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.

Signs Of A Hidden Water Leak In Your Home And What To Do About It

Not all leaks are obvious and in your face. Some are hidden behind walls, pipes, and underground. Detecting water leaks early on can save you a lot of money and help you avoid signficant water damage. Here are the top 8 signs of a hidden water leak in your home – and what to do about it.

1. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is typically caused by sediment buildup in your pipes and fault valves. There’s nothing quite like stepping into the shower after a long day only to be met with low water pressure. If you notice sudden low water pressure, this could be a sign you have a hidden water leak on your hands.

2. Mold or Mildew

Mold thrives in moist climates. You may notice mold around your windows, shower, sink, or other areas of your home that are prone to getting wet. If you notice mold in areas that you normally wouldn’t expect, then you likely have a leak. However, no matter where the mold is located, it can be harmful to your health and shouldn’t be ignored. Make sure you address it right away.

3. Foul Odors

Do you walk into a room and get met with a musty smell? This usually indicates mold or mildew, which also indicates a leak. There is likely stale water accumulating somewhere hidden that you cannot see. Know that foul, unexplained odors aren’t normal, and if you notice them, you should contact a plumber right away.

4. High Water Bills

Water bills are more likely to rise in the spring and summer as you are using more water for things like watering the lawn and flowers, filling up the swimming pool, and washing your car. Unless you have out-of-town guests or a change in your daily routine, though, your water usage is likely the same each month. However, if you notice your water bills are skyrocketing one month for unexplained reasons, then it could be due to a hidden water leak.

5. Damaged Walls and Ceilings

It’s hard to miss stained walls or damaged ceilings. Whether the paint is starting to peel, your ceiling is beginning to sag, there are visible water stains on your wall, or you notice water pooling on your walls or ceilings, you shouldn’t ignore it. These could all be signs of a hidden water leak.

6. Strange Noises

Your pipes shouldn’t make a lot of noise – unless something is wrong with them. If you notice your pipes are making vibrating, rattling, or hissing sounds, then you may have a hidden water leak inside your walls or pipes.

7. Damaged Flooring

Is your flooring beginning to sag or warp? Is there a soft spot when you walk on it? Does your carpet appear wet in certain areas? All of these could be indications that you have a hidden water leak.

8. Your Water Meter Is Running

One of the best ways to tell if you have a hidden water leak is to check your water meter. First, turn off all the water in your home and make sure none of your water-using appliances are running. Then, watch your water meter and see if it starts to change. If it does, then that means you have a fast-moving leak. If it doesn’t change, wait a couple hours to see if it does. You are in the clear if you don’t notice any change after a couple hours. However, if it has, then you may be dealing with a slow-moving leak that still could use your attention.

What To Do About It

So, after reading the above signs, you’re fairly certain you have a leak. Now what? If you’re confident there’s a hidden water leak in your home, the best thing you can do is contact a professional plumber. A plumber can help you detect the leak and offer solutions for repair or replacement depending on the severity of the leak.

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

Contact the pros at MA Williams today for all your leak detection and 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.

What Are The Top Benefits Of Replacing Your Shower or Tub?

Overtime, your shower or tub can deteriorate and require repairs. The most common problem of all is water deteriorating, because your shower and tub get exposed to water at all times. Other common issues with showers and tubs include: stained shower doors, cracks, leaks, seal damaged, oxidized drains, stained and rusted hardware, and more. When you experience issues like this with your shower or tub, you could be facing severe water damage as a result. More often than not, these problems can result in mold growth, water stains, and general damage to your walls and roof. Replacing a shower or tub can be hugely beneficial for a number of reasons.

1. Resolves Plumbing Issues

If you have your shower or tub replaced by a professional, it can resolve any plumbing issues that may have plagued your bathroom. When you get your new installation, leaks and rust will be a thing of the past.

2. Ability To Upgrade

When you have to get your shower or tub replaced, it can be an overwhelming process. However, a huge benefit is the fact that you get the chance to upgrade – which can be exciting! Instead of having a standard shower or tub, you’ll get upgrade to a newer, more modern model if you’d like. Some upgrades homeowners rave about include:

• Water-Saving Showers and Tubs
• Jacuzzi Bathtubs
• Showers with Extra Jets
• Walk-In Showers and Tubs
• Modern Styles and Appearances
• High-Quality Finishes

3. Improved Comfort

If you’ve been having to deal with leaks, damages, stains and cracks, then you’ve likely felt anything but comfortable spending time in your bathroom. Many people go to the shower or tub to relax after a long day. It’s hard to do that when you’re looking at all the problems that need to be fixed. However, by replacing your shower or tub, you’ll have the opportunity to get a modern, ergonomic, even bigger shower or tub – one that is free of issues – so you can back to comfort as soon as possible.

4. Improved Convenience

Even though having to replace your shower or tub may not be something you want to do at this very moment, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think about all the benefits that come from doing so – improved convenience being one of them. Replacing your old shower or tub gives you the opportunity to place faucets and other fixtures where you want them. Maybe before you had to reach far away to turn on the tub or shower. However, a new shower or tub can offer the convenience of placing these fixtures where you want them – and where it’s convenient for you.

Contact MA Williams For All Your Shower and Tub Repair and Replacement Needs in Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Today!

Contact the pros at MA Williams today to schedule your shower and tub repair or replacement! 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.

Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater? Top 5 Things To Consider

Is your water heater on the fritz? Are you wondering if it’s time to repair or replace it entirely? That can be a tough question to answer. However, there are 5 things you can consider that might make that choice a little easier for you.

1. The Age Of Your Water Heater

If your water heater is older than 10 years and starting to fail, it may be more cost-effective to just replace it rather than repair it. Chances are, at that age, your water heater will start to experience issues more frequently from here on out. Instead of investing time and money into multiple repairs, consider replacing it.

2. How Often Repairs Are Needed

A great way to know if your water heater needs to be replaced is to track how many times it needs to be repaired in a year. If you’re finding that you’re making frequent calls to your plumber to come fix your broken water heater, then you’ll want to look into a replacement instead. While repairs are often cheaper than replacements, they can add up over time. Water heaters shouldn’t need to be repaired more than 1-2 times a year. If you’re finding that your system needs more love than that, then look into a replacement.

3. The Demands of Your Household

Are you finding that your water heater is too small and/or not able to keep up with the demands for hot water in your household? You may start to notice an increase in your energy bills, or you run out of hot water much quicker than you should be. If your water heater is no longer providing for you, then you should look at having another one installed, or perhaps a larger one, that can keep up with your household demands for hot water.

4.  How Your Water Looks

Water should be clear – always. However, if you find that it’s discolored, it could mean that your water heater has started to rust or corrode. Not only that, but it could also mean that mineral sediment has built-up and started to coat the bottom of your water tank. This is usually due to a lack of maintenance. Usually, it’s something that can be repaired by a professional without needing a full replacement.

5. Signs Of Problems

If you notice signs of issues, such as leaks, strange sounds, or you’ve lost hot water entirely, then you should contact a professional right away. Leaks, for example, are a common sign that something is wrong with your system. Usually, a leak that is small enough can easily be repaired. However, if the leak is significant enough, your plumber may recommend you replace your tank – especially if the leak isn’t repairable or if the repair will cost more than the replacement itself. A professional will help you decide, depending on the issue, whether a repair or replacement is better for your situation.

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

Contact the pros at MA Williams today to schedule your water heater repair or replacement! 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.