March 02/2025
4 Causes of Annoying Sounds Coming from Your Pipes
Plumbing pipes are buried in the walls, ceilings, and floorboards but they can certainly draw attention to themselves. There are some unique noises that pipes will make as a cry for help, and every property owner should be familiar with these sounds.
In this brief article brought to you Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we highlight four common causes of concerning plumbing noises and what they mean for your home. If you’re ever in doubt, you can call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to hire a uniformed and trained plumber in Jackson Township, NJ ASAP.
The Dreaded Bang: Water Hammer
If you ever turn off a tap and hear a sudden bang echo through your walls, then you’re listening to a water hammer – a phenomenon where the water flowing through the pipes abruptly stops when a valve closes and creates a shockwave. This shockwave can cause pipes to rattle and bang much like a hammer striking metal.
The water hammer isn’t just a nuisance; it can put undue stress on your entire plumbing system. Over time, these repeated shocks might weaken pipe joints or even lead to leaks. The solution? Often, a professional plumber will install water hammer arrestors. These devices that act like shock absorbers to cushion the blow of the moving water.
The Creepy Rattle: Loose Pipes
While pipes are hidden behind walls and under floorboards, they’re not immune to the effects of wear and tear. Over time, the fasteners that hold your pipes in place can loosen. When water flows through these loosely secured pipes, they may start to rattle, vibrate, or clunk against the framing of your home.
This kind of noise is often more subtle than the explosive bang of water hammer, but it’s equally concerning. Loose pipes can eventually lead to damage from friction or even a small leak. The good news is that fixing loose pipes can sometimes be a simple DIY taskif you’re comfortable crawling in a basement or accessing an exposed section of pipe.
A hidden pipe replacement or widespread issue is best left to a professional plumber, however. In fact, it is always advisable to leave serious plumbing repair to trained and licensed professionals.
The Mysterious Gurgle: Air in the Pipes
Have you ever heard a bubbling or gurgling sound coming from your drains. While clogs do cause this noise, trapped air in your plumbing can be another culprit behind those unexpected noises.
Air in the pipes might be the result of recent plumbing work, a leak that’s drawn in air, or even a minor blockage that’s causing the system to work unevenly. While this might sound less dramatic than a water hammer, it still suggests that your plumbing isn’t operating at its best.
The Eerie Whistle: High Water Pressure
You might enjoy a powerful shower or a strong flow of water at your sink, but excessively high water pressure can be a double-edged sword. When water pressure exceeds recommended levels (typically between 40 and 80 PSI), it forces water through your pipes at a high velocity, causes pipes to vibrate, and creates a persistent humming or whistling noise.
High water pressure not only produces annoying sounds but can also accelerate wear and tear on your plumbing system. Over time, high pressure can lead to leaks, burst pipes, and damage to your appliances.
Hire a Trained and Experienced Plumber Today
If you’re concerned about your plumbing, then have a qualified plumber investigate sooner rather than later. Why brush off warning signs when Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers quick and affordable plumbing repair service? Call or message us today to get in touch with a live representative.
