What Do Those Plumbing Noises Mean?
May 5, 2016
There are times when your own home will fail you.
The door might begin to squeak, the bathroom faucet could leak and those strange noises coming from your plumbing fixtures can keep you awake at night.
Let’s face it: those clamors and clatters can prove to be quite terrifying when there’s no one else in your home.
Don’t worry, your home isn’t about to unfold into a disaster zone (we hope!). It’s simply warning you of an impending plumbing issue.
Learn a few of these common plumbing noises, and what you can do to remedy any issues.
Whistling shower head
There are a variety of reasons your shower head sounds like it’s angry. When the source of water in your shower is whistling, it’s important to investigate the issue. A whistling shower head could simply be the result of too much build-up within the shower head and can be solved with a simple cleaning. If the pressure is too low or there’s air in the pipe, a whistling sound is often the result.
Gurgling drain
Uh oh. That gurgling drain might have you questioning the leftovers you reluctantly dumped down the drain, but it could be the result of something bigger. There’s a chance your vent pipe could be blocked, or there could be a general problem with the vent. A backup is no fun, and the stinky stench that follows will leave you wanting to avoid your home, let alone your kitchen. The gurgling sound is often the result of air pushing past the water in the bottom of the sink or trap. If this is a common occurrence in your home, take some time to inspect the matter and call a plumber.
Dripping noise
This one’s a bit obvious, but too many homeowners brush it off like it’s nothing. In reality, it’s costing you. A dripping faucet has the potential to leave you up at night, and could also be the result of a variety of factors. If a pipe isn’t installed properly or it’s broken, the resulting drip could add a few bucks to your energy bill and even some mold to your floor or walls. Perhaps it’s time to consider a new faucet or pipe altogether.
Hissing sound in the sink
When there’s a hissing sound coming from your sink or a different plumbing fixture, there’s a good chance your water pressure is too high. If that’s the case, installing a pressure-reducing valve could remedy the issue.
Are you experiencing any of these plumbing issues? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Dallas would be glad to help you fix the problem. We have the tools and expertise to get it right the first time, and we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From drain cleaning to pipe repair, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a service!