Your home's plumbing system is a crucial component that delivers water and supports your daily routines, such as bathing, cooking, and doing laundry. However, when your pipes start producing strange noises, it can be a signal of a more severe issue. Plumbing problems can harm your property and disrupt your daily life.
So, what are those clanging, banging, and hissing sounds trying to tell you? Can you resolve them yourself, or do you need to call in a professional plumber? In this article, we will examine the common types of plumbing noises, their underlying causes, and provide practical tips on how to fix them.
Common Plumbing Noises
Hissing or Whistling Sounds
If you hear a hissing or whistling sound coming from your pipes, it could be due to high water pressure. This is a common issue that can be easily resolved by installing a pressure-reducing valve.
Banging or Hammering Sounds
You might hear this sound when water flow stops suddenly and causes a shockwave within the pipes. This is called water hammering, and often happens when a washing machine stops filling up with water or when a faucet is turned off quickly. Water hammering can damage your pipes if not addressed promptly. This can be fixed by installing a water hammer arrestor or securing loose pipes.
Gurgling Sounds
Gurgling Drainage is another frequent cause of pipe noise when the water is shut off. The pipes begin to gurgle when there is a draining issue, which denotes an obstruction in the plumbing system. Gurgling sounds can be caused by a number of issues, including a clogged drain or vent stack, a blocked sewer line, or improper venting. A plumber can help identify the root cause and provide a solution.
Screeching Sounds
Screeching sounds are usually a result of a faulty or worn-out washer in a faucet or valve. Replacing the washer should solve the problem. Rattling Sounds In your home, the majority of the pipes are hidden under the walls, floors, or ceilings. Some must be suspended from a height using unique fasteners. One of the fasteners could come away when the water is flowing through the pipes, shaking the pipes. Rattling sounds can also be caused by a loose water heater. Securing the pipes or water heater should eliminate the noise.
Clicking & Clanking Sounds
These types of noises are often caused by loose joints inside of the pipes themselves—which can lead to leaks—or by a faulty valve handle or other part of the valve mechanism itself
Preventing Plumbing Noises
In addition to fixing existing plumbing noises, there are steps you can take to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your plumbing system can help prevent issues such as clogs, leaks, and worn-out parts that can lead to annoying noises.
Water Pressure Regulation
As mentioned earlier, high water pressure can cause hissing or whistling sounds. Installing a pressure-reducing valve can regulate the water pressure and prevent this issue.
Proper Venting
Proper venting is crucial for the proper function of your plumbing system. If your vent stack is blocked or improperly installed, it can lead to gurgling or other noises. A plumber can help ensure that your venting is up to code.
Quiet the Clatter
Plumbing noises can be a nuisance, but they can also be an early warning sign of potential plumbing problems. By identifying the type of noise and its underlying cause, you can take steps to address the issue and prevent it from becoming a more significant problem in the future. It's always best to consult a licensed plumber for any plumbing issues you may have to ensure that they are correctly and safely resolved.
Our plumbers are happy to provide routine servicing to help homeowners and business owners avoid upcoming pipe obstructions and avoid causing the plumbing system to wear out too quickly. You can count on us to inspect and resolve any problems with your water pipes.
Don’t wait to see if the problem will resolve itself. Call us as soon as you hear an unusual water pipe noise even if the water is not running, and we will get your water supply flowing again.