Common Plumbing Noises & What Causes Them

plumber in allentown in pennsylvaniaOne of the most common plumbing annoyances is the hiss, rattle, and squeals that occur within the pipes. Some of these problems are potentially serious, and others are not that big of a deal. The biggest concern is when you completely ignore plumbing noises. That little knock and rumble that occurs when you turn your water on, could be a sign of a drain blockage, water pipe failures, or defects in the venting system. Whether you have a modern or an older home, eventually, you’ll encounter issues that require repair or replacement.

So, when you hear plumbing noises in walls…

it’s always best to be proactive rather than reactive. Call a plumber. Allentown, PA and surrounding area residents can count on the experienced and licensed plumbers at Robinson Plumbing. In this article, we will discuss some typical plumbing noises and their associated causes.

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Whistle

A whistle is one of the most common sounds that comes from plumbing pipes. It usually occurs when a tap is turned on. Loose tubes, filled air chambers, or water pressure generally cause this. This causes the pipes to vibrate and loosen even more. Some homeowners complain of a water pipe noise when water is not running. Depending on how severe the problem, a plumbing contractor will need to evaluate to select the best long-term solution. Sometimes a repair involves taking the pipe apart, reviewing joints and connections, and replacing valves to address the issue. The whistle will continue if the situation is not addressed.

Thud, Hammer, Or Whistle

water pressureAnother common problem that causes noisy pipes are issues with water pressure. Besides causing those aggravating noises, high water pressure can cause damage to pipes and appliances that are dependent on water. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators with ice-makers can all encounter damages to water lines if the pressure is too high.

Many homes today have pressure regulators. A pressure regulator keeps the water pressure between 40 and 80 psi. However, over time the regulator could lose its effectiveness, causing the pressure to become high. A professional should inspect the water pipes and determine the state of your plumbing. They will be able to determine what is causing your issue and find the best solutions to solve them.

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Gurgling

plumbing noisesLastly, improperly vented pipes cause lots of noise. When you have ventilation issues, not only can noxious gases accumulate in a system, but it creates a hissing noise. This generally has to do with drainage issues. All drainage pipes have a P-trap. Slow drains can suck water from the P-trap. When this happens, the house is at risk of a flood. While there is generally proper ventilation in new homes to avoid this issue, problems can still surface.

The water in the trap prevents sewer gases from entering the house.

Pressure buildup can occur due to inadequate venting of gas. If this happens, you’ll soon notice strange smells and noises coming from the drain pipes. Address a situation like this right away. If not, you could potentially deal with a flood.

Dripping

When you hear a dripping sound, it can indicate that you have a leak somewhere in your house. This is especially true if you can’t find a faucet where the leak is coming from. Be sure to address a situation like this immediately. Neglecting a sound like this could lead to high water bills, water damage, and mold and mildew issues.

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Ask most homeowners, and they mistakenly think plumbing has to do with only the drains and water pipes. It’s really an inter-related, complex system that runs from the roof to the basement. Yet because it has fewer moving parts than other household systems, plumbing often receives less attention. A properly functioning plumbing system is vital to the day-to-day operation of the home, not to mention, the health of the occupants. Several factors cause plumbing noises.

These factors ultimately affect proper drainage in the home and sanitation. Having an inspection is not only necessary, but a proactive approach to safe home.

For residential plumbers near me, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. We are a family owned business where we place our customer’s needs as top priority.

Our certified plumbers will be able to properly diagnose your plumbing issues and offer affordable, fast solutions to fix your problem.

For a list of residential plumbing services, click here. Be sure to call our office today to schedule an appointment.

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Some of the areas we service include: Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!