Unraveling the Mystery: What Those Plumbing Noises Really Mean

Posted on September 14, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Have you ever been in your quiet home, perhaps enjoying a peaceful evening, when suddenly, a strange noise echoes from the deep recesses of your house? The culprit is often your plumbing system. While it’s easy to dismiss these as just ‘quirks’ of your home, these noises can sometimes indicate a serious underlying issue.

This blog post seeks to demystify common plumbing noises, helping you understand what they might mean and when it might be time to reach out for a professional plumbing inspection or repair. From gurgling drains to banging pipes, we’re here to unravel the mystery behind those often disconcerting sounds.

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Identifying Odd Plumbing Noises in Pipes and Walls

Gurgling Drains

If you hear a gurgling noise coming from your drains, it’s likely due to an airlock in the drainage system. Air is pushed through the plumbing and meets resistance when it reaches a blockage or obstruction. As this happens, the air travels back up the pipes, creating a bubbling sound. This can be caused by anything from a clogged drain to a broken plumbing vent.

Banging Pipes

Banging or knocking pipes are often caused by water hammer. This is when the force of rushing water through the system causes pressure fluctuations that cause pipes to bang against each other and the walls of your home. This can be due to an excessive amount of water being used or from worn-out fittings.

Hissing Pipes

A hissing noise coming from your pipes can be caused by a number of issues, including loose fittings and corroded valves. The sound is normally a sign that air is escaping from the system due to an imbalance of pressure. It’s important to have this checked out as it can cause damage to the pipe over time if left unchecked.

Whistling Pipes

This noise typically indicates that there is a decrease in the water pressure somewhere in your plumbing system. This could be due to an obstruction, such as a partial blockage from debris or mineral deposits, or it could be caused by a leak in one of your pipes. It’s important to have this issue inspected as soon as possible, as it can significantly reduce the longevity of your plumbing system if not addressed quickly.

Humming Pipes

Humming pipes are usually caused by a pressure imbalance in your plumbing system, usually due to a clogged valve or air being trapped inside the piping systems. This can be a sign of an impending issue, so it’s important to call in a professional plumber to have the issue inspected and repaired.

Strange Water Heater Noises

A variety of noises can come from your water heater, the most common being popping or sizzling. This is usually caused by a buildup of minerals inside the tank, and it’s nothing to be concerned about. However, if you’re hearing loud banging noises coming from your heater, this could be due to sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank that is clogging up the system. This can cause damage to your water heater over time, so it’s important to have this inspected and addressed as soon as possible.

In Summary

When it comes to plumbing noises, don’t just write them off as normal household quirks. They can indicate serious underlying issues that should be addressed sooner rather than later before they cause any major damage. From gurgling drains to whistling pipes, it’s important to have your plumbing system inspected and repaired to ensure you don’t encounter any more unexpected issues. An experienced plumber can help you identify the cause of the noise and provide a thorough solution.

Remember that if you are ever unsure or need assistance identifying what those mysterious noises may mean, we can help. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers serve residential and commercial clients.

3 Plumbing Sounds You Do Not Want to Ignore

Posted on March 24, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

We are constantly faced with strange and concerning noises in various aspects of our lives, from hungry belly growls and loudly idling cars to busy internet connections, phone dings, weather alerts, smoke alarms, and much more. Most of these sounds are something we are familiar with, so we aren’t as urgent to address them. However, there are some sounds you should never wait to address, like the ones made by your plumbing.

Your plumbing system, if neglected or defective, can lead to very serious water damage and structural destruction. It can also rack up your water and energy bills, hugely. For these reasons and more, the need for plumbing repair should be taken seriously on all levels because a small plumbing issue can very quickly evolve into something much worse.

Continue reading to learn the top three plumbing sounds you should never ignore, plus what to do if you are experiencing strange plumbing noises in your home or business.

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What Does Your Plumbing Sound Like?

Your plumbing system in whole is widespread, including all sorts of appliances, water lines, fixtures, drains, devices, and more. All of these elements can make noises, most of which are fairly normal. It is important to decipher the difference between a concerning plumbing noise and a normal one. When in doubt, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for quick, over-the-phone assistance.

Troubleshoot Plumbing Noises

For help understanding how your plumbing systems should sound, keep your ears open for these noises that indicate a need for repair:

➀ Bubbling

Bubbling noises are certainly strange to hear when they are coming from your plumbing. Usually originating from the drains or toilets. If you hear bubble-like sounds when you flush or when water drains in the sink, bathtub, or shower, it could be due to air trapped inside some pipes, a sewer issue, or even a bad clog. Do not let this noise continue without having it checked out by a licensed Indy plumber, otherwise, it could lead to serious water leaks and water damage.

➁ Dripping

Dripping can be normal under some circumstances when it comes to plumbing, but when you hear drips coming from inside the walls or floors, it could be something more serious. Dripping sounds are indicative of water leaks, which are not an issue you want to ignore even for a day. When you hear bubbling noises, look for an increased water bill to confirm that it is in fact a water leak.

➂ Whining

Whining and squeaking can sometimes be heard coming from plumbing pipes, both indoors and outdoors. If you are hearing the same types of sounds coming from pipes, especially high-pitched ones, it may indicate that there is a broken or faulty pressure-reducing valve somewhere in your system. Do not ignore these kinds of noises. Broken or malfunctioning valves often lead to burst pipes, overflows, and much more. Contact a plumber in Indianapolis immediately if your plumbing sounds like this!

Do you want to have your plumbing system checked out because it is making some weird noises? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to schedule a home plumbing inspection in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

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Plumbing Noises That Should Be Taken Seriously

Posted on April 17, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Your plumbing system makes all sorts of noises, most of which are perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, there are some noises that should be taken seriously, as they may be an indication of something seriously wrong within your plumbing system. Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between normal and abnormal sounds coming from your home’s plumbing.

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Normal Sounds

You have various components in your plumbing system, from water heaters and water softeners, to fixtures, pipes, and more. Loud sounds like whizzing, clinking, vibrating, and even banging are typically normal because they are simply residuals noises that result from standard plumbing operations. But any other noises outside of these may call for some concern.

Abnormal Sounds

As mentioned, some plumbing sounds are signs that something within your plumbing system is defective, failing, or broken down. Although there are various strange noises that point towards plumbing problems, some of the most concerning noises to look out for include whining, dripping, and bubbling.

If you hear any of these kinds of noises coming from your washing machine, sump pump, water heater, water softener, shower, plumbing pipes, or anywhere else in your plumbing system, you must act fast to diagnose and resolve the issue before it can lead to costly repairs and invasion renovations from water and mold damage.

⚟ Whining Sounds

If you are hearing whining, whistling, squeaking, or other high-pitched noises coming from pipes or any other plumbing-related system, especially when you turn on a faucet, it could mean that you have a damaged or defective pressure-reducing valve. If you fail to have this issue repaired, it could cause burst pipes, flooding, and more.

⚟ Dripping Sounds

Any kind of dripping noise within your home is a cause for concern, as it most definitely means there is a leak at large somewhere. Whether it is a barely-audible dripping, or a loud, fast one, you must take action as soon as possible to repair the leak and prevent costly flooding and water damage. Never take your chances when you hear water dripping.

⚟ Bubbling Sounds

Bubbling, sloshing, and gurgling noises are usually an indication that there is air trapped within your pipes. It can also mean that you have an unresolved clog or even a sewer problem. Regardless of the cause, this is a serious plumbing issue that can lead to even more serious pecuniary consequences. Keep in mind, this kind of problem will only worsen overtime, so act fast!

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections and Repairs

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.