Plumbing Noises: Which Are Bad?
An older home may make some creaking and grinding sounds, as the building material shifts or a strong wind blows. But plumbing noises are usually a bad sign. You should know what plumbing noises to listen for, so that the next time you hear a crack, bang or boom, you’ll know what to do.
What’s Normal?
It’s fairly easy to decipher unusual, concerning plumbing noises versus those that are normal. Use this guide to identify plumbing noises that require the help of a professional plumber, and those that you can safely ignore.
In the course of the day, it’s common to hear the light whooshing of water moving through the pipes when you turn on the tap, the shower or an appliance. Sometimes, pipes that bang or clatter when you turn on a faucet is not unusual; however, this plumbing noise can also mean problems with water pressure. You’ll need to know how to deal with both if you hear this noise, also called water hammer.
What’s Not Normal?
Call a plumber for help if you hear any of the following:
- Whistling
- Vibrations
- Banging
- Rumbling
Resolving Plumbing Problems the Right Way
Here’s what’s usually going on when you hear one of these noises:
- Whistling: If you’re near a toilet and you hear whistling, you’ve probably got a leaking toilet valve. Open up the tank lid and listen for the sounds of whistling. A plumber can adjust the mechanism to stop the noise, or she may decide to replace the valve if it’s damaged or the leak is significant.
- Vibrating: A faulty fill valve can also make vibrating noises. An old valve will make vibrating noises, as it’s less able to create a tight seal when it’s closed. The poor seal lets the fill valve’s cap wiggle and vibrate, because the gasket can’t close completely. Replacing the fill valve should resolve the problem.
- Banging: Banging noises are commonly caused by loose pipes that create sound as they hit nearby walls or floors. When hot and cold water moves through the pipes, they expand and contract, which causes them to bump up against nearby surfaces. Stopping the problem can be as easy as securing the pipes. However, banging noises, or water hammer, may also be the result of water pressure that’s too high. When you turn on a faucet, water starts moving. When you turn that faucet off, and there’s too much force behind the water, it can’t stop. This process causes pipes to make noise.
- Rumbling: Rumbling noises are commonly due to sediment buildup in the water heater. The sediment, in effect, gets heated as the system heats up the water. Instead of moving out the flue efficiently, the sediment stirs around in the water in the tank, creating turbulence and rumbling noises.
If you notice a recurring plumbing noise that you’re concerned about, don’t hesitate to contact Reliable Heating & Air in Atlanta GA. When we arrive on the scene, one of our trusted professionals will diagnose your home’s plumbing system and listen to the sounds. Then we’ll make an accurate diagnosis and offer strategic plumbing solutions at an affordable price. Just give us a call today!