It’s a good thing that your plumbing is dependable. When your plumbing is making sounds or is loud, you might begin to worry. While some sounds are normal, others aren’t. We’ll walk you through five common noises and how to solve them.
These noises involve:
- Plumbing is whistling
- Plumbing is gurgling
- Plumbing is humming
- Plumbing is vibrating
- Plumbing is bubbling
1. Plumbing is Whistling
If your plumbing is whistling, you could be dealing with several issues.
Cause: Hard Water
More than 90% of U.S. homes have hard water, which means it has excessive calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in your pipes and appliances, creating clogs and less efficient operation.
If you have issues with soap scum, clogged pipes or appliances wearing out quickly, you might be dealing with hard water. Having a plumber add a water softener is the best way to fix this problem.
Cause: Old Pipes
Plumbing doesn’t last forever. If you have an older home, you should know what pipe material you have and how long it lasts.
- Brass: up to 100 years
- Copper: up to 80 years
- PVC: up to 45 years
If your pipes are close to the end of their life span and you’re faced with leaks, discolored water or insufficient water pressure, it may be time to have them replaced.
Cause: Water Pressure Is Too High
This can be caused by your water supplier or issues with your water heater. A telltale sign of high water pressure is hearing knocking in your pipes, especially after shutting off a faucet.
If this is what’s creating the issue, a plumber can check and replace your home’s pressure-reducing valve as necessary.
2. Plumbing is Gurgling
Gurgling isn’t a good noise. It’s usually a sign that you’re dealing with some sort of blockage or clog. Here are three of the most common kinds.
Cause: Plugged Drain
Your drain can either be partially or fully clogged. Here’s the difference:
- Partial clog—water drains more slowly than normal.
- Full clog—water goes up instead of draining, especially in multiple drains.
It can be enticing to use a liquid drain opener to fix the issue, but this can cause more problems. These products are harsh and can eat away at your pipes. It’s always best to have a plumber unclog your pipes, either via a snake or jetting.
Cause: Clogged Sewer Line
Your home has a sewer pipe that transports waste to the main sewer line, usually situated in your yard or in the street. If this pipe gets clogged, you will likely be dealing with backup in your basement.
Things that can block or plug this pipe includes tree roots seeking water or by flushing bathroom products other than toilet paper. Whether you’re coping with tree roots or a clogged toilet, you’re going to need assistance from a professional plumber.
Cause: Blocked Sewer Vent or P-Trap
The sewer vent system and P-traps on your drains keep stinky plumbing smells out of your home. If they get clogged, you’ll likely notice gurgling, experience slow draining or smell sewage. A plumber can help you get to the root of and resolve this smelly problem.
3. Plumbing is Humming
If your plumbing is humming, you’re not just dealing with an irritating sound.
Cause: High Water Pressure
Humming means your home’s water pressure is likely too high. This can cause problems like water leaks and damage to faucets and other fixtures. A plumber can help you regulate water pressure, which should be about 60–70 PSI.
4. Plumbing is Vibrating
If your plumbing is vibrating, three problems could be creating this sound.
Cause: Loose Pipe Clamp
The most common cause of vibrating plumbing is a loose pipe clamp. This hardware keeps pipes in place when water is flowing through them. If the loose pipe is under a sink, you might be able to correct this issue yourself. If it’s behind a wall, it’s recommended to work with a plumber.
Cause: High Water Pressure or Water Hammer
Less commonly, pipes can vibrate due to high water pressure or a water hammer, which occurs when water that’s flowing fast hits a closed valve. A plumber can identify and correct these problems.
5. Plumbing is Bubbling
If your plumbing is bubbling, you’re probably dealing with issues associated with gurgling plumbing.
Cause: Clogged or Incorrectly Vented Drain
Whether you’re dealing with a clogged or improperly vented drain, a plumber can fix it.
Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating Can Resolve Your Strange Plumbing Noises
No one wants to hear a loud or odd noise coming from their plumbing. There are many different noises that can be heard from your pipes and what they mean may differs. If you have any questions about the sounds you’re hearing in your home, contact at (818) 727-9993 today. We’re here to assist you when you need a plumber in Northridge or neighboring areas.
