When your plumbing functions normally, you shouldn’t hear more than a dull roar from your water heater or the faint sound of water moving through pipes. However, if you notice banging, gurgling, squealing, or rattling noises, these may indicate potentially serious problems. Prevent burst pipes, leaks, and indoor flooding by knowing what trouble sounds like and how to correct it. 

What Causes Unusual Plumbing Noises?

1. Water Hammer

Water hammer creates a distinctive knocking or hammering sound caused by standing water in the pipes moving back and forth under the force of pressure. Fix this by resetting the air chambers of the water system. Shut off the main supply valve before opening up all faucets in your home to drain excess moisture. 

2. High Water Pressure

When your water pressure is too high, you may notice vibrating noises beneath your sinks and behind your walls. Attach a gauge to one of your faucets to get a pressure reading. If it exceeds 80 pounds per square inch, get in touch with a plumber about installing a regulator. Consistently high water pressure can damage your water heater and applies, as well as increase monthly water bills.

3. Loose Pipes

Your pipes stay in place with the help of sturdy hardware. However, it’s not uncommon for bolts and fasteners to become loose over time since pipes move when water runs through them. Loose pipes typically make a rattling noise, which can be solved by tightening and securing the hardware.

4. Broken Valves & Washers

Valves and washers on faucets and fixtures control the amount of moisture that passes through them. When they break or malfunction, you might hear whistling or squealing noises, which are typically the sounds of water struggling to exit the faucet. These parts can be easily replaced by an experienced plumber.

Keep your plumbing quiet and serviceable with help from the team at Glorieta Creek Mechanical LLC. They offer plumbing repairs, installations, and replacements to clients throughout Santa Fe, NM. They also provide air conditioning, furnace repair, and drain cleaning services, meeting your needs any time of the year. Call (505) 757-8872 to book an appointment or visit the website to learn more.