Why Are My Pipes Making Noise?

Do you get anxiety every time you use your shower or faucet? Hearing a loud re-occurring noise every time you turn on your water can be a constant, annoying reminder that something might be wrong with your plumbing.

Some sounds from your pipes might be natural, and not cause concern, while other may be an indication of a serious issue. The key to determining whether you need to contact a licensed plumber is to identify the sound.

Squeaking Sounds

A mild squeaking sound is fairly common in hot water pipes, and is usually the result of the pipe expanding due to the heat of the water.  This is rarely a cause for concern beyond annoying the building inhabitants.

Banging Sounds

If your pipes are improperly anchored, water pressure can cause them to rattle. Pipes can then bang against your walls, ceiling, or other pipes.  This should be remedied by having a licensed plumber install additional anchoring to avoid further damage to your pipes.

Hammering Sounds

If you hear a loud hammering sound when you water is abruptly turned off, it can be due to either excessive water pressure or a drastic shifting of the pipes.  If this is a recurring issue, pipes can become increasingly loose, which will slowly escalate the noise and damage your plumbing.  This issue shouldn’t be ignored and warrants an inspection from a professional plumber.

Ticking Sounds

Ticking sounds are usually the sign of a faulty water meter. This will not affect your home plumbing, but it is cause for concern.  Since your local water department owns the water meters, you should contact your utility company to rectify the problem.

While these are the most common sounds you will hear coming from your plumbing system, it is by no means a comprehensive list.  If you’re experiencing abnormal noises you should contact a licensed plumber right away.

For Michigan’s leading plumbing experts since 1965, contact Heaney Plumbing & Heating today and take advantage of our 10% off labor coupon!