Cleaned

Ditch the store-bought drain cleaner and consider having your drains professionally cleaned instead. A lot of times, homeowners decide to clean their drains when they notice clogs. However, even if you don’t notice clogs, having your drains maintained is still a good idea. Maintenance can help prevent these problems from happening in the first place.

3. Clean Your Garbage Disposal

This spring, show your garbage disposal a little TLC! Over time, food scraps and grime can coat your garbage disposal and lead to problems or foul odors. Cleaning your garbage disposal is a great way to ensure it keeps working for you – and doesn’t stink up your kitchen!

4. Inspect Your Toilet

If you’re in total “spring cleaning mode”, then you’re probably planning to tackle your bathroom: scrubbing the shower, cleaning the sink, and more. While you’re at it, make sure to check your toilet for any signs of leaks. Sometimes, leaks aren’t always obvious. Even if there’s not a pool of water at the base, it doesn’t always mean there’s not still a problem. We recommend trying the food coloring trick. Drop some food coloring into the toilet and if it runs clear after 30 minutes, it means you have a leak.

5. Clean Your Gutters

Did you know your gutters are directly related to your plumbing? Your gutters do a lot to keep your home safe from water damage. Fallen leaves and heavy ran can result in clogged gutters, downspouts, and main lines. Make sure you’re keeping them clean to prevent plumbing problems in your home.

6. Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater should be set at around 120 degrees Fahrenheit if you want energy efficiency. Not only that, but this will also prevent scalding – which can be painful and dangerous! Check your water heater temperature this spring to make sure everything checks out and is working how it should be.

Contact MA Williams For All Your Professional Plumbing Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

Contact the pros at MA Williams today for all your professional plumbing needs. Our background-checked and drug-tested technicians want to build relationships with all of our customers. That’s why we provide personalized service that is designed to solve all your specific and unique plumbing problems. If you need a repair, maintenance, installation or replacement, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.

Common Garbage Disposal Problems and Solutions

Garbage disposals are a must-have in homes all around the world. When they experience problems, it can be a very inconvenient and frustrating time. Here are some of the common garbage disposal problems – and the solutions – so you can hopefully avoid having to deal with garbage disposal troubles.

1. Foul Odors

One common issue homeowners notice with their garbage disposal is foul odors. This happens as a result of waste collecting within the mechanisms of your disposal. When excess food waste hasn’t made it’s way down the drains, then it can cause a terrible smell that permeates throughout your entire kitchen.

Solution: Keep your garbage disposal clean. To avoid food particles from building up, make sure to run cold water while you have your garbage disposal turned on. Even when you think all the food has made it’s way down your drains, still keep the cold water running for a few seconds after you’ve turned your garbage disposal off. This will help prevent clogs from any additional bits of food that might still be hanging around.

2. Clogs

Many people think that a garbage disposal is a substitute for a garbage can – but that isn’t true. In fact, it’s only meant to grind up small food waste. Not only that, but only certain items should go down your drain in order to prevent clogs.

Solution: Dispose of most food items in your trash can. Avoid putting the following items down your drains: grease, fat, oil, coffee grounds, egg shells, pits and seeds, skins and peels, fibrous foods, bones, nuts, and pasta and rice.

3. Damaged Pipes

If you’re not taking good care of your garbage disposal, you could end up with damaged pipes. In fact, when you experience clogs, your first thought might be to go pick up a bottle of chemical drain cleaner from the store. However, this can actually cause serious damage to your pipes – and to your health – because of the toxicity of the product. Chemical, store-bought drain cleaners can eat away at your pipes, even those with stronger material. Keep this in mind before planning to clean your drains.

Solution: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners to clean your drains. Instead, schedule a drain cleaning service with a professional who will use the right tools to keep your pipes in great condition.

4. DIY Projects

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to take matters into their own hands when it comes to their plumbing, and garbage disposal specifically. Some tasks might seem easy enough. After all, the internet is full of information and “how to” videos. One of the most common DIY projects homeowners try is sharpening the blades of the garbage disposal with ice cubes or eggshells. In fact, garbage disposals don’t even have blades, so this is a myth we wish to put to rest. They have shredding impellers that move at fast speeds to grind up food particles.

