The Secret Language of Pipes

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Noisy pipes are generally a bad sign

Noisy pipes are generally a bad sign. Your best bet is to call a plumber in Sierra Estate, AZ, right away to address the problem before you end up with a pipe break and the need for a water damage remediation service. However, the type of noise can point you to what the source might be.

Banging

If you hear loud banging coming from your pipes, it could be the precursor to a pipe burst. It is generally an issue with water flow. Three common causes are:

• Water hammer- water traveling at high speeds will slam to a stop when valves or faucets are shut off suddenly.
• Trapped air- air bubbles in the pipes are forced out shortly after turning on a faucet.
• Uneven water pressure- can cause starts and stops that might make your pipes knock around.

Whistling

This noise indicates that the water flow is restricted by an obstruction. First you need to determine where it is coming from- which valve, hose or pipe? Start with everything off and turn each fixture or faucet on one at a time. Most commonly, whistling is caused by a distorted washer or loose screw within the valve. If that does not solve the problem, you may have a buildup somewhere further along in the pipe, which would need to be taken care of before a pipe break.

Humming

Your pipes will hum if your water pressure exceeds the tolerance level of your system. The humming sound comes from the pipes vibrating at a high rate of speed. This most often occurs in homes that use well water. You can have a professional come to check the pressure and make adjustments for you. However, if you know what you are doing, you can check the pressure at the tank yourself if you have well water. Make sure you take care of this quickly before you have to fix broken pipe.
Avoiding a pipe break can be easy if you keep your ears open and listen to your pipes are telling you. These noises might seem like a mystery, but before calling in the ghost busters, call a plumber!