10 Plumbing Sounds You Should Never Ignore
Your home’s plumbing system is one of the most essential but often overlooked components of your household. It quietly supports daily activities like showering, cooking, and cleaning. However, when your plumbing starts making unusual sounds, it’s a clear sign that something might be wrong. Ignoring these sounds can lead to costly repairs and water damage.
Mesa Plumbing Company, proudly serving Mesa and surrounding Arizona cities for 75 years, understands the importance of keeping your plumbing in top shape. Below are 10 plumbing sounds you should never ignore, what they mean, and how we can help keep your system running smoothly.
1. Hammering or Banging Noise (Water Hammer)
One of the most alarming sounds you might hear is a loud banging or hammering noise coming from your pipes. This is known as water hammer, caused by the sudden stop or change in water flow, which creates a shock wave inside the pipes. It can also be due to loose or unsecured pipes moving when water pressure fluctuates.
Ignoring water hammer can loosen fittings and joints, leading to leaks or pipe bursts. A professional plumber can install water hammer arrestors or secure pipes to eliminate this noise and prevent damage.
2. Gurgling Sounds
Gurgling noises often originate from drains or toilets and usually indicate a clog or partial blockage in the drain lines. It can also mean air trapped in the plumbing system or venting issues.
If the gurgling occurs after flushing a toilet or draining a sink, it could signal sewage backup or a clogged vent pipe. Immediate plumbing inspection is recommended to prevent overflow or sanitary issues.
3. Whistling or Squealing
High-pitched whistling or squealing sounds typically mean there is a problem with water pressure or a valve issue. It may occur when water flows through a narrow passage caused by a worn-out washer, valve, or pressure reducing valve.
Unchecked high pressure can stress pipes, causing them to wear out faster. Mesa Plumbing technicians can test water pressure and fix faulty valves to restore quiet, efficient water flow.
4. Hissing Faucet
A persistent hissing noise near faucets often indicates excessive water pressure or a leak within the faucet’s internal components. This can lead to water waste and increased utility bills.
Replacing washers, cartridges, or installing a pressure regulator can solve this problem and prevent further damage.
5. Clicking Sounds
Clicking noises heard when you turn on or off a faucet or shower might mean thermostat issues, especially with tankless water heaters or older water heaters. It can also relate to expanding and contracting pipes in response to temperature changes.
Ignoring clicking sounds from your water heater can cause inefficient operation or failure. Mesa Plumbing offers water heater inspections and repairs to keep your hot water flowing reliably.
6. Rattling Pipes
If you hear a rattling sound inside your walls when water is running, it might be due to loose pipe straps or pipes vibrate when water pressure is high or valves are partially closed.
Tightening pipe supports or adjusting water flow can reduce these unsettling noises and prevent pipe movement that may cause damage over time.
7. Sputtering Faucets
If your faucet sputters or spits water when turned on, it may indicate trapped air, sediment build-up, or issues within the water supply line or aerator.
Regular maintenance, flushing sediment from water heaters, or cleaning faucet aerators can ensure smooth water delivery without uncomfortable bursts or sprays.
8. Rumbling or Knocking in Water Heaters
Rumbling or knocking noises from water heaters often point to mineral sediment accumulation inside the tank. The sediment traps water which turns to steam and causes knocking sounds.
This problem reduces heater efficiency and damages the tank over time. Flushing your water heater regularly and installing a water softener to reduce mineral buildup will extend the life of your water heater.
9. Humming or Vibrating Water Lines
A humming or vibrating sound in your water pipes may be caused by loose pipes or worn out valves. It can also signal water pressure issues or electrical grounding problems within the plumbing.
Plumbers can diagnose the root cause by inspecting pipe supports, valves, and water pressure and make repairs that stop unwanted noise.
10. Continuous Running Toilet Noise
If you hear a constant running or trickling water sound from your toilet, it means the flapper valve is not sealing properly or the float is misadjusted.
This can waste a significant amount of water and increase your utility bills. A quick replacement of the flapper valve or adjusting the float can resolve this issue efficiently.
Why You Should Never Ignore Plumbing Sounds
Plumbing sounds like the ones described above are your system’s way of signaling distress. Ignoring them can lead to:
Water damage from leaks or burst pipes
Increased water and energy bills
Reduced lifespan of plumbing fixtures and appliances
Hygienic and sanitation risks due to backup or contaminated water
Expensive emergency repairs or replacements
Addressing these sounds early with a professional plumber can save money and stress.
FAQs About Plumbing Sounds
Q: What should I do if I hear banging or hammering pipes?
A: This sound usually means there is a water hammer problem caused by sudden water flow changes. Call a licensed plumber to install water hammer arrestors or secure loose pipes.
Q: Can I fix a gurgling drain myself?
A: Minor clogs might be managed with a plunger or drain cleaner, but persistent gurgling often means a more serious blockage or venting issue that needs professional inspection.
Q: Why does my faucet make a whistling noise when turned on?
A: Whistling often indicates high water pressure or a worn valve washer. A plumber can test your water pressure and replace faulty parts to stop the noise.
Q: Is a hissing faucet a serious problem?
A: It can be if it indicates a leak or high water pressure. Hissing sounds should be diagnosed to prevent water waste and fixture damage.
Q: How often should I flush my water heater to prevent noises?
A: Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment buildup and maintain efficiency. Hard water areas may require more frequent flushing.
Q: What causes a running toilet sound all the time?
A: Usually a faulty flapper valve or a misadjusted float causes water to run continuously. These parts are inexpensive and easy to replace.
How Mesa Plumbing Company Can Help
Mesa Plumbing Company has been proudly serving Mesa and nearby Arizona communities for 75 years with licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing services. We specialize in:
Emergency plumbing repairs
Water heater maintenance and replacement
Drain cleaning and sewer repairs
Water line pressure testing and repairs
Leak detection and repair
Preventative maintenance
Our expert plumbers are available to diagnose and repair all plumbing sounds you should never ignore, ensuring your system runs quietly, efficiently, and safely.
Contact Mesa Plumbing Company today or visit www.mesaplumbingcompany.com to schedule an inspection or service. Don’t let plumbing problems disrupt your home or business—call the trusted experts with 75 years of experience.