Hearing a High-Pitched Sound From Your Water Pipes? Here’s Why

You never want to hear weird and unusual noises in your home, but if you do, they could be related to your plumbing – and you should get an experienced plumber out as soon as possible.

Recognise any of these noises below? Here’s what they mean and what to do about them.

Common Plumbing Noises You Might Hear

Knocking or Hammering Sound

If you hear a loud banging noise that sounds like someone is hammering on your walls, you may have a problem with a water hammer. The knocking sound can be a sharp, startling bang or more of a rattling vibration. It commonly happens when valves on washing machines, dishwashers, or toilets suddenly shut off.

When water is off.

If the noise occurs when you flush your toilet, turn your taps off, or when the washing machine finishes filling, it is called a water hammer. A water hammer occurs when running water crashes into a suddenly shut valve. This noise usually means that the water hammer arrestor has worn out.

When water is running.

If a knocking noise occurs when water is running, it is most likely caused by high water pressure. You may need to install a pressure reduction valve to prevent this.

Randomly during the day.

If the knocking is at random during the day, the most likely cause is sediment build-up in your hot water system. This can lead to increased vibration within the unit and, in turn, the pipes within your walls.

Dripping Noises

The sound of dripping can be easy to ignore—unless it’s in the middle of the night and you’re trying to sleep! It is, however, best to get it fixed before the issue changes from a drip to a gush! The damage that it can cause can quickly become costly, both in repairs and an increase in your water bill.

Gurgling

Are your toilets or other drains making a gurgling noise or bubbling sound when you flush them or run a tap? If the answer is yes, it is a sign that you have a blocked drain. This may seem like a small problem to start with, but it can later turn into a costly issue if not attended to as soon as possible.

Whining

High pitched whining or squeaking could be a sign of a worn-out pressure reduction valve. These sounds can also be caused by water flowing quickly through small openings or past an obstruction in the pipe, causing vibrations in loose parts of the faucet or valve, triggering a whine. 

If you do have strange noises in your home, you should have it attended to by an experienced professional. The cause of the noises, if not inspected and repaired shortly after you notice them, can become a large, costly issue quicker than you think.

Have you heard any of the noises mentioned? Or perhaps you have heard a different one that you believe is related to your plumbing? Give Canberra Plumbing and Drains a call. Our technicians are on hand and ready to attend your home, find the cause of the noise, and repair it in a timely and efficient manner. call our friendly office team today on 0474 488 899 to book in your appointment.