Interpreting Weird Plumbing Sounds
Nothing can disturb an otherwise peaceful night’s sleep like a loud, unexplained noise coming from somewhere within a home’s plumbing. Loud knocking, screeching, crackling and dripping noises, seemingly coming out of nowhere, are a reality for many homeowners, who are kept wide awake at night tormented by the problematic, terrifying, and relentless plumbing noises emanating from various parts of the house. While strange plumbing sounds can certainly be spooky, they should not be ignored. Rather, they should be addressed. These unexpected noises are often indicators that plumbing repair is needed - preferably sooner, rather than later!
Understanding Dripping
The steady drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet isn’t as startling as some other plumbing sounds, but it certainly can be maddening. What’s leaking and why? Can it be fixed with a wrench and a little elbow grease, or is it something more serious? Of course, dripping sounds don’t always come from sinks or faucets. Dripping sounds can be heard coming from pipes or even inside walls, making the dripping even more mysterious. If there’s an audible dripping sound but no visible leak, it’s a good idea to call in a plumbing professional to investigate.
A pipe could be leaking from an inaccessible area, slowly creating water damage. As with any plumbing problem, the earlier the problem is fixed, the better. A plumbing professional will be able to locate the source of the dripping using special equipment such as moisture readers and infrared cameras. It can take a little detective work to track down the source of a dripping noise, and repairing it is not always a quick fix.
Knock, Knock. Who’s There? Plumbing Repair!
Loud knocking noises coming from a home’s pipes are rather unpleasant to live with - they’re spooky, disruptive, and puzzling. More often than not, knocking noises indicate that pipes are in need of repair. Sometimes, pipes are simply loose, and changes in pressure can cause them to bang against the walls. A plumbing professional can typically repair loose pipes with some basic troubleshooting. The straps that hold the supply pipes that bring water into the house may need to be adjusted, or there may be a problem with the water pressure that requires adjustment.
Additionally, in older homes, there is a common phenomenon known as “water hammer.” This is a loud knocking that occurs when valves suddenly shut, causing a banging noise. Water hammer arrestors can be installed to prevent this from happening in the future, by keeping the water from rapidly draining within the pipes, causing the pressure drop and the resultant banging noise.
Did You Hear That Gurgling?
A gurgling toilet is certainly unpleasant. Is there a poltergeist in the plumbing? Possibly, but it’s far more likely that a clog is causing the problem. Post-flushing gurgling sounds usually indicate the presence of a blocked line. Depending on where the blockage is and its overall severity, it may be necessary to call a professional plumber.
If a plunger and drain snake fail to do the trick, it is a good idea to bring an expert in, so that the blockage does not reach the main line and cause extensive problems. However, if it is determined to be a problem with the main line, the town may be responsible for correcting the problem and not the homeowner.
Regardless, the homeowner must consult with a plumbing expert to determine what is causing the gurgling and how best to fix it.
About The Plumbing & Air Service Co.
The Plumbing & Air Service Co. proudly meets the plumbing and HVAC needs of Greensboro commercial and residential properties. They are known for their knowledgeable and friendly staff, who always have a solution for even the most complex plumbing and HVAC problems. Contact them today to schedule plumbing repairs!
