It’s a good thing that your plumbing is reliable. When your plumbing is making sounds or is loud, you might begin to worry. While some sounds are normal, others aren’t. We’ll walk you through five common noises and how to solve them.

These noises include:

  • Plumbing is whistling
  • Plumbing is gurgling
  • Plumbing is humming
  • Plumbing is vibrating
  • Plumbing is bubbling

1. Plumbing is Whistling

If your plumbing is whistling, you could be facing several issues.

Cause: Mineral Buildup

More than 90% of U.S. homes have hard water, which means it contains excessive calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in your pipes and appliances, causing clogs and less efficient operation.

If you have issues with soap scum, clogged pipes or appliances deteriorating quickly, you might be dealing with hard water. Having a plumber install a water softener is the best way to fix this problem.

Cause: Old Pipes

Plumbing doesn’t last forever. If you have an older home, you should know what pipe material you have and how long it lasts.

  • Brass: up to 100 years
  • Copper: up to 80 years
  • PVC: up to 45 years

If your pipes are near the end of their life span and you’re faced with leaks, discolored water or insufficient water pressure, it may be time to have new ones installed.

Cause: High Water Pressure

This can be caused by your utility provider or problems with your water heater. A telltale sign of high water pressure is hearing banging in your pipes, especially after turning off a faucet.

If this is what’s causing the problem, a plumber can check and replace your home’s pressure-reducing valve as needed.

2. Plumbing is Gurgling

Gurgling isn’t a good sound. It’s usually a sign that you’re experiencing some sort of blockage or clog. Here are three of the most common kinds.

Cause: Clogged Drain

Your drain can either be partially or fully blocked. Here’s the difference:

  • Partial clog—water drains more slowly than normal.
  • Full clog—water rises instead of draining, especially in multiple drains.

It can be tempting to use a liquid drain opener to correct the issue, but this can create more problems. These products are corrosive and can eat away at your pipes. It’s always recommended to have a plumber unblock your pipes, either through a snake or jetting.

Cause: Blocked Sewer Line

Your home has a sewer pipe that carries waste to the main sewer line, usually situated in your yard or in the street. If this pipe gets clogged, you will likely be dealing with backup in your basement.

Things that can obstruct or clog this pipe includes tree roots searching for water or by flushing bathroom products besides toilet paper. Whether you’re coping with tree roots or a clogged toilet, you’re going to need assistance from a professional plumber.

Cause: Plugged Sewer Vent or P-Trap

The sewer vent system and P-traps on your drains keep stinky plumbing smells out of your home. If they get clogged, you’ll likely notice gurgling, experience slow draining or smell sewage. A plumber can help you get to the root of and solve this smelly problem.

3. Plumbing is Humming

If your plumbing is humming, you’re not just dealing with an irritating sound.

Cause: High Water Pressure

Humming means your home’s water pressure is likely too high. This can create problems like water leaks and damage to faucets and other fixtures. A plumber can help you regulate water pressure, which should be about 60–70 PSI.

4. Plumbing is Vibrating

If your plumbing is vibrating, three problems could be creating this noise.

Cause: Loose Pipe Clamp

The most common cause of vibrating plumbing is an unsecured pipe clamp. This hardware keeps pipes secure when water is flowing through them. If the loose pipe is under a sink, you might be able to fix this issue yourself. If it’s behind a wall, it’s best to call a plumber.

Cause: High Water Pressure or Water Hammer

Less frequently, pipes can vibrate due to high water pressure or a water hammer, which occurs when water that’s moving fast hits a closed valve. A plumber can diagnose and fix these issues.

5. Plumbing is Bubbling

If your plumbing is bubbling, you’re probably dealing with issues related to gurgling plumbing.

Cause: Blocked or Incorrectly Vented Drain

Whether you’re dealing with a clogged or incorrectly vented drain, a plumber can fix it.

West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Can Solve Your Odd Plumbing Noises

Nobody wants to hear a loud or odd noise coming from their plumbing. There are many different noises that can be heard from your pipes and what they mean may differs. If you have any questions about the noises you’re hearing in your home, contact at 614-879-9091 today. We’re here to assist you when you need a plumber in West Jefferson or neighboring areas.