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 Another reason is because the shower is old and outdated.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.

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.

Top 5 Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Home’s Plumbing

Are you starting to open your windows to breathe in that fresh air? That can only mean one thing – it’s spring! If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably already thinking about all the spring cleaning you have to do this season. When it comes to cleaning, don’t forget to give your plumbing some attention. Here are the top 5 spring cleaning tips for your home’s plumbing.

1. Inspect Your Pipes

One thing to make sure is that there are no leaks coming from your pipes. If you spot drips or leaks, don’t wait to have it looked at. Not only could it cause damage to your home, but it could also cause your water bills to skyrocket.

2. Clear Your Drains

A lot of homeowners are unfortunately well versed in what happens when the drains aren’t clean. Water backups and clogs aren’t easy to forget. Usually, it’s at this point that you’d run to the store to pick up a bottle of chemical cleaner. However, you should think twice before doing this. The chemicals in a lot of these cleaners can actually do more harm than good to your pipes. Instead, consider having them professionally cleaned by a plumber this spring!

3. Check Out Your Water Heater

Your water heater is usually out of sight, out of mind – until something goes wrong with it. This spring, make sure you check around the tank for any signs of leaks. Once you’ve done that, then flush your water heater to remove any sediment buildup. Not only can this buildup cause your water heater to not operate as efficiently, but it can also reduce its lifespan. Having it drained and flushed annually by a professional plumber is the best way to ensure this doesn’t happen.

4. Check Your Toilet

If you notice any worn out parts, leaks, or parts that need adjustment, don’t wait to have it looked at. First of all, you should check your toilet to make sure everything is in working order. Then, inspect it for any leaks by doing the “food coloring trick”. Drop some food coloring into the toilet tank and wait about 15-20 minutes. If you notice colored water in your toilet bowl, then it’s a surefire sign that you have a leak.

5. Scheduling Plumbing Maintenance

Even if your plumbing system appears to be working fine, you can never go wrong with a preventative plumbing maintenance. After all, there really is only so much spring cleaning for your plumbing that can be done yourself. A professional will be able to come to your home and conduct a plumbing inspection and maintenance to check for any signs of malfunction or failure. This helps you catch problems early on before they become major.

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

Contact the pros at MA Williams today to schedule a plumbing maintenance! 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 leak detection or repair services, or a plumbing maintenance, look no further than MA Williams today! Call us at 804-684-8300 or fill out our online form here.

How To Prevent Common Garbage Disposal Issues?

Your garbage disposal works hard for you, day in and day out. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to take it for granted and forget that it’s there – until it stops working. There are some ways to prevent common garbage disposal issues, such as jamming and clogging. Here’s how!

1. Avoid Grinding Certain Foods

Contrary to the name, a garbage disposal isn’t a garbage disposal. You should only put small bits and pieces of certain foods and liquids down there – and steer clear of others. These are some of the foods you should never put down your garbage disposal if you want to prevent issues:

• Eggshells
• Potato Peels
• Fibrous Foods
• Coffee Grounds
• Pits and Seeds
• Rice and Pasta
• Bones
• Grease, Oil and Fat
• And More

2. Use Plenty of Water

When you’re rinsing food off the plate and grinded it up in the garbage disposal, you should also plan to use plenty of water. Even after all the food has gone down the drain, continue to run water through the disposal for several more seconds to allow it to flush out any remaining food particles. Not only will this help your garbage disposal run better, but it will also get rid of some of those unpleasant odors you may be dealing with.

3. Clean Your Garbage Disposal

While many people clean out their sinks often, we don’t think too much about cleaning our garbage disposal. However, you should clean it on a regular basis to keep the sinks drain clear. Not only that, but this can also help remove some of those foul odors. If your sink is starting to smell, it should be a sign that your garbage disposal needs to be cleaned.

4. Avoid DIY Projects

Whether your garbage disposal is in need of repair or replacement, it’s best to leave that one to the pros. You may think doing it yourself will save you money, but it could actually end up costing you more in the long run – especially if something goes wrong and causes the initial problem to worsen. To avoid running into any potential obstacles, contact a plumber for help with all your garbage disposal needs.

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.