Plumbing Noises: What Are They And How To Fix Them

Every home’s plumbing system produces its own distinct number of noises. However, sometimes, a new noise occurs, which can cause concern.

As a generalisation, any new noise could indicate the start of a new problem, whether it’s a low murmur or loud banging.

Luckily, professional plumbers know the most common plumbing noises and how to fix them.

Here are the most common plumbing noises and how they are fixed.

Common Plumbing Noises And How To Fix Them

We’re sure many of you will have heard some of these plumbing noises in your home or at a friend’s place.

Here are the most common plumbing noises and how to fix them:

1. Banging or Knocking Pipes (Water Hammer)

The water hammer effect happens when you turn off a tap and hear a loud bang or thud.

The noise is caused by a pressure surge or high-pressure shockwave that vibrates through a piping system. This pressure surge or shockwave results from water in the pipe being forced to change direction or to stop suddenly.

If not corrected, the water hammer effect can cause damage and leaks to your home’s plumbing system.

Usually, the change in pressure will put unnecessary stress on:

• Plumbing faucets
• Pipe connections
• Valves
• Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines
• Toilets
• And more.

Addressing this pressure issue before it causes damage is always a good idea.

How to Fix It:

Many plumbers recommend installing water hammer arrestors to ensure this excessive pressure doesn’t cause any damage.

Inside the water arrestor is a chamber filled with gas that absorbs the fast-moving shockwave. This prevents the shockwave from reverberating along the pipe, which is causing the loud banging, and helps preserve the plumbing system in your home.

Usually, these water hammer arrestors are installed near fast-closing valves, such as those on washing machines, dishwashers, toilet filling valves, and other faucets.

Another method of alleviating this shockwave is to secure loose pipes to walls using brackets or pipe straps.

The last solution is to adjust water pressure simply by closing your home’s water mains.

2. Gurgling Drains

A gurgling noise from your sink, bathtub, or toilet may indicate that your plumbing pipes are having airflow issues.

The gurgling noise you hear happens when a pipe in the drainage system is practically blocked, and water struggles to flow freely. As the water struggles to push past the blockage, it traps air bubbles.

These air bubbles escape when allowed through the water and cause a gurgling noise.

Unfortunately, if your toilet makes a similar glugging or bubbling sound, it has the same problem: a practically blocked drain.

Another reason your plumbing could be making a gurgling sound is that the plumbing system wasn’t correctly installed and is missing the properly sized vent pipes or doesn’t have them.

If not addressed, your gurgling drains could become blocked.

How to Fix It:

To unblock stubborn drain clogs, you will need to use a plunger or drain snake. For minor blockages, you can use a natural drain-cleaning mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

Check the vent pipes to ensure your drains are free of clogs. Plumbing vents allow air to flow through the system. If blocked, they can cause gurgling noises. Look for debris or nests on the roof vent.

3. Whistling Or Screeching Faucets

Taps that whistle or screech when opened often indicate that something restricting water flow is worn. The sound you hear is caused by water being forced through a narrow, blocked passage.

There are various reasons why your tap is whistling or screeching.

How to Fix It:

The main culprit for a whistling tap is an old or worn O-ring washer that controls the water flow.

Replacing a tap’s washer will prevent it from making this noise.

Another reason your tap is whistling or screeching is that your facet’s aerator, a small mesh screen that covers the tap’s opening, is blocked.

Lastly, if your water pressure is too high, it can cause whistling.

4. Dripping Noises

There’s nothing worse than the sound of a dripping tap in the middle of the night. A slow and steady drip might seem harmless, but they can waste a lot of water over time.

Roughly, if left unrepaired, you could lose the following amounts of water:

Now that we’ve highlighted the extent of how bad a drip can be let’s discuss the best method of stopping it.

How to Fix It:

A dripping tap is usually caused by its worn O-ring washer. To fix this issue, you need to replace it with a new one.

You may have a hidden leak if the noise comes from inside the wall. Look for water stains or damp spots.

However, if you can’t fix the leak immediately, a temporary solution is to place a tray under the drip or wrap the pipe with insulation to muffle the sound.

5. Rattling And Vibrating Pipes

Do you hear pipes shaking when the water runs? Loose pipes that rattle and vibrate can bang against walls and floors, causing a loud noise.

How to Fix It:

To stop this rattling and vibrating noise, you can ensure that pipes are secured with brackets or insulation. You can also use foam insulation or rubber padding to keep pipes from moving.

Another reason pipes start rattling and vibrating is sudden changes in pressure, which can cause them to shift. Make sure your pressure is steady.

6. Hissing Sounds From Pipes

Your pressure might be too high if you hear a hissing noise while the water runs.

How to Fix It:

Before addressing this issue, check the pressure gauge on your home’s boiler.

When operating, your boiler’s pressure should be between one and two bars. Your home’s pressure level is too high if it is above three bars.

Also, inspect shut-off valves and check if they are fully operating. If they are partially closed, the valve can cause a hissing sound.

7. Ticking Or Tapping Sounds

Do you hear ticking sounds coming from your pipes? This could be due to thermal expansion, which occurs when your boiler’s hot water causes pipes to expand and contract.

How to Fix It:

It’s a good idea to insulate the pipes to address the thermal expansion issue, as this can absorb heat and reduce noise.

If pipes are squeezed tightly against wood or metal, they’ll make noise as they expand.

8. Constant Running Water Sounds

Do you hear water running when no taps are open? This sound could indicate a hidden leak in your plumbing system.

How to Fix It:

To fix these leaks, you need to check where they are located. Look under sinks, behind toilets, and around appliances for signs of water damage.

You can also check if your toilet leaks by dropping food colouring into the toilet tank; if the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

If, however, you can’t locate the source of the running water, it’s best to have a professional inspect your system.

Also, if your boiler is the leading cause of the noise, we’d recommend getting a Gas Safe registered engineer.

But who can you call to help address these plumbing noises?

Stop The Noise With WarmZilla

WarmZilla can send a plumber to your door within 48 hours to stop annoying noises.

Professionals are waiting to take your call if you need someone to talk to about the issue.