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We've all heard it at some point—loud bangs, rattles, or hissing coming from your pipes. It
really is your pipe calling out for help, because noisy pipes are a not-so-subtle telltale sign of
common plumbing issues. These can range from mildly annoying that can be solved with DIY
plumbing to a sign of a bigger problem, which you'll require a pro. But knowing which is the
trick.
Let's explore why pipes make noises, what the different sounds mean, and how you can fix
them—whether with a quick DIY solution or by calling in a professional plumber.
Figuring out why a pipe is making certain sounds can feel like trying to work out what a baby's
different sounds and cries mean. Luckily, we've been in the business long enough to decipher
the pipe sounds that signal different plumbing issues.
Here’s what might be going on.
If you hear a loud bang when turning off the tap, you’re likely dealing with water hammer. This
happens when free-flowing water suddenly stops or changes direction, causing a shockwave in
your pipes. It’s especially common in homes with old plumbing systems and/or high water
pressure.
On water pressure, if you're hearing a constant hissing sound, it could mean your water
pressure is too high. High water pressure puts stress on your pipes. However, if the hissing
comes from one specific spot, it might indicate a hidden leak. You may also detect this if your
water bill has suddenly spiked.
If your pipes shake and rattle when you turn on the faucets, it means they might not be secured
properly. The rattling is the sound of loose pipes vibrating against walls or other surfaces. If left
unaddressed, it leads to wear and tear over time.
Gurgling noises are a telltale sign of a drainage issue. If it happens when you flush the toilet or
use the sink, you might have a partial blockage in your plumbing system or air is trapped in your
pipes.
Are you hearing a soft ticking noise when running hot water? That’s just your pipes expanding
and contracting as they heat up and cool down. It’s usually harmless, but if the noises become
louder, it could be a problem with the pipe's installation.
Now that you know what’s causing those strange pipe noises, let’s talk about how to fix them.
As mentioned, some solutions are simple DIY fixes, while others might require a professional
plumber.
As we observed, too much water pressure stresses your pipes, causing that hissing noise. A rule
of thumb for safe pressure level is typically between 40-60 psi. You can solve this yourself by
checking the water pressure gauge. If it’s too high, installing a pressure-reducing valve, a water
pressure regulator, or a pressure reducer can help regulate the flow, as well as protect your
plumbing.
If you’re getting loud banging sounds when turning off taps, you can add insulation around
pipes to cushion the impact. Alternatively, you can have a plumber install a water hammer
arrestor which absorbs the shockwaves and prevents sudden pressure surges.
Air chamber can help prevent water hammer by absorbing the sudden pressure changes that
cause banging noises in your pipes. If you're unsure which solution best fits your circumstance,
it might be wise to call a professional.
Rattling pipes can usually be fixed by tightening loose fittings or adding pipe clamps and
brackets to keep them in place. Depending on how handy you are, you may be able to do this
yourself. On most occasions, however, you may need a plumber to access and secure them
properly. They can also install worn-out washers while they're at it.
If you're hearing gurgling or bubbling, you may have air in your pipes. This is an issue that can
be solved with DIY plumbing. To flush out the trapped air in pipes, turn off the water supply and
open all the taps in your home, starting from the highest point and working down to the lowest
to drainpipes. Once the water runs smoothly without sputtering, turn the supply back on.
The best way to avoid noisy pipes and plumbing issues is through regular maintenance. Our
customers who spend the least on plumbing are the ones who invest in regular (roughly annual)
plumbing maintenance checks. But you can also check for leaks, rust, or loose fittings every few
months to catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
If you're hearing strange noises, it's time to carry out an inspection. Additionally, investing in
quality plumbing materials, like durable pipes and proper insulation, can also prevent long-term
issues.
If you're experiencing persistent issues despite your quick DIY fixes, it could mean serious
plumbing problems leading to emergency plumbing. This is when you need to get in a local
plumber. One of our most popular services now is pipe relining, whereby we can make
damaged pipes as good as new, without replacing the entire pipe, saving our customers time
and money.
If you want to have strange noises coming from your pipes investigated or require maintenance
contact Plumberoo for friendly and professional eco-friendly plumbing services.
To fix noisy pipes, first, you need to diagnose the type of sound as different noises mean
different plumbing issues, which require different solutions. Such fixes range from adjusting
water pressure, securing loose pipes, or flushing air from the system. If the noise persists,
however, installing water hammer arrestors or calling a plumber may be necessary.
Yes, to fix water hammer yourself you can try reducing water pressure, installing water hammer
arrestors or adding cushioning to pipes. However, we find most customers get professionals to
solve it properly and efficiently.
You can fix a water hammer by installing water hammer arrestors, adjusting water pressure, or
securing loose pipes. If the issue persists, it's time to call in a licensed plumber for effective and
long-term solutions.
