Water Pipes Making Noise? How to Identify and Fix Noisy Plumbing

As homes age, the number of things that go bump in the night tends to increase. Unfortunately, if your water pipes are making noise, you could be in for a big plumbing repair bill.

Noisy pipes can bang, shriek, whistle, and hiss, but how do you know if that’s normal? In this helpful guide from Roto-Rooter, learn to identify where your home’s water pipe noises might be coming from and how to figure out whether they indicate a serious problem.

Why Are My Water Pipes Making Noise?

In many cases, noisy water pipes are simply the result of pressure fluctuations. They could also be the result of trapped air or worn-out components.

Here are some of the most common reasons water pipes make noises:

• High water pressure: Excessive pressure can cause vibrations and humming as pipes rattle.
• Air in the pipes: Air pockets trapped in the plumbing system whistle or sputter.
• Loose or worn pipe fittings: Pipes not properly secured can rattle or knock against walls when water flows through them.
• Water hammer: A sudden stop in water flow can cause a loud bang, often due to faulty valves or worn-out pressure regulators.
• Sediment buildup: Mineral deposits in pipes or water heaters can restrict flow and create unusual sounds.

Common Water Pipe Noises and Their Causes

Now that you know why your pipes are noisy, let’s talk about the different types of sounds you might encounter. 

Humming or Vibrating Pipes

Hear a humming in pipes? High water pressure is the likely culprit. When water flows through pipes at excessive pressure, it creates vibrations that intensify when pipes are loose or unsupported.

Squeaky or Whistling Pipes

Squeaky water pipes happen when there’s a partially closed valve, a clogged aerator in a faucet, or an aging pressure regulator.

Banging or Knocking Pipes

A loud knocking sound, especially when turning off a faucet or appliance, is called a water hammer. This happens when the water flow suddenly stops, causing a shockwave that rattles the pipes. Worn-out air chambers or faulty valves often contribute to this issue.

Hissing Noises

When your pipes are hissing, they might be telling you something is wrong. This could indicate a leak or excessive pressure in the system. If it’s your water heater or water softener making a hissing noise, it may be due to sediment buildup.

How to Fix Noisy Water Pipes

Tackling noisy pipes depends on the root cause. Here are a few tips on how to stop noisy pipes in their tracks:

• Check and adjust water pressure: If the pressure exceeds 60 psi, install a pressure regulator.
• Secure loose pipes: Use pipe clamps or brackets to reduce vibrations.
• Flush out trapped air: Open all faucets for a few minutes to remove air pockets.
• Inspect valves and faucets: Fully open partially closed valves and clean faucet aerators to improve water flow.
• Install water hammer arrestors: These devices absorb shockwaves and reduce banging noises in the pipes.
• Flush your water heater: Remove sediment buildup to improve performance and reduce hissing sounds.

When to Call a Professional for Noisy Pipes

A good rule of thumb is that if your do-it-yourself fixes don’t work, then it’s best to call a plumber. You might also want to skip the DIY and call a plumber immediately if:

• You hear persistent knocking or rattling even after adjusting the water pressure.
• You suspect a hidden leak due to a hissing or dripping sound.
• Your water heater is making loud noises despite regular maintenance.
• Your pipes are old or corroded and may need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Noisy Pipes 

Are Noisy Water Pipes Dangerous?

While most noisy pipes aren’t an emergency, they can indicate issues like high pressure, loose fittings, or leaks. Ignoring the problem could lead to burst pipes, water damage, or costly repairs.

Can High Water Pressure Cause Noisy Pipes?

Yes, excessive water pressure can create a humming or vibrating sound in pipes. Over time, it can also strain your plumbing system, leading to leaks or pipe damage.

Do Frozen Pipes Make Noise?

Yes, frozen pipes can creak, pop, or make banging sounds as ice forms and expands inside them. If water in your pipes freezes and expands, it puts pressure on air pockets inside the pipe. These air pockets can get trapped, building up pressure and causing pipes to crack or burst.

Silence the Noise and Protect Your Plumbing

Don’t let noisy pipes keep you up at night. Put an end to your noisy plumbing by securing loose pipes, adjusting water pressure, or installing a water hammer arrestor. If the problem persists, call a Roto-Rooter plumber to diagnose and fix the issue before it gets worse. We’re at your service around the clock to diagnose and repair plumbing problems in any room of the house.