Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Water Heaters 110v or 220v? Which Voltage Is the Right Option for My Home?

Larger water heaters that supply hot water for an entire property run on 220 volts. If you only need point-of-use heating on select fixtures in your home, you may be able to make do with a smaller unit that runs on 110 volts.

Q: How Can I Prevent My Water Heater From Catching on Fire?

Regular professional maintenance is the best way to keep your water heater from becoming a potential hazard. At Marc Francis Plumbing, we offer tune-up services that can keep your unit in excellent condition all year round, so you don't have to worry about stressful and costly accidents.

Q: What Size of Sewer Line Pipe Is Best for My House?

The standard sewer line pipe size for residential buildings is four inches. If you have a larger household, you may benefit from a larger sewer line. Feel free to reach out to our experts for some professional insight.

Q: Why Does My Sump Pump Make Noise?

If your sump pump sounds like a washing machine, there might be a problem with the check valve. Our technicians would be more than happy to assess your unit and recommend an appropriate fix.

Q: Should My Toilet Waste Drains Be 3 Inches or 4 Inches?

Bigger pipes can handle more waste and are less likely to clog. In general, four-inch pipes can carry twice the waste of three-inch pipes. We generally recommend using the former for older homes. However, for newer low-flow toilets, 3-inch pipes are sometimes the better option. It's best to have a professional plumber evaluate the toilet and surrounding plumbing to determine the ideal pipe size.

Q: Why Is My Sewage Ejector Pump Making Strange or Humming Noises?

Most sewage ejector pumps make a quiet humming noise when operational. If you notice your unit running louder than usual or not working properly, it’s time to give us a call. Our technicians can check the system for clogs, component damage, and other issues to eliminate the source of the noise.

Q: What’s the Difference Between Drain Cleaning and Sewer Cleaning?

Clogged drains are basically a rite of passage for the average homeowner. If you’re dealing with an isolated situation—like a slow draining shower or a clogged kitchen sink—a drain cleaning is often enough to fix the problem. When you experience poor drainage across multiple fixtures on your property, the issue likely lies in your sewage system. This line is where all your home’s pipes meet to transfer waste from your plumbing into the sewer collection. In this case, professional sewer cleaning is the best solution.

Question 1

Are Electric Water Heaters 120V or 240V?

Answer

Most standard electric tank-style water heaters in homes operate on 240 volts, while some smaller point-of-use water heaters may operate on 120 volts. The correct electrical requirements depend on the type, size and manufacturer of the water heater. If you're replacing or installing an electric water heater, Marc Francis Plumbing can help determine the appropriate unit for your home's hot water needs.

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Regular maintenance can help extend the life of a water heater and reduce the chance of unexpected problems. Depending on the type of water heater, maintenance may include checking for leaks or corrosion, inspecting safety components and flushing sediment from the tank or system when appropriate. Marc Francis Plumbing can evaluate your water heater and recommend maintenance based on the age, condition and type of unit.

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The correct sewer line size depends on the plumbing system, number and type of fixtures, local code requirements and how the line is being used. While 4-inch piping is common for residential building sewers, other portions of a home's drainage system may use different sizes. Proper sizing and installation are important for reliable drainage. Marc Francis Plumbing can evaluate your existing system or determine the appropriate piping for a sewer line repair or replacement.

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Some sump pump noise is normal when the pump turns on and off, but unusually loud noises can indicate a problem. Common causes may include vibration, a loose or improperly positioned discharge pipe, a worn check valve, debris in the pump or a pump that is beginning to fail. If the sound is new, unusually loud or accompanied by poor pumping performance, Marc Francis Plumbing can inspect the system and determine what is causing it.

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Many drain clogs develop gradually as grease, food residue, hair, soap and other materials accumulate inside the piping. Avoid pouring fats, oils or grease down kitchen drains, use drain strainers where appropriate and be mindful of what is flushed or washed down a drain. Preventive drain maintenance may also help with organic buildup.

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The cost of professional drain cleaning depends on the location and severity of the stoppage, accessibility and what is causing the problem. A straightforward clog may require a different approach than a recurring backup or a problem involving the sewer or drain piping. Marc Francis Plumbing evaluates the situation so we can determine what is needed and explain the recommended work before moving forward.

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Warning signs of a sewer line problem can include recurring drain backups, multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time, gurgling sounds, sewage odors or wastewater backing up into tubs, showers or floor drains. These symptoms can be caused by a blockage, damaged piping, roots or other problems within the drainage system. Marc Francis Plumbing can evaluate the symptoms and determine whether drain clearing, sewer line repair or another solution is appropriate. When you experience poor drainage across multiple fixtures on your property, the issue likely lies in your sewage system. This line is where all your home’s pipes meet to transfer waste from your plumbing into the sewer collection. In this case, professional sewer cleaning is the best solution.

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Signs of excessive water pressure can include banging pipes, dripping faucets, frequently leaking supply lines, running toilets or premature wear on plumbing fixtures and appliances.A pressure reducing valve (PRV) is commonly used to regulate incoming water pressure. Marc Francis Plumbing can test the home's water pressure and determine whether the PRV needs adjustment or replacement.

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Yes. Tankless water heaters require periodic maintenance to help maintain performance and efficiency.Mineral buildup can accumulate inside the heat exchanger, particularly where water contains higher levels of minerals. Maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer, water quality and usage, so the unit should be serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

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Gas piping should be handled by a qualified professional who is properly licensed for gas work. Marc Francis Plumbing is licensed, bonded and insured for plumbing and natural gas work and provides gas line repair, replacement and installation for residential and commercial properties.

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Yes. An unexplained increase in water usage can be caused by leaking toilets, faucets, water lines, underground piping or other plumbing problems. Some leaks are obvious while others may occur where they are difficult to see. If your water bill increases unexpectedly without a change in normal usage, having the plumbing system evaluated can help identify whether a leak may be responsible.

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Recurring leaks, deteriorated or corroded piping, discolored water, pressure problems and repeated repairs can indicate that portions of a home's water piping are reaching the end of their useful life. Repiping does not always mean every pipe in the home must be replaced. Marc Francis Plumbing can evaluate the existing system and determine whether a localized repair, partial repipe or larger repiping project makes the most sense.

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A water heater expansion tank helps manage pressure created by thermal expansion in a closed plumbing system. As water heats, it expands, and the expansion tank provides space for that additional volume. Properly controlling thermal expansion can help protect the water heater, plumbing fixtures and piping from unnecessary pressure-related stress.