Understanding The Plumbing Noises in Your Home
Your home is a retreat from work, school, and social settings. When needed, it should be quiet and peaceful. However, it is just the opposite when you are laying in bed hearing odd noises coming from who knows where.
If you haven’t had a plumbing inspection in years or ever, this could be the solution to these creepy, annoying noises. Most of the time, whistling, banging, knocking, gurgling, and the like can all be explained and repaired by a professional plumber.
Don’t Whistle While You Work
Have you ever started the shower or turned on a faucet to be greeted by a whistling noise? It is likely because the water pressure is too high. The high pitched noise comes from the vibration of pipes when water rushes through with too much pressure.
Our experts can adjust your water pressure to stop the noise while leaving you with plenty enough flow for daily tasks. Another possibility of whistling pipes is due to mineral buildup. Try to whistle (we won’t tell if you can’t).
The entire premise is forcing air quickly through a smaller than usual opening in your mouth. This is the same thing your pipes experience when there is a lot of buildup. The water is being forced through at a certain pressure, with less space.
Banging Around
Banging or knocking pipes isn’t a sign that a ghost lives with you. Instead, it is just a sign that the water pressure is changing when it leaves the main line and goes into your home.
The air pressure in the pipes can be depleted and this will cause banging or knocking sounds. In Florida, we are known for our mild winters. Though every now and then we may have to use a heat source. When this is the case, it could be for a few reasons.
Common ones include improper slope back to the boiler and condensate being trapped in the radiator valve. Being that we don’t use heaters often here, it is all the more reason to consider having a yearly inspection before a possible cold front.
It Isn’t Your Stomach
Your pipes shouldn’t mimic your stomach when you’re hungry. Gurgling noises coming from your sink, bathtub, or even toilet are a sure sign that there is a problem.
This problem is quite possibly a clogged or blocked pipe or drain, and the sound comes from the water trying to get past it. If you are hearing gurgling noises, don’t attempt to solve the problem yourself. Opting for chemical drain cleaners is never a good idea.
These products can ruin your pipes due to the thermal reaction that occurs as it attempts to disintegrate the clog. Aside from that, these chemicals can cause burns and emit toxic fumes when the residue is mixed with household cleaners.
If you are hearing the sounds of running water in any part of your home, be sure that all faucets are turned off. Once you’ve ensured that all water sources are off, listen carefully--if you still hear running water, you likely have a leak.
It might not be easy to detect, but a professional will be able to find it quickly. Repairing leaks quickly is important to prevent water damage as well as increasing water bills. Of course, prevention is the best idea--regular inspections can alert you to any potential problems before they become hazardous.