Noisy pipes: what you should know

 
Do your pipes bang, gurgle, whistle or rattle? If so, these noises may be a sign of a larger plumbing problem. While it’s impossible to diagnose what’s happening inside your pipes exclusively by sound, the noise being emitted can give you a general idea of what’s going on. Here are some common pipe sounds and what they indicate.  

 

Banging

Sometimes referred to as a water hammer, banging in pipes is a common plumbing problem. If the noise occurs only when the water is turned off abruptly, it’s a sign that your water pressure is too strong. Strong water pressure can also cause humming sounds while the water is running.

 

If you hear the noise when the water has been turned on, there’s likely an air bubble in your pipes. Both of these issues can occur for a variety of reasons. A plumber may be required to pinpoint the problem.

 

Gurgling

This is a sign there’s something blocking your pipes and hampering water from draining. It can be caused by something that’s been accidentally flushed down a drain but may also be due to a build up of soap scum, debris or minerals in the pipes.

 

To find the source of the problem, a plumber may use a camera to inspect your pipes. Once the obstruction has been located, they’ll clear it and make sure that water can drain freely and silently.

 

Whistling

Your plumbing system relies on many tiny parts that enable your faucets and valves to work. When a component such as a washer wears out, it may cause your plumbing to make a squealing or whistling sound.

 

This issue is most common around appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine. If you hear squeaks and whistles while these machines are running, call a plumber to inspect the components.

 

Rattling

If you hear a rattling or rumbling noise in your plumbing, its possible that one of the fasteners used to hold the suspending pipe in place has come lose. Because the pipe is most likely hidden behind a wall, you’ll need to hire a professional to find the loose section of pipe and secure it again.

 

 

Looking for a plumber?

To make your noisy pipes a thing of the past, reach out to a professional plumber. The team at Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating can help. We offer a wide range of plumbing services to people in North Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to schedule a service call.