Solution: Leave all plumbing matters to the professionals, and never try to sharpen the garbage disposal blades (as it won’t work, since they don’t have blades). If you are having issues with your garbage disposal working properly, contact a professional plumber instead.

Contact MA Williams For All Your Garbage Disposal Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

If you suspect you may have a problem with your garbage disposal, contact the pros at MA Williams today! Our background-checked and drug-tested technicians want to build relationships with all of our customers. That’s why we provide personalized service that is designed to solve all your specific and unique plumbing problems. If you need garbage disposal repair or replacement services, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.

5 Ways To Avoid The Heartache Of Plumbing Problems This Valentine’s Day

The only thing that should be overflowing this month is your love. And let’s face it – there’s nothing quite like plumbing troubles to ruin a perfectly good day with that special someone! Here are 5 ways you can avoid the heartache of plumbing problems this Valentine’s Day.

1. Repair Clogged Drains

If you have any clogged drains that need your attention, don’t wait any longer to address them. You don’t want to deal with these clogs when you’re trying to get ready for a special day or night with your valentine, do you? When you go to repair your clogged drains, however, make sure you do so without the use of chemicals. Instead of pulling that drain cleaner off from your shelf, look into hiring a professional drain cleaning company. Chemical drain cleaner can cause more harm to your pipes, and actually eat away at them, so it’s best to steer clear of the use of chemicals.

2. Fix Any Leaks Right Away

Do you notice your faucet dripping, or water pooling around your toilet? While these may seem like no big deal at first glance, and something easy to manage, they can lead to high water bills id not addressed right away. Not only that, but if significant enough, they can also cause water damage and ruin valuable items around your home. No matter how big or small the leak is, always fix it right away. It’s better to fix minor issues before they escalate into something bigger.

3. Dispose of Candy in the Trash

After you finish indulging in those heart-shaped chocolates and candy hearts, make sure you dispose of any extra candy (or wrappers) in the trash can. If you dispose of them in the garbage disposal, there’s a chance they could get stuck and end up clogging your pipes. It’s important to remember that your garbage disposal isn’t a substitute for a trash can. Other items that don’t belong down your drains also include: bones, grease, fat, oil, coffee grounds, potato peels, bones, fibrous vegetable, seeds, pits, and more.

4. Listen To Your Plumbing

On Valentine’s Day, you want to give you full attention to your date. Before you begin celebrating, listen to your plumbing so you can really listen to your special someone without distractions. Do you hear your toilet running? Is there dripping coming from your faucet? Is your water heater making strange noises? Really listen to make sure everything sounds how it should, and if there’s anything that doesn’t sound right, address it right away by calling your local plumber.

5. Maintain Your Plumbing System

The best way to avoid any problems with your plumbing on any day of the year is to maintain your plumbing system. This helps to keep your pipes clean, extend the life of your plumbing system, improve your water quality, and make sure everything is in working condition to keep you and your family comfortable and safe. Schedule professional plumbing maintenance at least once a year.

Contact MA Williams For All Your Professional Plumbing Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

Contact the pros at MA Williams today for all your professional plumbing needs. Our background-checked and drug-tested technicians want to build relationships with all of our customers. That’s why we provide personalized service that is designed to solve all your specific and unique plumbing problems. If you need a repair, maintenance, installation or replacement, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.

It’s a new year, so you may be starting to think about starting new home improvement projects – especially if you received a nice Christmas bonus at the end of last year! If you’re planning on a bathroom remodel this year, here are some New Year’s resolutions you may want to consider.

1. Give Yourself More Leg Room

Do you feel like there’s wasted space in your current layout? Like the bathroom just feels small and compact? You may want to consider adding a separate toilet room to give yourself more leg room and space. You could create a private room for the toilet, and keep the shower and sink separate.

2. Shine On With New Floors

Don’t let anyone dull your shine when it comes to your bathroom! One of the first things people notice when they step foot into a bathroom is the flooring. Consider a new marble flooring, or slip-resistant tile that is both stylish and safe. You won’t have to worry about falling when you can’t take your eyes off the new polished flooring you just installed!

