Pipes, faucets, and toilets can’t talk, but if you listen, you might be able to understand them. Thumps, rattles, and screeches are signs that something is amiss with your plumbing. Many homeowners ignore these sounds, meanwhile, their utility bill increases and their pipes are dangerously neglected. The expert plumbing technicians at Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing have assembled this guide to help you understand your home’s plumbing noises. Read on to find out more.
- Knocking
If you hear knocking in your home anywhere but at the front door, there is likely sediment buildup in your water heater or pipes. When limescale and other deposits build up in your plumbing, a loud knocking sound is produced. Regularly performing maintenance on your water heater will help prevent this issue.
If a knocking sound occurs after you’ve shut off the water, the problem could lie with the hammer arrestor. Hammer arrestors absorb the pressure that comes from shutting the water off. When hammer arrestors are worn out, or not present, a knocking sound will occur.
- Whistling
Whistling sounds come from one of two sources. The most common source of whistling is a clogged shower head. Too much build-up in a showerhead will force the water pressure to increase, producing a whistling sound. Simple cleaning will solve this problem.
The second source of whistling is a leaking toilet valve. To fix this, a plumber can adjust the valve alignment, or replace the valve entirely.
- Gurgling
Gurgling is your clue that you have a problem with a drain. Most instances of gurgling are because of clogged pipes. When food, grease, or hair builds up in a drain, the blockage can cause a loud gurgling sound, not to mention a foul smell.
Gurgling can also be an indication of bigger issues like improper drain venting. When air is not venting out a drainage system, suction is created, resulting in a gurgle. In the most serious cases, gurgling indicates a break in the sewer line – an issue best addressed by a professional.
- Hissing
A hissing sound in any of your plumbing fixtures is a definite sign the water pressure is too high. When water shoots through your plumbing, you get an annoying sound, and increased wear and tear on your appliances. Check your water pressure regulator or contact a plumber to resolve the issue.
- Screeching
Perhaps the most arresting sound your plumbing could make is a screeching noise. Luckily, screeching sounds aren’t harbingers of a plumbing disaster, simply the need to replace a valve or a faucet. Loose or defective parts in faucets make high-pitched screeching noises when water is forced through them. Most homeowners are able to resolve this issue by buying replacement parts at their local hardware store.
Still, need help to decipher your home’s plumbing noises and what they mean? Contact us today!
If your house is a symphony of plumbing sounds, it’s time to call a professional. The expert plumbers at Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing have served the greater Atlanta area since 1989 and are here to solve your plumbing problems. Call us at 770-263-9300, or schedule your service online.
