Have you been hearing strange gurgling noises coming from your sink or bath? How about unusual banging or vibrations when you shut your water off? If this sounds familiar, you likely have a plumbing problem in need of attention. Plumbing system wear-and-tear is completely normal, and as your system ages, you may start noticing intermittent, unusual sounds. It’s highly important that you address these noises as soon as you hear them to avoid more costly future repairs. Today, the experts at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating are here to educate you on the most common plumbing noises and what they can indicate.
Gurgling Drains
Gurgling sounds can come from any of the drains in your home, including your bath, sinks, and toilet. These noises occur as a result of excessive particle buildup clogging your pipes. Hair, food, and various other items can get stuck in your drains, causing blockages that impede normal water flow. To remedy this issue, a routine drain cleaning is typically sufficient. If there’s a more severe problem, however, our highly trained technicians will thoroughly examine your drain to get the bottom of the gurgle.
Screeching Noises
If you hear a high-pitched squeal when you turn your faucet on, this typically indicates an issue with the faucet itself. A loose or broken washer within the faucet is generally the culprit behind this jarring sound. When you turn your faucet on, water immediately rushes past the washer within, and as it does, the washer begins to vibrate rapidly. This high-frequency vibration produces a very high-pitched sound each time you use your faucet. To eliminate this annoying noise, our expert technicians can quickly replace the damaged washer and perform a thorough inspection to rule out other issues.
Banging Pipes
Ever heard of a water hammer? No? A water hammer occurs when a closed valve within your pipes blocks the normal flow of water through the system. Up to a point, water flows normally, but when it hits the closed valve, it generates a telltale knocking sound. Sometimes, you may also hear this sound as chattering or vibration.
A water hammer can prove highly detrimental to your plumbing due to the incredible force behind the moving water. Essentially, this phenomenon is a shock wave through your plumbing system, which can cause joint loosening and pipe bursting without prompt service. At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we can resolve this issue using various methods:
● Install an air chamber near each valve that causes water hammer
● Secure loose pipes using pipe insulation or metal straps
● Install a water pressure regulator
● Implement mechanical water shock arrestors
Water Heater Noises
Strange noises coming from your water heater deserve your immediate attention—unless, of course, you enjoy cold showers. If, however, you prefer your warm, inviting daily shower, keep an ear out for these common noises:
● Popping. Popping sounds coming from your water heater indicate excessive mineral buildup. When this occurs, you’ll need to have your water heater flushed to remove all buildup and sediment.
● Sizzling. If your water heater has a leak, you’ll typically hear intermittent sizzling sounds when water drips onto the burner. Our expert technicians can resolve the issue before it becomes a much more damaging problem.
● Screeching. A valve problem can generate screeching sounds as water flows through your pipes. If you hear screeching, check to make sure your water heater’s inlet valve is all the way open.
Need Plumbing Repair? Call Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we’re proud to say we have the best plumbing service in the central Wisconsin area. With over 85 years of combined experience, our technicians have the tools and know-how to get the job done right, right when you need it done. If your pipes are in need of replacement or repair, our 24/7 team is always standing by. Reach out to us to request your free estimate, or, contact our team to schedule your plumbing service.