3. Have The Plumbing Rerouted

If the problem with your current bathroom is that you don’t like the current layout, then it may be just as easy as having your plumbing rerouted and fixtures relocated. Often times, this change can create a better layout and comfort for you and your family. Just have a plumber come out and inspect the bathroom for you to provide the best options and solutions.

4. Replace Your Shower

Out with the old, in with the new! One reason people replace their showers is because of plumbing issues that have plagued the bathroom. Another reason is because the shower is old and outdated. A benefit to replacing your shower is that you can upgrade to a newer and more modern model. Homeowners usually choose between the following:

• Water-saving showers and tubs
• Jacuzzi bathtubs
• Showers with extra jets
• Walk-in showers and tubs
• Modern styles and appearances
• High-quality finishes

5. Get Efficient Bathroom Features

When you remodel your bathroom this year, make sure you look for energy-efficient features that’ll help you save on energy and also save you money in the long run. Bathroom features such as low-flow toilets, efficient showerheads, and a water-saving faucet are great options if you’re looking to update the look and feel of your current bathroom while also adding value to your home.

Need A Plumber To Help With Your Bathroom Remodeling Project? Contact MA Williams For All Your Professional Plumbing Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

Contact the pros at MA Williams today for all your professional bathroom remodeling and other plumbing needs. Our background-checked and drug-tested technicians want to build relationships with all of our customers. That’s why we provide personalized service that is designed to solve all your specific and unique plumbing problems. If you need a repair, maintenance, installation or replacement, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.

The first shower was invented in 1810 and the first flushing toilet was invented in 1596. Imagining a life without plumbing is almost impossible, as we rely so much on our plumbing system in our daily lives today. There are many reasons why you should be thankful for your plumbing. Below, we cover the top 4.

1. Running Water

All thanks to our plumbing system, we have running water – which is one thing that we often take for granted. If we didn’t have the luxury of running water in our home, we’d most likely have to get it from elsewhere, like the rain, the lake, or the river. This would make simple tasks a lot more difficult, such as bathing, cooking, washing clothes and washing dishes.

2. An Indoor Toilet

Can you imagine having to walk outside every time you needed to use the bathroom? This would be really uncomfortable, and even a bit terrifying, in the middle of the night when you’re half asleep. Luckily, thanks to indoor plumbing, we can use the bathroom in the comfort of our own homes where it’s warm and dry. If you’re really lucky, you may even have heated toilet seats or a bidet in your bathroom! Plumbing has come a long way since the 1500s.

3. Efficiency

We save quite a bit of time because of indoor plumbing. Let’s say we had to bathe somewhere else, always wash dishes by hand, hang dry our clothes, or use the toilet in an outhouse several feet away from our front door. Doing all of these relatively simple tasks would take all day if we didn’t have plumbing. This efficiency allows us to be able to save time and focus on other things, such as spending time with family.

4. Great Hygiene

If you have a manual labor job, then chances are you want nothing more than a hot shower after work. If you’re a nurse or a doctor, then you may want to wash your clothes right when you get home. People have routines depending on their lifestyle, and a lot of these routines wouldn’t be possible without plumbing. We wouldn’t always be able to shower whenever we want, or wash our clothes right away. This would surely contribute to poor hygiene.

Be Thankful For Your Plumbing This Year. Contact MA Williams For All Your Professional Plumbing Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

Contact the pros at MA Williams today for all your professional plumbing needs. Our background-checked and drug-tested technicians want to build relationships with all of our customers. That’s why we provide personalized service that is designed to solve all your specific and unique plumbing problems. If you need a repair, maintenance, installation or replacement, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.

It may be spooky season, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore spooky noises in your pipes! If your pipes sound haunted, then it’s important you contact a plumber who can find the cause of the noise and offer solutions to fixing it. Here are the top 4 spooky noises you shouldn’t hear coming from your pipes – and what to do about it.

1. Humming

The humming sound you are hearing is likely due to the pipes vibrating behind your walls. Usually, this is because your water pressure is too high. Many homeowners will report they hear this humming noise mostly when their water is turned on. You can have a professional plumber test the water pressure and make adjustments to eliminate these spooky humming noises once and for all.

