Noisy Pipes and Their Causes

When your pipes are making new and different noises, there is most likely an issue that needs professional attention. There are a few common plumbing issues you can associate with noisy pipes, but determining the reason can be tricky to do on your own. 

Humming Noise

Most people think it is a lack of water pressure causing the hum but the opposite is true. If the water pressure is set too high it can cause humming in the pipes even when the water is not running. If the pipes hum when the toilet is flushed you may need to replace the valve for the fill tank. Another common cause is damaged or degraded washers.

Most homes have a regulator installed. This helps bring water pressure down to an acceptable range.  If your home lacks a regulator, you may want to install one to extend the lifespan of the plumbing components.

Rattling and Whistling

Two of the main reasons pipes rattle and whistle are loose mounting straps and a phenomenon called a water hammer. A pipe may vibrate against the wall or whatever it’s mounted to and make rattling noises. It is relatively easy to check and fix this issue. 

Properly installed plumbing includes a vent. This is usually done with a vertical pipe installed near faucets to act as a cushion for running water. If you hear what sounds like a hammer swing when a faucet is shut off, you may need to refill these air chambers. Any plumber worth their title can easily do this for you. 

Gurgling Drains

Normal wear and tear of the pipes may eventually cause them to gurgle. The gurgling noises are typically due to draining troubles caused by obstructions such as grease, food particles, tissue paper, or other obstructions that interfere with the free flow of water. Another reason is likely air trapped in the central heating pipes.

Either problem is best tackled by a professional plumber. They know how to access pipes that are backed up or have trouble draining.

Banging 

If you hear random banging when no water is running it could indicate a problem with your water heater. When sediment builds up in the bottom the escaping steam will echo inside the unit and sound like a clap or bang. The unit should be flushed of the sediment or replaced.  

Hire the Right Plumbing Company To Repair Your Pipes

Get in touch with Benjamin Plumbing in Madison, WI today to handle your piping concerns. Our experienced plumbers offer great plumbing services, we’ll be sure to grant you peace of mind once the job is done. Contact us today for more information.