If your pipes are making noise, you may have a plumbing problem on your hands. And unfortunately, it may be difficult to identify the source of your plumbing issue. However, you can narrow down the problem by assessing the sound and tracing it to the source. Here are some sounds that your pipes may be making, their according issues, and what you can do to silence those noisy pipes:
If You Hear a Whistle
Any sound really isn’t a good thing. If you hear a whistle it may indicate either one of two things: One, that your pipes are flowing through an area that’s nearly blocked by sediment, or two, your water valve releases a high amount of pressure.
If you have older pipes, or if your water contains a high concentration of minerals, your pipes may need to be replaced. In these instances, mineral deposits can build up on the walls of your pipe and that can cause your pipes to lose pressure or become blocked entirely. If your pipes are nearly enclosed, then it’s likely that they’re about to become clogged.
If your water valve is pumping out too much pressure, it may cause your pipes to whistle as the water starts to flow. You may be able to fix a whistle simply by turning down the pressure. Talk to your plumber to properly assess the source of a whistling pipe.
If You Hear a Creak
Creaking noises and cracking sounds are relatively normal for pipes. As hot water rushes through a cold pipe, that pipe expands, and that can cause creaking noises. If you hear creaking or cracking noises when turning on the hot water valves of your home, it’s likely that this is the case. Creaking and cracking can be especially noticeable in winter months since your home’s pipes are likely to be cooler before turning on a blast of warm water. If you can’t stand the creaking sounds, you can have your piping encased in insulation (which may also lower your water heating bills), or you may have to pad the plumbing holes throughout the foundation of your walls (pipes can rub up against these holes or bang into them).
If You Hear a Rattle
If you hear a rattle, it’s likely that there are snakes in your pipes… Okay, not really. But a rattle could be an indication that your pipes are hitting something in your home. Again, as mentioned for creaking and cracking pipes, pipes can expand or move as water flows through them. If the water pressure flowing through your pipes is causing them to vibrate, you may hear a rattling sound. You’ll have to locate the source of the sound, then reinforce the pipe or pad it against the object that it is hitting.
If You Hear Banging
Have you ever heard of a water hammer? It’s the source of that banging sound. A water hammer can occur when the pressure of your pipes takes a sudden halt. For instance, if you have the shower running and you shut off the valves, you may hear a loud bang. This bang is the sound of all of that water that was running through your pipes coming to a complete halt. Plumbing can be outfitted with a water hammer arrester or an air cushion that can arrest the shock of halted water flow. Your entire plumbing structure won’t shudder every time you close a valve. Instead, your arrester will absorb the shock, and you’re plumbing won’t make a peep. Get in touch with your local plumber to inquire about solutions if you’re experiencing a water hammer sound.
If you hear noise in your plumbing, it could be a problem; if you can’t identify the source of that problem, it’s time to act. Get in touch with your plumber to assess the source of your plumbing noises, and get maintenance when it’s needed – you could avoid a costly repair. If you live here in Addison, Elmhurst, Carol Stream, Wheaton, Winfield, Lakewood, Wayne, Keeneyville, or Bloomingdale, Illinois, you can call on the plumbers here at InSink Plumbing.
