Probably it has happened to anyone when you are just sitting at home and suddenly hear strange noises from a wall. One can think about ghosts or other creatures, but usually, the reason is far more natural, the noises are from the pipes.
These noises are not only unpleasant, sometimes they can indicate serious problems in your plumbing, but the problems can also vary. Moreover, by the type of noise, you can even tell what precise problem occurred in the pipes.
So, you have to listen to your pipes carefully, and this article can help you to distinguish different noises and to know what they are trying to tell you.
Before diving into specific issues, it’s important to understand that not all pipe sounds indicate problems. Some sounds, like the gentle flow of water or slight expansion noises from temperature changes, are completely normal. However, when you start hearing high-pitched noise from pipes or persistent squealing, it’s time to pay attention.
If the sound isolation in your apartment is bad you can do little to prevent hearing the normal sound of water going through the plumbing system. However, if these noises resemble squealing or whistling it means that water flows not without problems.
When you are hearing whistling noises problems can come from different places. The most common place for such noises to occur is the faucet. And if indeed you hear whistling from a faucet it is a piece of good news because it means that the problem is inside the faucet, probably one of its details has become worn so you just have to replace it and the problem is solved.
However, if you hear the whistling not from the faucet but somewhere throughout the apartment, the problem must be somewhere inside the pipes. The reasons for the problem can be different, it can be a mineral build-up on the walls of the pipe, or it can be an old and worn valve that produces the whistling. If it is the case it would be better to call a professional plumber to solve the problem.
One specific issue many homeowners encounter is faucet whistling. This distinct sound typically occurs when you turn on a specific faucet, and it usually indicates a problem within the faucet itself rather than the broader plumbing system. The most common culprits are worn washers, damaged valve stems, or clogged aerators. The good news is that these issues are typically inexpensive and straightforward to fix, often requiring just a simple part replacement.
The issue of squeaky pipes often relates to temperature fluctuations. As described in the original text, copper pipes can expand and contract with temperature changes, leading to squeaking sounds as they rub against supports or wall materials.
However, there’s more to this issue than just temperature changes. Modern plumbing systems should be installed with proper expansion joints and flexible supports that accommodate these natural movements. If your pipes are making excessive noise during temperature changes, it might indicate an installation issue that needs professional attention.
When you hear pipes in wall making noise, it’s important to consider the timing and nature of the sounds. Morning noises are particularly common because this is when many households start using water after hours of inactivity. The sudden pressure changes can cause pipes to move or adjust, especially if they’re not properly secured.
The next type of strange noise from the pipes is also pretty common. Usually, strong vibrating noise from the pipes indicates that the water pressure inside the pipe is too high and something has to be done.
Before calling a plumber it would be better to verify whether the pressure in the pipes is indeed excessive. Obviously, to open a valve would not be a good idea, so you would need a special device to check the pressure. The device is a threaded pressure gauge that can be found on the internet or in stores like home depot.
To check the pressure you have to put the gauge directly in a sink faucet. If a gauge indicates that the pressure is lower than 80psi it means that everything should be okay. However, any indications above 80psi would mean that you have to call a plumber and repair the system. In some cases, even a pressure regulator has to be installed.
You have to look at vibrating noises very seriously because high pressure can damage your plumbing system beyond any repair.
This is probably one of the most annoying types of noise, and many homeowners in the country have encountered it. Usually, this noise is easy to hear, yet it is very hard to identify the precise place from where it goes. In most cases, squeaky noises are going from copper pipes that were not properly insulated.
As a result of the bad insulation, copper pipes, when heating is increasing in size and crush to the walls of the house which cause these unpleasant squeaky noises.
The possible ways of the solution include obviously proper insulation of copper pipes, or at least you can try to set the heater down, probably less hot temperature will solve the problem.
This type of noise can indicate more than one problem, it could be expanding pipes like with squeaky noises, but the chances are that this sound indicates a dripping leak; sometimes, these sounds will resemble hammering noises. In this case, you just have to carefully listen to where a pipe is leaking and fix that.
To fix hammering or ticking noises, you have to do a few easy steps:
Another type of unpleasant noise that people often hear in their houses is gurgling noise. And most of the time this noise is caused by clogged passaged of water, it can be either minerals or some piece of rubbish that block the pipe and do not let water to go through freely, the best way to fix this situation is to call a professional plumber because they have special equipment that can indicate where exactly the clog is situated.
A critical addition to our discussion is the topic of gas pipe noises. Do gas pipes make noise? The answer is yes, but any sounds from gas pipes should be taken very seriously. While slight clicking during temperature changes might be normal, any hissing or whistling sounds from gas pipes require immediate attention. If you hear such noises, evacuate the building and contact your gas company immediately.
When dealing with noisy pipes, proper maintenance is key. Instead of waiting for problems to develop, consider scheduling annual plumbing inspections. These preventive checks can identify potential issues before they become serious problems. During these inspections, a professional plumber will:
Some pipe noises indicate emergency situations that require immediate professional attention. If you experience any of the following, contact a plumber right away:
Understanding the potential costs of repairs can help you make informed decisions. While a simple faucet repair might cost between $150-$300, addressing more complex issues like whole-house water pressure problems could range from $500-$1,000. However, addressing these issues promptly often prevents more expensive repairs down the line.
So, now you know what problems different noises which your pipes make can indicate and how to solve them. Most of these problems can be easily solved with your hands. However, if you are not sure, do not hesitate to call a professional.
I bring over 9 years of dedicated plumbing experience to the table. As a seasoned professional in the plumbing industry, I've tackled a wide range of projects, from residential repairs to large-scale commercial installations.