Plumbing Problems: What Does Noise in Your Pipes Mean?

 

Plumbing Problems: What Does Noise in Your Pipes Mean?

Gurgling, gurgling, splashing - these are all sounds that you are likely to hear in the bathroom every day. But what happens when these strange noises appear when you are not in the bathroom? We identify and diagnose common plumbing problems.

 

Adjustable pipes

Is there anything more annoying than the sound of pipes bouncing off your walls? This is not about how your neighbor plays the bagpipes, although you may need soundproofing for this, but about the sound of pipes when you turn off the tap.

Diagnosis:

Water hammer. This may indicate that the water pressure is too high. When you turn off the tap or the valve on the washing machine closes the flow of water stops abruptly and a pressure wave hits the closed tap (or valve). You may also have pipes that are free enough to bump into walls as water moves along them.

Decision:

Ignore water hammer at your own risk as it can definitely break pipes and damage fittings or appliances. If it is a pressure problem, you will need to turn off the water and install a shock valve in the tap. Or, your plumber can install a line pressure limiting valve. If this is due to a loose pipe, they can be sleeved or cut to prevent it hitting the wall studs and exploding.

If your pipes squeal rather than crackle and you are sure they are not neighbors, there is an explanation for that too. Ignore water hammer at your own risk as it can break pipes and damage fittings or appliances.

Diagnosis:

Cavitation: This is when water from a large pipe flows into a smaller pipe and the difference in diameter causes a squeal due to pressure.

Decision:

You will need to open the tap, find the pressure valve and turn the screw on it until the sound disappears. If that doesn't work, your pressure valve may need a closer inspection. The problem could be a bad or worn washer, or you may need to install a new valve if yours is faulty or fails. Like water hammer, cavitation can also damage pipes and fittings.

Laughing toilet

The problem with toilet gurgling is that it sounds like your toilet is taunting you. Perhaps it is, but the laughter in the toilet is much more serious than it seems.

Diagnosis 1: If the toilet is constantly running as it gurgles, it is either a worn valve or a faulty ball valve (which is what causes your toilet to refill after flushing).

Solution 1: If it is a valve, you can replace the gasket in the reservoir, and if it is a ball valve, you can also replace it to prevent water loss and flushing problems in the future.

Diagnosis 2: If the toilet doesn't work while it gurgles, that's a much more serious matter and, unfortunately, you can count on having a back-up sewer line.

Solution 2: Sewer pipes are not for the faint of heart (or the faint of heart) because if they are not repaired, you can get a refund of your toilet deposit. In fact, deposits are plural. You will need to call a professional an Emergency Plumber to find out where the blockage is and how to fix it. This may require replacing the tubing, but it will be worth it if you want to avoid trouble in the bathroom.