If you’ve recently noticed unusual sounds coming from your plumbing system, do not write them off as normal, no matter how insignificant they might seem. In some cases, odd plumbing noises are relatively harmless (although certainly annoying), while in others, they can indicate a serious problem with your pipes that must be promptly addressed.
But how do you differentiate between an innocuous racket and sounds that may signal a potentially serious issue?
Continue reading to learn about some of the most common plumbing noises and what they typically mean.
Banging
Banging noises coming from your plumbing system typically stem from issues with water flow or pressure. But they can also result from loose supply pipes, so if you’re hearing this sound, you’ll want to call a plumber who can determine its source.
If you hear a banging noise when you shut off a faucet or valve, it may be due to a water hammer, which occurs when high-pressure water slams into a closed valve. Since the water moves through pipes with considerable momentum, it will make an audible banging noise when it suddenly runs into the hard surface of the sealed valve.
If air bubbles find their way into your pipes and get trapped, they can also cause banging noises, usually when a faucet or valve is opened. This phenomenon is called air hammer, and it can be difficult to resolve, especially on your own.
Eliminating the air may require completely draining the plumbing system and reconnecting the water supply to open faucets to prevent additional air bubbles from entering the pipes.
Rattling
When pressurized water runs through your pipes, it can cause them to move around a little if they’re not properly secured. This can happen if fasteners loosen over time or if the pipes weren’t secured properly when your home was built.
Although you can investigate visible pipes on your own, most of your plumbing system runs through the walls of your home and under the floor, making it difficult to access. If you have a plumber come out to assess the rattling, they can determine whether the sound stems from poorly secured pipes or something else. They can also eliminate the noise by re-fastening and securing any pipes that need attention.
Whistling
There are a couple of reasons your pipes may be whistling or squealing. The first and most common is excessively high water pressure. If this noise hasn’t always been present, it may be due to limescale buildup in your plumbing system, which narrows the interior of the pipe over time, interfering with normal water flow.
If you have hard water, don’t have a water softener, and your plumbing is fairly old, there’s a good chance limescale buildup is the culprit behind the sound you hear. Check out our tips on removing and preventing limescale in your plumbing for a few ways you can address this issue.
Improperly sized pipes that are too small can also make whistling noises when water runs through them. But if the noise only occurs when you use a specific fixture, the fixture itself is likely to blame. If you think either of these issues may be the culprit behind the noise you’re hearing, it’s a good idea to have a plumber come out and assess your system.
For more common plumbing sounds and what they typically mean, check out What’s That Noise? Your Guide to Common Plumbing Sounds.
Need a Reliable Plumber Near Wisconsin Rapids?
If your plumbing is making a racket, get in touch with our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating for help! We specialize in a wide variety of plumbing services for homeowners throughout Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wausau and have proudly served the area for nearly 30 years.
To get a service quote or schedule an appointment, call us today at 715-421-1800 or request a service estimate online, and we’ll reach out with additional info.