When you can hear your pipes, something isn’t right. We’ve made a list of some of the different sounds you may have noticed, along with potential causes for each. It’s important to know all the symptoms of loud pipes so you can point a plumber in the right direction. Here are some common causes of noisy water pipes to watch out for.
Banging
Clanging or banging sounds are usually telltale signs of water pressure problems.
When a faucet or valve is suddenly closed, the banging could come from a water hammer. Once the water’s exit point shuts, the water racing toward it smacks the closed valve with significant momentum.
Banging could also result from trapped air. You’ll know this is the culprit when you hear the noise as soon as you turn on your faucet. Look for sputtering as the air bubble escapes, as this can also tip you off.
Whistling
There are dozens of small components throughout your piping, and when one is damaged (even slightly), you may notice squealing or whistling sounds. Listen for these sounds near your dishwasher and washing machine while these appliances are running, and call a plumber right away if you hear anything. Whistling means something is escaping your pipes, and that’s never a good thing.
Gurgling
Obstructions in your pipes are the most common cause of gurgling noises. You would typically hear these sounds in kitchen sinks and toilets, and they’re a regular problem for many households. Don’t turn to chemicals to fix this, as many drain cleaners eat away at your pipes as they clear out the clog.
Rattling
Rattling is generally not a sign of an imminent plumbing disaster, but it gets annoying quickly. Most of the time, rattling results from a pipe that has gotten loose. Even though this issue isn’t particularly dangerous, hiring a professional is a good idea because the pipe is likely hidden somewhere behind a wall or under a floor.
Even with this knowledge of common causes of noisy water pipes, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber for an exact diagnosis. Pipe problems can quickly move from “annoying” to “disastrous,” so don’t wait too long!
