Are your pipes making noise? Whether it’s banging, vibrating, whistling, ticking, or any other unusual sound coming from your plumbing system, it’s crucial that you get to the root of the problem before it leads to costly plumbing repairs. However, it’s not always easy to diagnose the problem without the help of a trained professional. Before you make the call, try running through this helpful checklist of common causes of pipe noises — let’s take a look:
Common Causes of Pipes Making Noise
Pipes can make strange noises for all kinds of reasons. In some cases, it has to do with the pipes themselves; in others, it’s about the appliances connected to them. When trying to diagnose your plumbing problem be sure to take a close look at all of the following:
- A washing machine in need of repairs
- Hot water heater turned too high
- Copper pipes expanding
- Oxygen trapped in the air chamber
- High water pressure
- Water banging against the faucet or valve
- A broken pressure regulator
Most Common Pipe Noises
If you’re not sure about the cause of your pipes making noise, you can sometimes learn more about the problem by listening to what kinds of noise they’re making.
Banging Noises
While loud banging or hammering noises may be alarming at first, they are actually some of the most common plumbing problems, and often the easiest to fix. This banging sound often starts when you turn the water off and is caused by the high pressure banging against your shut-off valve or pipe walls. The way to fix this problem is to reset your water supply’s pressure regulator.
Vibrating
Vibrating pipes are most often caused by high pressure when the water is running. If you own a pressure gauge, check to see that your water pressure doesn’t exceed 80psi. If it does, you will need to install a pressure regulator or face potentially costly plumbing repairs.
Whistling
If your pipes are making noises that sound like whistling, it may be any one of several problems. Pay attention to where the sound is coming from; if it sounds like it originates from a single faucet, then the problem is most likely with the faucet hardware itself and can be replaced at a relatively low cost.
If the whistling sound is coming from throughout the house, then you may have a bigger plumbing issue on your hands, such as mineral deposits in the pipes themselves. In this case, it’s best to consult a plumber for advice on how to best treat the problem.
Squeaking
While squeaking sounds in your pipes may sound odd, they are most often caused by your pipes expanding as hot water flows through them. As the pipes expand, they rub against surrounding wood. If the sound is troublesome, you can talk to a plumber or carpenter to have the problem resolved at a low cost.
Ticking
Ticking sounds in your pipes should be addressed as quickly as possible, as they often point to an active leak in old or worn pipes. If not repaired promptly, such a leak could lead to structural damage to your home, black mold, or other issues.
Contact Us for Professional Plumbing Repairs
If you’re still not sure why your pipes are making noise, it may be time to call a professional. Noisy water pipes can lead to serious plumbing issues if left unresolved, which means even more costly plumbing repairs down the line. Get in touch with Sheerkahn Services today for fast and reliable plumber services in and around Hamilton, NJ.
