What is That Sound Coming From My Plumbing Pipes?
Are your noisy water pipes keeping you up at night? Water pipes can sometimes produce various noises, and while some of these sounds are harmless, others may indicate underlying issues with your plumbing system that require attention. Understanding noisy pipes and their potential causes can help you identify and address plumbing problems early, preventing costly repairs down the line.
If you’re experiencing noisy water pipes, your plumbing system may be vulnerable to problems more severe than just noise.
Alex, our expert plumber in Irvine, is here to help. Here are some common pipe noises you might hear, and some possible solutions.
Want us to diagnose the sound for you? We’re on it!
Table of Contents
1. Rattling or Vibrating Noise
A rattling noise in your plumbing system usually indicates loose fasteners. The fasteners help keep your water pipes securely in place, so when they’re loose, the water flow causes the pipe to shake, leading to that annoying rattling sound.
Solution: For most, tightening or replacing the fasteners yourself can be an easy fix, especially if the pipes are accessible.
2. Banging or Hammering Noise
Hearing sudden, loud banging sounds? You’re probably dealing with a water hammer. Water hammer occurs when water suddenly stops or changes direction in the pipes, causing water to slam against the closed valve. Water hammers are more than just annoying—it can actually damage your pipes over time.
Solution: Installing water hammer arrestors can mitigate this, but if the banging noises persist, calling a pro might be a good idea.
3. Humming Pipe Noise
That constant humming noise might be soothing if it were coming from a meditation app, but not so much when it’s your water pipes. High water pressure is usually the culprit here. It can cause the pipes to vibrate, creating that humming noise you hear.
Solution: A water pressure meter will determine if your plumbing systems are at the optimal levels. A water pressure regulator will keep your water supply at the proper pressure. If you don’t know how to measure your water pressure, calling a professional plumber to adjust it might be your safest bet.
4. Gurgling Pipe Noise
If your pipes are gurgling like a coffee maker, you probably have an obstruction somewhere. A gurgling sound or bubbling noise in your water supply is usually due to drainage issues. Partial blockages in the water pipes cause an air bubble to form as rushing water flows through the obstruction. Soap scum, hair, and even small toys can get stuck, causing water to flow unevenly. Not only does this cause the gurgling noise, but it can also lead to more serious clogs down the line.
Solution: Try using a liquid plumber or a drain snake to clear the clog. If that doesn’t work, a professional plumber for drain cleaning services. They can use specialized tools to clear the obstruction and restore the silence. If untreated, this may cause you to need water leak repair or even worse – pipe bursting services!
5. High-Pitched Whining or Hissing Noise
A high-pitched squeal can be incredibly grating. More often than not, the issue is wear and tear on the small components of your appliances. Nuts, bolts, and washers can degrade over time due to the frequent motion of water-based appliances.
Hissing sounds can also indicate a restriction in the water flow from a buildup of sediment or mineral deposits. As water rushes through a clogged pipe, the high pressure can cause a high-pitched whining noise.
Solution: In some cases, simply tightening the parts can solve the issue, but sometimes, a full replacement of worn components may be necessary. For mineral or dirt buildup, professional plumbers should be called in to clear the blockage or, in serious cases, replace the water pipes.
6. Vibrating Noises in Pipes
The vibration noises can be caused by a water hammer, similar to the banging noises, or by excessively high water pressure. If loose pipes are not securely fastened, they may rattle against their enclosures when water flows, increasing the vibration and noise. Vibrating pipes will eventually become loose enough to cause more serious issues, so they should be tightened.
Solution: A pressure-reducing valve can often solve the problem, but if not, a plumbing inspection might be warranted. A plumber will ensure that the pipes are properly secured and any vibrating sounds are eliminated.
7. Sounds from Copper Pipes
Copper pipes have their own set of quirks, including clicking or knocking sounds. These are generally caused by the natural expansion and contraction of the pipes as hot and cold water flows through them. While these noises are generally harmless, they can be disconcerting.
Solution: Installing foam insulation or pipe hangers can help isolate the noisy pipes and reduce or eliminate the strange noises.
Positive Plumbing Will Take Care of Your Noisy Water Pipes
While some of these issues can be fixed with a little homeowner elbow grease, many of the loud noises you hear from your water lines might require the expertise of a pro. To ensure that whatever issue is making noise won’t lead to bigger problems in the future, it’s best to give the professionals a call and get those noisy pipes taken care of the right way.
