Is your plumbing making strange sounds? This article discusses what might be causing your noisy water pipes.
Plumbing makes noise. It’s just a part of owning a home. But sometimes the sounds coming from your pipes might be difficult to ignore. Is it a sign of a malfunctioning plumbing system? Should you be worried about the potential damage?
When excessive noises come out of your walls, your kitchen sink, and other fixtures in your home, you may need to contact a plumber for the best solution. In the following blog, we list four common pipe noises and their common causes.
Listening for Noisy Water Pipes
Loud Banging
If you are hearing frequent loud banging sounds emanating from your pipes, the cause might be water hammers and trapped air. When you run the water in your home and suddenly turn off the tap, the force of the water coming to a stop can be so high that it creates a sound. This is known as a water hammer. In addition to the initial sound when the tap is turned off, the sound can reverberate as an echo throughout the plumbing system.
On the other hand, if you hear loud banging when you turn the faucet on, that could mean your system has air in it.
These issues happen for several reasons, so you’ll likely want a professional plumber to come and assess whether it’s serious.
Humming
If your water pressure is too high for the system’s capacity, it can also cause a humming noise in your pipes. This problem is common in homes that rely on well water. Many wells have a high pressure built into the tank and unless extreme precautions have been taken, your tank may be putting excess pressure on the pipes delivering water to your home.
If your system makes a humming noise, have a professional test the pressure and make adjustments to eliminate any humming noises.
Gurgling
Sometimes you may hear the distinct glugging or gurgling sound most commonly associated with clogged plumbing. A typical plumbing system has many bends and turns, which can cause clogs if improper items are flushed down the drain. Mineral deposits from hard water, often found in rural locations, can also cause a blockage.
No one wants to hear their drains gurgling or sucking, and trust us, no one wants to clean sewer lines! However, it may be necessary if initial attempts to clear the blockage are unsuccessful.
Rattling
Pipes that are suspended behind the walls and in the ceilings and floors must be fastened securely. If a fastener loses its holding power, water might move erratically through the pipe, which can cause it to rattle.
Securing a pipe to keep it from rattling can be difficult if you are unsure where the noisy water pipes are located. A plumber can help you minimize the amount of demolition needed to locate the source of the sound.
Dealing with noisy water pipes in your home? Get a professional to take a look!
Talk to Custom Plumbing of Arizona today if you are tired of listening to your noisy water pipes.