If you have never noticed odd sounds coming from your plumbing, it is only a matter of time before you experience this situation in your home. And to answer your first question, and the most serious one for sure, these sounds usually are not an indication of an unsafe situation. You do not need to worry about a pipe or your water heater exploding. But you should know that these noises are often a warning that it is time to call (301) 278-8786 for a visit from a A Better Plumber professional.
Some of the most commonly heard noises and their possible solutions are listed below to help you learn what your home’s plumbing is trying to tell you.
Banging Pipes
The water pipes in your home often make some noise when they are moving slightly due to the water flow inside them. You might notice louder noise or even what sounds like someone banging on the pipes if one of them has become loose. There are straps that hold the pipes in place, and on occasion, one of these straps can break or come loose, allowing the pipe to move and bang on the surrounding beams. Re-securing the pipe will eliminate the problem.
The second cause of banging water pipes is an obstruction or blockage in the pipe. Once the clog is removed, the water will flow more smoothly inside the pipe, and the noise will be eliminated. A call to (301) 278-8786 is the best way to address any clogged pipe and know that only a licensed plumber will be working on your water lines to correct the issue and stop that annoying banging sound.
Whistling Shower Head
If you notice an odd whistling sound in your shower, the culprit is most often a clog in the shower nozzle. Most shower heads can easily be removed to clean off the buildup and mineral deposits that are creating the sound. A soft scrub brush or cleaning solution should do the trick. If you are not able to remove the blockage, a new showerhead is the best option. Consider a low-flow model to save water and money.
Odd Popping From A Water Heater
It can be very alarming to hear popping or knocking sounds coming from your water heater. But these are not signs that the unit is building pressure and about to explode. There is a pressure relief valve located on every water heater to eliminate the possibility of such a dangerous accident.
The sound you hear is caused by limescale and other mineral deposits built up inside the water heater holding tank. This buildup creates a barrier that insulates the heating element and decreases the efficiency of your water heater. In most cases, draining and flushing the holding tank will eliminate the problem.
Gurgling Drains
Drains should never make noise. When you hear a gurgling sound coming from your drains, there is some type of issue that is going to require some fast attention to avoid a backup. The most common cause of this odd sound is the beginning of a pipe blockage or clog. The water is being forced past the blockage, and it is slowing the flow, which causes the noise. A professional drain cleaning is the only way to ensure that all clogs and obstructions are removed from your drain pipes without causing any damage to the pipes.
All drains have an air vent that balances that allows water to flow smoothly through the pipes and out of your home. If that vent becomes blocked or damaged, the water will not flow correctly, and you will notice noise and slow clearing drains. The best way to correct this issue is a call to the pros at A Better Plumber. Our team will check for vent issues as well as any blockages in the piping.
The final cause of noisy, slow clearing drains is a clog in your home’s sewer line. This pipe collects all of the dirty water and waste from your house and transports it to the city sewer main. When there is a crack or clog in this pipe, any or all of your drains can be affected. And the backup will be not just water but also contaminated waste.
As soon as you discover your drains making odd sounds, it is always best to be proactive and call in the pros from A Better Plumber at (301) 278-8786. Our team of licensed plumbers will quickly diagnose the problem and provide you with cost-effective options to repair it. We are here 24/7, so you never need to worry about an odd sound or slow clearing drain and the water damage that it could cause in your home.
