As a homeowner, there’s nothing worse than hearing an unusual noise. It can be even more worrisome when it’s unusual plumbing noises. While you may begin to wonder if a costly repair is coming, have no fear.
Often, plumbing noises can mean nothing, but some can be an indicator of a bigger issue.
So what type of strange plumbing noises should you act upon by calling in a professional? Keep reading for our ultimate guide to the top 5 plumbing noises to be aware of. In this guide, we’ll explain what to listen for, what the problem may be, and what to do when you hear it.
5 Strange Plumbing Noises to Know
Strange plumbing noises can happen day or night, and not surprisingly, they elicit worry from homeowners. Especially considering that water damage continually ranks among the top causes of home insurance claims. To ease your mind or raise the red flags, here are the top 5 strange plumbing noises to know and what to do if you hear them.
Knocking Noises
One of the most common plumbing noises to hear in a home is knocking, hammering, or banging. In the plumbing scene, this noise comes from what’s referred to as a “water hammer.”. A water hammer occurs when appliances that use water shut off quickly. I.e. your dishwasher, washer, ice-maker, etc.
There’s a simple repair for the knocking noises if you’d like to eliminate them. A plumbing expert can install a “water hammer” on the appliance. Even if you think you can DIY the installation, it’s also best to have a professional review your work to avoid further issues down the road.
If high water pressure is the culprit, plumbers might install a pressure regulator to maintain a consistent flow. Additionally, the plumber may install air chambers or water hammer arrestors to absorb the shock waves created by the sudden stop of water flow. This effectively eliminates the knocking noise and protects the plumbing system from potential damage.
Rattling Noises
Rattling noises can be one of the less worrisome noises, as they often indicate loose pipes are knocking on the wall. When the water runs through the pipes, they shake from the pressure and hit the nearby walls. This noise will be heard throughout the home and is especially common in older or aging homes.
However, the noise can be annoying and technically speaking, pipes shouldn’t be loose or unsecured. If you call a plumbing professional, they’ll be able to strap the pipes down to dispel the plumbing noise. This will not only protect the structure and integrity of your home but also create a peaceful environment free of plumbing noises, too.
Gurgling Noises
If you hear a gurgling noise from your pipes or plumbing, call a plumber immediately. A gurgling noise in plumbing often indicates a blockage or a venting issue within the drainage system. Air that has become trapped in the pipes is typically what makes the sound. Which disrupts the normal flow of water and waste.
Water draining slowly or unpleasant odors are other strong signs that there’s a clog somewhere in the system. Common causes include food particles, grease buildup, hair, or foreign objects lodged in the pipes.
To address this issue, a plumber typically starts by inspecting the drainage and venting systems. They may use a plumbing snake or hydro-jetting equipment to clear any obstructions. In some cases, they might need to repair or replace sections of the vent pipe to ensure proper airflow, which helps prevent future gurgling noises and maintains efficient drainage.
Squealing Noises
Squealing is an unpleasant noise, no matter where it comes from. But it can be even more unpleasant when it squeals everything you run your water through. A squealing plumbing noise from your pipes, however, can be somewhat of a simple fix.
The squealing noise typically comes from areas in the pipe where the water transfers from larger pipes into smaller pipes. To address the squealing, plumbers will often adjust the pressure valve, replace the pressure valve, or replace washers that may be worn.
Hissing Noises
High-pitched hissing is a plumbing noise that typically comes from a specific fixture. I.e. a kitchen sink faucet, a bathroom sink faucet, showerhead, etc. This can come from a few different issues, so it’s always best to seek the advice of a professional. However, some of the most common causes and repairs of hissing plumbing noises include –
- A buildup in the pipes, like minerals from hard water. The sediment could be deeper in the pipes and may need to be professionally cleaned.
- A hissing noise in plumbing often indicates a leak or high water pressure in the system. This sound is typically heard near faucets, toilets, or other fixtures and can suggest water escaping from a cracked pipe, a worn-out valve, or a loose connection.
- High water pressure can also cause hissing noises as water forcefully flows through the pipes.
To diagnose the issue, a plumber will first inspect the entire plumbing system to locate the source of the sound. If a leak is found, the usual repair involves tightening connections, replacing damaged pipes, or installing new valves.
In the case of high water pressure, a plumber might install a pressure regulator to ensure the water pressure remains at a safe level. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent water damage, reduce water waste, and maintain the efficiency of the plumbing system.
Investigate Plumbing Noises: Hire a Professional
With this guide, you now know what type of plumbing noises to be wary of. But who are you supposed to call when one of these red flags arises? Bookmark or save none other than WaterWork plumbing professionals in Metro Detroit.
We offer residential and commercial plumbing services in the area with the utmost quality and care. Want to schedule an appointment to investigate your house’s strange plumbing noises? Simply send our helpful and friendly team a message online or call us directly!
Make WaterWork your go-to plumber for all things plumbing, from strange noises to big repairs. Located and trusted in fabulous Ferndale and beyond, become our next satisfied customer for your plumbing needs.
