Why Is My Plumbing Making Noises?

January 10 / 2019

Strange plumbing sounds are often not a good sign. There are many plumbing problems that could be associated with strange sounds emitting from your plumbing. What's worse, is that sometimes people get accustomed to these sounds and live with them instead of making repairs right away. This can only allow the problem to get worse, which can be a more costly repair further down the road. If your plumbing is making noises, please don’t chalk it up to just a funny plumbing quirk that you need to get used to. If your plumbing is making noises, it's a good sign that something is wrong.

Whining

If your plumbing is making a whining or squealing sound it can be alarming. Chances are you have a faulty pressure valve, which can result in your plumbing making noises. Pressure valves help reduce the amount of pressure that builds up inside your plumbing. You could have a whole house pressure valve, or pressure valves specific to kitchen and bathroom functions. When a pressure valve goes out it needs to be replaced in order to prevent damage to your plumbing and plumbing fixtures. Other signs of a bad pressure valve include changes to your water pressure including a loss in water pressure, or too much water pressure.

Gurgling

If your toilet or faucet is making gurgling sounds, then you have a plumbing problem on your hands. There are several different reasons why this may be happening, including an unresolved clog or an issue with the sewer. To better understand what is going on, a thorough inspection should be performed by a professional. Gurgling is not a normal sound for plumbing to make, please don’t ignore it.

Dripping

The sound of dripping or running water is never a good sign. Leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water over time. Undetected leaks can also cause water damage and mold, which can make repairs more expensive. Proactive leak detection is a good way to stay on top of leaks. Timeliness is key when it comes to leak repairs. This helps prevent waste and helps you save on utilities.

Knocking

If you notice knocking, banging, or rattling sounds coming from your plumbing it is a cause for concern. There are several reasons why this may be occurring including

Water hammer - Water hammer occurs when the water supply is shut off, and the force of water slams into the valve that was shut. This is usually the result of a faulty water hammer aerator.
High water pressure - Water pressure that is too high can cause your pipes to shake, rattle, and roll. The recommended psi for your home should be around 50. If it is too high, you should have a pressure reducing valve installed to prevent damage to your plumbing, fixtures, and water using appliances.
Sediment buildup in the water heater - Over time, water heaters naturally collect sediment from mineral deposits in the water. Calcium and rust are two of the most common. Over time sediment forms a large mass inside the tank that can bang around inside when the heater is engaged. This is particularly worrisome, because as the mass bangs around it can cause damage to the tank, and eventually spring a leak. Banging sounds when your water heater engages, is usually an indicator that it is time to replace your water heater.
Loose pipes - Over time the brackets that hold your pipes in place can loosen up, allowing them some wiggle room to bang around. When this happens, the brackets either need to be tightened or replaced. Pipes that are constantly banging around can eventually spring leaks which can cause water damage.

Is it a banshee or just your plumbing making noises? If it’s the first, perhaps you could burn some sage. If it’s the latter then you need to call Rooter Hero Plumbing. We are available 24 hours a day for all of your plumbing emergencies. Contact us today!