Your piping will sometimes make odd sounds within your walls. Older homes do creak, but a persistent commotion is a good sign that something’s wrong with your pipes. If you hear any of the following noises, call a plumbing contractor for immediate repairs.

How to Resolve Common Pipe Noises

1. Vibrating

Hearing or feeling vibrations when you press against the wall means your fill valve is broken or loose. This valve is the component of the toilet responsible for filling the tank after it’s flushed. When it starts to leak or run continuously, your pipes become overworked. Old fill valves gradually develop corroded gaskets, so they can’t make a tight seal, which causes it to vibrate.

2. Banging

It’s common for old homes to have unsecured pipes, causing them to bang against the walls. Fix this by listening to where the banging is occurring, then use plumber’s tape or clips to secure them properly.

Banging also occurs when high-pressure in pipes looks for somewhere to go once an appliance or faucet is shut off. Resolve this by resetting the water system: stop the shut-off valve outside the home, then turn it back on after a few minutes or when the water is completely drained from the pipes. 

3. Whistling

For most faucets and appliances, occasional whistling and wooshing noises are typical when you turn them on, but if those sounds come from a toilet, this indicates it has a leaking valve. A whistling toilet valve means there’s a loose brass screw or a worn washer. 

However, consistent whistling from faucets and appliances is a telltale sign of a clanging aerator, which is located at the end of modern faucets and used to make a smooth water stream. Fixing your aerator requires you to screw it back on. Whistling that doesn’t come from a specific place indicates a mineral buildup in your piping system. However, there’s a multitude of problems this sound acts as a symptom for, so contacting a plumbing contractor is your best option.

If you need a plumber to diagnose various piping issues, contact AAA Plumbing Repair Service. These professional plumbing contractors have served their community for over 40 years by offering piping repairs and maintenance. They can handle drain cleaning, fixture repairs, gas line replacements, and water heater maintenance. To explore their other services, visit them online or call (540) 344-6800 to schedule an appointment.