When you want to hear the soothing sounds of birds whistling, the humming and hammering of a woodpecker, or rushing water in streams and brooks, visit one of Havertown, PA’s, many parks. Merry Place and Darby Creek Trail allow you to walk along the water’s edge or walk a trail through the woods to take in the sounds. But if those same sounds occur indoors, it might be because of your plumbing, leading you to ask, “Why do my pipes make noise?”
Our local MVP Plumbing team, employing trusted plumbers in Havertown, understands those sounds are beautiful if coming from the right source. But if they originate from your plumbing system, you can have a dangerous issue that we can care for immediately. Below, we’ll delve further into the types of sounds you may hear and what they mean.
Common Noises That Havertown Pipes Can Make
Plumbing systems are not completely soundless. For instance, water rushes within your walls as it flows through the pipes and out of a fixture. Also, splashing ensues as your Havertown water tank refills. Some sounds you shouldn’t get comfortable with, however, include the following.
Gurgling Due To Blockages
If you’re wondering, “Why do my pipes make noises resembling gurgling sounds?” you likely have a clogged drain, causing the water to pass through air pockets around the debris buildup. As water passes through the trapped air, the air rises, creating bubbles. Some causes of clogs include hair, soap scum, mildew buildup, and globs of shampoo and conditioner that don’t break down.
Similarly, a clogged vent pipe causes gurgling since bird’s nests, carcasses, ice formations, or dirt and leaves block the opening on your Havertown, PA, rooftop, causing air to reenter the fixture. As the air remixes with the water, gurgling ensues.
The Sound of Rushing Water When Fixtures Are Not in Use
Again, you’ll hear the water as it travels through the pipes, but if it continues long after you turn off the faucet, showerhead, or washing machine, you may have a pipe leak. Pipes and P-traps house water at all times to keep sewer gases from entering your Havertown home. So, pipes continuously distribute water to that leaking area as it dries, leading to constantly running water.
“But why do my pipes make noises like dripping, too?” If the pipe runs within your ceiling, water drops to your floors, creating a dripping or plopping sound. However, other signs that aren’t audible include water stains, warped floorboards, slab leaks, and musty odors indicating mold and mildew growth, and demand for repair.
Hammering Noises Due To Water Hammers
Water hammers occur when water rushes to your appliance or fixture, causing a crashing sound resembling a striking hammer.
Installing a vertical pipe in these areas gives the water somewhere else to go. But if you’re wondering, “Why do my pipes make noises even afterward?” the air chamber needs refilling, so turn off the supply valve and turn on the faucet at the highest and lowest elevations in your Havertown home. After these pipes drain, turn off the lowest faucet and turn on the water valve before turning off the highest faucet.
Humming or Vibrating Sounds Due To High Water Pressure
If your water turns on with an uncomfortable force or your pipes regularly develop leaks, you may have high water pressure issues. Humming, vibrating, and banging are symptoms of this, indicating you need a pressure regulator on your supply line. The pressure-reducing valve lowers 100 to 200 PSIs to a normal 50 PSI to protect your pipes and lower water bills.
Banging Sounds Due To Loose Pipes and Components
Loose washers, fasteners, and other hardware lead to loose pipes that allow water to escape while causing the surrounding components to bang into one another. You may also hear clinking, vibrating, and rattling, especially if pipes expanding and contracting cause them to rub against wooden joists and drywall, requiring professional assistance.
The MVPs of the Plumbing Industry in Havertown, PA!
Noisy pipes are more than just annoying; they can be a symptom of a potentially serious problem. From appliance issues to sewer system problems, MVP Plumbing understands noises are common in plumbing. But you shouldn’t ignore or even accept them, so if you find yourself wondering, “Why do my pipes make noise?” call our full-service, five-star team at 484-904-8411. We’ll help you find the location of noises in your Havertown, PA, home and offer solutions today!