Why Are My Plumbing Pipes Making Noise?
Weird sounds coming from your home’s plumbing might make you think you have a ghostly visitor, but they’re likely the result of a plumbing problem. Many people in Kanawha and Putnam Counties experience unusual sounds like banging or hissing coming from their pipes. While these sounds are troubling, not all point to an expensive plumbing repair. However, some are more serious than others. To get to the root of the problem, you need to contact a licensed plumber to troubleshoot the issue.
What Your Pipes Are Trying to Tell You
Whether it’s a loose pipe or water hammer, pipes get noisy from time to time. The faster you get to the root cause of the problem, the sooner these noises will go away, and your pipes restored to like-new condition. The following are some of the sounds you might hear.
Banging Pipes
Banging sounds indicate a water pressure issue caused by trapped air bubbles or water hammers. Water hammer happens when the faucet is turned off suddenly and the water rushes back through the pipe. The water is moving backward at such momentum that when it meets the closed valve it sounds like a loud bang. If there’s air trapped in the waterline, you’ll hear the banging sound when turning on the faucet. The first time you hear this noise it can be startling, but it’s usually not cause for alarm. When the noise persists, take action and call a plumber to make sure there’s nothing wrong with your plumbing system.
Humming Pipes
Pipes that hum means your water pressure is too high. The sound you hear is the pipe vibrating as the water moves through it. You might have heard that high water pressure is more common in households that get their water from a well. This is true, but high water pressure is something that can happen to any household. One way to fix high water pressure is to install a pressure-reducing valve on the main water line. This valve regulates the PSI of the water entering your home from the main water line. Before adding this device, you need to pinpoint the reason for the high pressure. Contact a plumber in Putnam or Kanawha Counties to help you troubleshoot the problem and install a pressure-reducing device.
Gurgling Pipes
Are your pipes gurgling and having problems releasing water? This is a drainage issue. When pipes gurgle, this is a sign that there’s a deep clog. Usually, this clog is located deep in the sewer line. Store-bought drain cleaners, natural drain cleaning solutions, and handheld augers won’t clear these types of clogs. You need professional drain cleaning services to clear a path for water flow and to stop the gurgling.
Rattling Pipes
Residential plumbing systems consist of pipes in the walls, under floors, and ceilings. When a pipe rattles, it’s a safe bet to assume the pipes have come loose from the wall. High water pressure and poor installation can cause fasteners to come loose and no longer support the pipe. The rattling sound you hear is the pipes hitting against wall studs and drywall. You might not think loose pipes are a problem, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Call a plumber to fix loose pipes ASAP to prevent pipe damage and possible water leaks.
Whistling
The most common reason for whistling pipes is damaged parts. These small components wear out over time and need to be replaced. The most common areas where whistling occurs are near the washing machine or dishwasher. After years of use, the washer wears out and what follows are squeaking sounds or squealing that happens when the appliance is turned on. The best thing to do in this situation is to call a plumber and have them inspect the valve components for signs of wear and tear.
Noisy pipes certainly cause a ruckus and can be downright annoying. However, these sounds aren’t something to dismiss. While you can certainly attempt to locate where the sound is coming from, you shouldn’t try to make DIY repairs. You want professional repairs that address the problem quickly and fix it right the first time. The longer plumbing problems are allowed to exist, the more costly the repairs and extensive the damage to your home. Don’t let this happen to you! Contact Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to learn more about what causes noisy pipes and schedule an appointment for professional plumbing services in the greater Charleston, WV, area.
