Have you ever flushed and been startled by that weird, foghorn-like sound in your plumbing pipes? The annoying sound can cause some homeowners to hesitate before each flush or even startle unsuspecting users. Many circumstances can cause odd noises in your plumbing system. Listed below are some of the most common plumbing sounds in residential plumbing systems as well as their likely cause.
Foghorn Sound in Plumbing Pipes
This sound is a common occurrence, especially with older toilets, that happens after flushing. The cause is often a defective fill valve in the toilet’s tank. To verify that the valve is the cause of the noise, remove the tank lid and flush the toilet. Once the sound starts, gently lift the float ball or ball cock mechanism upward to stop the water flow. If the sounds stop along with the water flow, your fill valve needs repair. While some fill valves can be repaired, your plumber will most likely recommend installing a new one. The low cost of a new fill valve warrants replacing versus repair.
Hammering Sound in Plumbing Pipes
The sudden rush of water within your pipes causes water hammer or hydrostatic shock. The weight of the water rushing through the pipes at a high velocity and momentum mixes with air, which causes cavitations within the pipes. The result is a banging sound within the pipes. A water hammer arrestor — sometimes called an air chamber, air cushion or water capacitor — is required to fix the problem. Installation requires a professional plumber to locate the sound and install the device — integrate it — into the suspected water supply lines.
Rattling Sound in Plumbing Pipes
Water hammer can sometimes cause your plumbing pipes to vibrate and rattle. In addition, the contraction or expansion within the pipes cause scraping or rubbing noises at tethering points along the pipes. If the tethering straps fail or become loose, water rushing through the pipes will cause them to rattle. This can occur in both water supply lines as well as drain lines. To correct this problem, your plumber must pin point the sounds within the wall, open the wall and re-strap or secure the applicable pipes.
Do not ignore the weird sound of plumbing noises in your home. A loose or rattling pipe can develop a leak or separate due to the constant vibrations and movement. If this happens, not only will you face the cost of plumbing repair, but also the potential of expensive home repairs due to water damage.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