2. Screaming

Hearing screaming in your home can be quite alarming! It might sound like a ghost is screaming in your walls, but this is likely not the case. When this screaming sound comes from a plumbing fixture, it’s usually due to a worn-down washer or another piece of plumbing hardware that needs to be replaced or repaired. However, it can be due to another plumbing issue that needs some professional attention. If you hear screaming coming from your pipes, make sure to contact a professional right away.

3. Whistling

Do you hear whistling in your shower? While this could be pretty spooky, it’s likely nothing more than high water pressure or a faulty pressure regulator valve. If it’s neither of those things, then it could be due to mineral build-up in the pipes or your water heater. If build-up is what’s causing the sound, then you’ll want to have it professionally cleaned which should take care of this noise.

4. Banging

If you hear a banging noise coming from your pipes, it’s likely due to sediment build-up in your water heater. The best thing you can do in this case is to flush your water heater and clean the filter. However, if the noise sounds like it’s coming from behind your walls, it’s likely your water hammer. This happens when there’s been a sudden change in water pressure. If your pipes are loose, this added pressure can cause your pipes to bang into your walls. Whatever the cause may be, a plumber should be able to help you find the source of the spooky noise and offer solutions to fixing it right away.

Hearing Spooky Noises Coming From Your Pipes? Contact MA Williams For All Your Professional Plumbing Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

Contact the pros at MA Williams today for all your professional plumbing needs. Our background-checked and drug-tested technicians want to build relationships with all of our customers. That’s why we provide personalized service that is designed to solve all your specific and unique plumbing problems. If you need a repair, maintenance, installation or replacement, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.

There’s nothing like a clogged drain to ruin a perfectly good day. Your first thought may be to run to the store to pick up some drain cleaner. However, consider avoiding chemical drain cleaners. This can actually cause more harm than good. Instead, it’s a much better idea to look into receiving a professional drain cleaning. Here are some of the top benefits of professional drain cleaning for your home. 

Top 3 Types Of Water Filtration Systems And Which To Choose?

Many homeowners invest in water filtration systems because they want better quality drinking water. In fact, a lot of homes have contaminated and polluted tap water that is unsafe for consumption. Research shows that about 2 million Americans don’t have access to clean water. Water filtration systems allow you to enjoy safe drinking water all the time. There are many different types of water filtration systems that provide different benefits. In this blog, we will cover the top 3 and which one you should choose for your home!

1. Distillation

This is the oldest type of water filtration system. It works by heating the water to a boil, removing all the harmful elements. In short, it is a process that relies solely on evaporation to purify your water. While this filtration method requires less water and energy, it does produce clean water a lot slower than other types. If you’re looking for a quick solution, then this one may not be for you. However, if saving water and energy is a top priority, consider distillation.

2. Ion Exchange System

This method filters water using bead-like materials that remove dissolved and ionized impurities from your water, calcium, magnesium, chloride and nitrite. . These exchangers will actually exchange one ion for another, hold it temporarily, and then replace it with other ions that are more acceptable, such as sodium, hydrogen and hydroxide. The two ion exchange methods are deionization and softening. For better drinking water, you want these ions to be removed – such as carbon dioxide and silica. The ion exchange system is used for removal of ions from water. If you are dealing with hard water, scale build-up, nitrates and arsenic, then an ion exchange system may be right for you.

3. Carbon Absorption

This is a method that is widely used in a lot of home water filters. In fact, it is one of the more popular and effective water filtration systems on the market today. A water filtration system that uses carbon absorption not only removes odor and taste, but it can also remove gases and chemicals. Carbon filters are designed to remove contaminants through the process of absorption. Think about a carbon filter as a magnet. It attracts the dissolved impurities and contaminants found in water and traps them. If you’re not only looking to not only make your water safer, but also make it taste better, than carbon absorption is a cost-effective and efficient way to do just that!

Contact MA Williams For All Your Water Filtration Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

Contact the pros at MA Williams today for all your water filtration needs. Our background-checked and drug-tested technicians want to build relationships with all of our customers. That’s why we provide personalized service that is designed to solve all your specific and unique plumbing problems. If you need a repair, maintenance, installation or replacement, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.