Have you ever heard strange and unexpected noises coming from your plumbing pipes? From banging and clanking to hissing and gurgling, these sounds can be annoying and concerning. Understanding why your plumbing pipes make noise is important when trying to diagnose potential problems and prevent damage to your home’s plumbing system. Water hammer, loose pipes, high water pressure, and air trapped in the pipes are all potential problems that can result in loud, strange noises. At Air Control Home Services in Lake Havasu, AZ, we specialize in helping our clients figure out what is going on with their noisy pipes and find the ideal solution.
Identifying Common Plumbing Noises
Identifying common plumbing problems is the first step in addressing potential issues with your home’s plumbing. Banging or hammering sounds can mean that your pipes are experiencing water hammer due to abrupt changes in water flow. Persistent rattling or vibrating sounds can mean that your pipes are loose or not properly secured. Hissing and whistling sounds can mean that your water pressure is too high, and you are at risk for leaks.
If you hear gurgling sounds, that typically means that there is air trapped within your plumbing system. That can lead to limited water flow and limited drainage. By listening attentively to these strange noises, you can figure out where the source of the issue is coming from and take proactive steps to address it. In many cases, however, you will need a professional plumber to fix the issue.
What is Water Hammer and How Do You Fix It?
Water hammer occurs when there is a quick change in water flow within your plumbing system and it results in a shockwave that creates a “hammering” or banging sound. This typically happens when a valve or faucet closes abruptly, and water has to stop and, therefore, “slams” against the closed fixture. There are several different options for fixing this.
One method is to use a water hammer arrestor, which can absorb the shockwave and keep it from creating damage. Another method is to limit the water pressure and make sure that high water pressure doesn’t create an issue. Yet another method involves cushioning the pipes with special plumbing materials to hold them in place and limit the pipe movement that can happen with water hammer. All of these approaches should be considered by the professional plumber who reviews your system.
Dealing with Loose Pipes and Clamps
Dealing with loose pipes and clamps is important in order to prevent noisy plumbing and potential damage. Loose pipes can create rattling noises against surfaces and walls, which leads to vibrating noises that are annoying as water flows through. The best way to address this issue is to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system and find the loose pipes. The loose pipes must be secured using pipe straps or a type of cushioned clamp in order to keep them in place.
How High Water Pressure Affects Your Pipes
High water pressure is often a culprit when it comes to noisy pipe systems. Excessive pressure places unnecessary stress and strain on joints, fixtures, and the pipes themselves within your plumbing system. All of this pressure increases the risk that your pipes will burst, prematurely wear out, or leak. If you hear noisy vibrations and banging sounds, there is a good chance that your pipes are experiencing excessive water pressure. Professional plumbers will monitor and regulate the water pressure in your home before installing a pressure-reducing valve that can make sure that your pipes have an optimum pressure level. Continuing to check your pressure levels with your new pressure-reducing valve can make it possible to adjust the gauge as needed to avoid costly repairs and water disruptions.
The Role of Air in Your Plumbing System
Air is another reason for noisy pipes. When air becomes trapped in your pipes, the water flow is limited, and you may hear bubbling or gurgling noises. Air pockets can slow the water flow in pipes, leading to slow drainage and outright blockages. Air can also create mixed pressure levels, which can also affect water flow. The best way to address air issues in your home’s plumbing system is to release trapped air. Professional plumbers can properly vent the plumbing line during installation or repairs and perform routine maintenance to ensure that all trapped air is released.
Preventing and Fixing Pipe Blockages
Preventing and fixing pipe blockages is critical for maintaining a smoothly functioning plumbing system and preventing expensive repairs. Regular maintenance includes paying attention to what goes down drains and toilets (no non-biodegradable items flushed and no grease down the sink). We also recommend installing drain guards that can catch hair and debris before they create a clog in the system. Plungers are effective in fixing blockages if the blockage is minor. Larger blockages will need to be fixed by a professional plumber who can use hydro-jetting to push out stubborn blockages and make sure that your system is clear and functional.
Regular Maintenance Tips for Quiet Plumbing
In order to keep your plumbing system functioning well and at a quiet decibel, we recommend performing regular maintenance. Start by visually inspecting your exposed pipes for any signs of loose fittings, leaks, or other wear-and-tear markers. If you need to tighten connections, make sure that you do so. We also recommend checking the water pressure with a pressure gauge (it should be between 40-60 psi). You can also check the cooler areas of your home to make sure that your pipes are insulated properly and are not in danger of freezing (which can lead to burst pipes).
Upgrading Your Plumbing System to Limit Noise
Upgrading your plumbing system can significantly reduce noise levels and improve your overall efficiency. We recommend replacing older metal pipes with newer, quieter materials such as PVC or PEX. These materials work to limit the sound compared to more traditional metal pipes. You can also install a water hammer arrestor in your plumbing system to absorb shockwaves and keep noise at bay when the faucets are on or off. We can also upgrade your plumbing system to use low-flow fixtures, which help conserve water and operate at a quieter level. Investing in your plumbing system will help you limit noise and enhance the longevity of your system.
Contact Us Today
Understanding the reasons behind noisy plumbing pipes can help homeowners maintain a functional and quiet plumbing system. It can also help you address issues as soon as they appear rather than waiting until they become a large problem. Taking proactive steps to address noisy pipes will save you money and time while protecting your plumbing system. Whether you choose to tackle minor repairs yourself or seek help from a professional such as Air Control Home Services, it’s important to address noisy pipes quickly. We recommend regular plumbing maintenance services, including checking water pressure, draining your system to remove trapped air, professional pipe repair, and securing loose pipes to keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape.
