Here’s one thing you should know as a homeowner: good plumbing should be quiet – especially when not in use. So, if you start hearing any gurgling, banging, ticking, or other strange sounds, it’s time to call a plumber to get the plumbing noises checked.
Be it noisy pipes in the bathroom, groaning pipes when water is turned on, or running water sounds on your walls, you should consider it as your plumbing system’s ‘cry for help’. And the best person to call for ‘rescue’ is a licensed plumber in your area.
In this post, we’ll discuss why you should never ignore strange plumbing noises and who you can call for quick repairs. Read on and check if you’re hearing any of it in your own home!
Don’t ignore these plumbing noises!
If you’re hearing these funny noises near or around your plumbing, we suggest calling a plumber like PPT:
1. Hissing sounds
Is there a hissing noise from your water heater? Or can you hear a hissing sound from any of your water fixtures? This is a tell-tale sign that the water pressure is too high. If not addressed right away, it can cause the pipes or fixture to burst, which is a lot of mess to clean up and an expensive plumbing repair to pay.
Take note that the hissing sounds can also occur on your toilet. Knowing how to stop a toilet from hissing needs a different solution since it’s caused by a different problem. There’s a high chance that the toilet chain is too long or too short, causing the water to leak and hiss from the tank.
Very important: If the hissing sound is coming from your gas line or gas appliances, call our plumber right away! This is a sign of a gas leak, which will be dangerous if not fixed immediately.
2. Squealing noises
“Why does my shower make a squealing noise?” Well, it sounds like sediments are clogging the holes of your showerhead. This is a typical problem, especially for areas with hard water, like Los Angeles, California.
For this, you can try removing the showerhead and giving it a nice scrub. If that doesn’t fix the shower noises, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
3. Running water sound
Many customers call us asking, “Why do I hear water running in my house even when the taps are off?”. If you have the same issue, that means you need water leak detection as soon as possible. It’s important to act fast in this case because water leaks can cause bigger and more expensive damages by the hour.
But is it normal to hear water running through pipes? As long as the pipes are not shaking or banging vigorously, this is completely normal.
How about clicking on the wall when the water is running? This could be caused by pipes not being secured enough, causing them to jolt or click when water runs through them. But to be sure, we suggest you call us for a thorough inspection.
4. Banging noises
Are pipes making noise in your wall? Or is your garbage disposal making a funny noise like something’s stuck? It’s possible that there’s a blockage that needs to be removed.
When it comes to banging pipes, it’s possible that loose plumbing components are floating and hitting metal or plastic. For garbage disposal, foreign objects might clatter when you turn the unit on. Whatever it is, calling a plumbing professional like the Pacific Plumbing Team will fix the problem quickly.
5. Gurgling sounds
A gurgling air noise from the sink or any drain in your home could indicate a clogged drain line. The blockage causes trapped air and water to produce a loud sound as they try to escape the pipes. Over time, the clogging will get worse until you get very slow drains or even backups.
How about a faucet that makes a loud noise when turned on? It’s a classic example of a ‘water hammer’, which needs professional repairs just the same.
What happens when you ignore strange plumbing noises
While some plumbing sounds are completely normal, you shouldn’t dismiss loud and strange ones. Here’s why you should call a plumber right away:
1. Leak-related sounds can result in water damage.
Do you hear a dripping sound in the wall but no water? Take note that leaks can be so hidden that you won’t see water damage until it’s already extensive. So, if you hear any slushing or faucet running sound coming from your wall, you should call a plumber to get it checked.
At Pacific Plumbing Team, we use advanced moisture meters and infrared cameras to spot leaks behind your walls without having to cut them open. This way, you won’t have to deal with unnecessary repairs if you don’t have a leak.
2. The rattling and shaking will damage your pipes.
Sound is all about vibrations, and those vibrations and banging can compound the damage to your pipes over time. In the plumbing world, this is called a ‘water hammer’, which requires the installation of a hammer arrestor before it damages other components.
It’s very important to have these strange noises checked immediately before the situation worsens. This is especially crucial during winter when pipes are at the highest risk of bursting due to the sudden shift in temperature.
3. Gurgling noises due to blockage can cause messy backups.
Plumbing noises caused by blockages or sludge buildup can become a much bigger problem if not addressed. Over time, the blockage will thicken and prevent water from flowing properly.
This translates to messy backups in your drains, which are not only nasty but also a risk for water damage. This can happen in your sink drain, shower drain, and even toilet itself.
4. Leak-related plumbing noises will increase your water bill.
A faint, trickling water faucet sound may not seem like a huge problem until your utility bills arrive.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 3,000 gallons of water are lost to leaky faucets. This is at a drip rate of one drip per second, which is equivalent to 180 showers. And for your water bill, that could amount to an additional $720 or more a year!
5. Noises due to high water pressure can cause burst pipes.
Burst pipes are one of the most common problems we fix in Los Angeles. In many cases, there are warning signs that homeowners ignore, which include banging and rattling sounds on their pipes.
So, before this happens, you should call a local plumber like us to fix the issue immediately. This way, you can save on repairs, which include additional dollars spent on water damage remediation.
6. Loud bangs due to an ‘airlock’ will disrupt water pressure.
Airlocks are pockets of air that get trapped within your plumbing system, especially the pipes. They’re often caused by water hammer, incomplete drainage, and improper installation. These can also be the culprits for why your shower pipes are making noise for no reason.
Unfortunately, air locks can also disrupt water pressure, in addition to the gurgling and sputtering noises they create. In some cases, customers call us because there’s too much air in their pipes, and the water flow has completely stopped.
7. Any strange noises from your water heater can lead to failure.
One of the most common calls we get are water heater-related, including lack of heat, no water flow, pilot light issues, and strange sounds.
When it comes to water heater noises, you’d want to call a plumber right away, as they can easily lead to a potential failure. Most water heater noises are associated with sediment buildup, worn-out parts, pressure issues, and overheating—all of which can leave you cold if you ignore them.
8. Plumbing noises will sabotage your home selling
If you’re putting your property on the market, it’s important to clear up any plumbing issues first. This way, potential buyers won’t be turned off or use it as a way to haggle the initial asking price.
Be it your bathroom pipes making noise or other parts of your plumbing, it’s best to call our plumbers to fix everything for you. This way, your home will be ready for open houses and showings, even for the most meticulous buyers.
Take note that plumbing is a huge factor for homebuyers when making a purchasing decision. You wouldn’t want noisy pipes and drains to cost you a profitable sale!
Call Pacific Plumbing Team to get to the root of the problem!
If there are strange noises coming from your plumbing system, all you have to do is call us at Pacific Plumbing Team. We will send our emergency plumber to your place in as fast as 1 hour, depending on your location and our availability.
We provide full-service home and commercial plumbing in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Our licensed and insured plumbers are available for same-day repairs, so your plumbing issues won’t have to wait for a solution.
Be it strange noises or other plumbing problems, call Pacific Plumbing Team, and we’ll flush them all down the drain. We don’t charge extra on overtime, and rest assured that we have the price and quality to beat in all of LA!
Your Partners in Plumbing Solutions
Don't let a clogged sink disrupt your daily routine. Contact Pacific Plumbing Company today for efficient and reliable solutions. Our experienced team is ready to tackle any plumbing challenge, providing prompt service and peace of mind. Let us handle the clogs so you can get back to what matters most.
