Strange plumbing noises can be a headache.
Drips, bangs, and gurgles might mean trouble.
But don’t worry; this guide will help you.
In this article, decode those sounds and fix the problems.
Key Takeaways
- Sudden water pressure changes cause banging sounds.
- Hissing sounds mean there may be a leak or high water pressure.
- Gurgling noises happen when drains are clogged and the air is trapped in pipes.
- A clogged aerator or a broken valve causes whistling sounds.
- Dripping sounds are usually due to worn-out washers and loose parts.
- Listen carefully and check where the noise is coming from.
- High water pressure can cause banging and hissing, so check it with a pressure gauge.
- Regular checks on water pressure can prevent plumbing noises.
- Install water hammer arrestors to stop banging sounds.
- Call a plumber if the noise doesn’t stop or there’s a leak.
Common Plumbing Noises And Their Causes
Plumbing noises can be confusing, but they have simple causes.
Here are the five common plumbing sounds, what they mean and how to fix them.
1. Banging Or Hammering Sounds (Water Hammer)
A common sound is a loud banging and extreme noise when you turn off the water.
This is caused by a sudden water pressure rush that makes the pipes shake.
Faulty or empty pipe air chambers can also make the noise worse.
Installing a water hammer arrestor (catcher) absorbs the pressure and stops the banging.
You may also need to repair and refill the air chambers.
2. Hissing Sounds
A steady hissing noise may occur when water runs, even when it’s not.
This sound often means a leak in your pipes or the water pressure is too high.
Both problems can lead to wasted water and damage to your plumbing.
Inspect your pipes for leaks and fix them if needed.
If the problem is high water pressure, you can use a pressure regulator to keep it safe.
3. Gurgling Noises
A bubbling and gurgling sound comes from your drains, especially when using water.
This noise is usually caused by clogged drain pipes and air trapped in the plumbing system.
Blockages in the pipes create air pockets, which make a gurgling noise as water tries to pass through.
Use a drain snake to remove clogs and clear the pipes.
Call a professional plumber to clean the pipes thoroughly if the issue continues.
Contact us at Drain Cleaning Services for expert services.
4. Whistling Sounds
A whistling sound means a high-pitched screaming sound coming from faucets and pipes.
This sound often comes from a clogged faucet aerator, the small screen at the faucet’s tip.
Also, a damaged valve might cause the noise.
Clean or replace the faucet aerator.
If the problem is with the valve, you may need to repair or replace it to stop the whistling noise.
5. Dripping Sounds
Another plumbing noise is a constant dripping noise, often from a faucet.
Worn-out washers and loose faucet parts usually cause these sounds.
Over time, these parts wear down and allow water to leak out.
Tighten the faucet parts to stop the dripping.
If the washers or other parts are worn out, replace them to fix the leak completely.
How To Diagnose Plumbing Noises Yourself
Diagnosing plumbing noises can save time and money.
Follow these steps to find the source.
1. Listen Carefully
Pay attention to where the noise is coming from.
Is it near a faucet, drain, or inside the walls?
2. Check Water Pressure
Turn on the water and see if the noise changes.
High water pressure can cause banging and hissing sounds.
Use a pressure gauge to check it.
3. Inspect Faucets And Aerators
If you hear whistling and dripping, check your faucets.
Remove the aerator and clean it to see if the noise stops.
4. Examine Drains
Gurgling noises often mean a clog.
Run water and check if it drains slowly.
Use a plunger or drain snake to clear blockages.
5. Look For Leaks
Hissing and dripping noises might come from leaky pipes.
Check under sinks and around exposed pipes for moisture.
6. Secure Loose Pipes
Banging sounds could mean pipes are loose.
Check visible pipes and tighten any loose brackets and nuts.
Top 3 Preventive Measures To Avoid Plumbing Noises
Regular maintenance is key to keeping plumbing noises from happening.
Here are three simple steps.
1. Maintain Water Pressure
Check and adjust your water pressure regularly.
Too much pressure can cause banging and hissing noises.
Install a pressure regulator to keep it safe.
2. Install Water Hammer Arrestors
Water hammer can be avoided by installing water hammer arrestors.
These devices absorb pressure changes and stop the banging sounds.
3. Maintain Drains And Fixtures
Clean your drains and faucets often.
Prevent clogs by removing debris and hair.
Fix leaks right away to avoid hissing and dripping sounds.
When To Call A Professional Plumber
Some plumbing problems are too big to fix by yourself.
It’s important to know when to call a professional plumber.
If the noise from your pipes keeps happening, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.
This may need professional attention to fix.
Leaks are another sign you need a plumber.
If you see water leaking from pipes and fixtures, it can cause damage.
A plumber can repair it before it worsens.
If you can’t find the noise source or if there is serious damage, such as broken pipes, it’s best to call a plumber.
They can fix the underlying problem and make sure everything works safely.
Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for high-quality services.
Conclusion
This article discusses common plumbing noises and their causes.
Noises like hissing and gurgling often point to issues with water pressure, leaks and clogs.
Regular maintenance, such as checking pipes and cleaning drains, can prevent many problems.
Contact OP Plumbing Hub for a full inspection and expert advice if the noises continue.