It’s a positive thing that your plumbing is dependable. When your plumbing is making sounds or is loud, you might start 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 a couple of 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, causing clogs and less efficient operation.
If you struggle with soap scum, clogged pipes or appliances wearing out quickly, you might have hard water. Having a plumber install a water softener is the best way to fix this problem.
Cause: Aging Pipes
Plumbing doesn’t last forever. If you have an older home, it’s important to 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 lifetime and you’re faced with leaks, discolored water or insufficient water pressure, it may be time to have new ones installed.
Cause: High Water Pressure
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, particularly after turning off a faucet.
If this is what’s creating the issue, a plumber can inspect 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 experiencing some sort of blockage or clog. Here are three of the most common kinds.
Cause: Clogged Drain
Your drain can either be partially or fully clogged. Here’s the difference:
- Partial clog—water drains more slowly than usual.
- Full clog—water goes up instead of draining, particularly in multiple drains.
It can be tempting to use a liquid drain opener to correct the issue, but this can create more problems. These products are corrosive and can eat away at your pipes. It’s always best to have a plumber unclog your pipes, either through a snake or jetting.
Cause: Clogged Sewer Line
Your home has a sewer pipe that transports waste to the primary sewer line, usually located 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 obstruct or clog this pipe includes tree roots seeking water or by flushing bathroom products besides toilet paper. Whether you’re coping with tree roots or a clogged toilet, you’re going to need help from a professional plumber.
Cause: Plugged 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 hear gurgling, experience slow draining or smell sewage. A plumber can help you get to the root of and solve 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 such as water leaks and damage to faucets and other fixtures. A plumber can help you regulate water pressure, which should be around 60–70 PSI.
4. Plumbing is Vibrating
If your plumbing is vibrating, three problems could be causing this noise.
Cause: Unsecured Pipe Clamp
The most common cause of vibrating plumbing is a loose pipe clamp. This hardware keeps pipes secure when water is flowing through them. If the loose pipe is below a sink, you might be able to correct this issue yourself. If it’s behind a wall, it’s recommended to call a plumber.
Cause: High Water Pressure or Water Hammer
Less frequently, pipes can vibrate because of 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 likely dealing with issues associated with gurgling plumbing.
Cause: Blocked or Incorrectly Vented Drain
Whether you’re dealing with a blocked or improperly vented drain, a plumber can take care of it.
Bain Heating & Air Conditioning Can Resolve Your Odd Plumbing Noises
Nobody wants to hear a loud or odd noise coming from their plumbing. There are lots of different noises that can be heard from your pipes and what they mean may varies. If you have any questions about the sounds you’re hearing in your home, give us a call at 256-270-1196 today. We’re here to help when you need a plumber in Heflin or neighboring areas.
