If you hear your bathroom pipes making a humming noise, there are several issues that could be creating the problem. The first step is to find out why.

Bathroom Pipes Making Noise?

One of the most common issues is related to water pressure. When the water pressure into your home is too high, it can cause the humming sound. Your water pressure should be at no more than 80 psi (pounds per square inch). A qualified plumber can check your water pressure and ensure that it is at the correct level for proper operation.

In other cases, the problem is an easy fix – a damaged or degraded washer. Replacing a washer is a simple task, and many people are familiar with the process – but it has to be done correctly. The first step is to shut off the water feeding the system. Unscrew the handle on the faucet, unscrew the nut within, and then take out the washer. Put in the new washer (it must be the correct size) and then reverse the process.

If your bathroom pipes hum when you flush the toilet, the problem may be within one of the valves. Turn off each valve while the humming sound is present, and if the sound stops, you have found the source. It may be necessary to replace the valve for the fill tank.

The toilet flapper (the rubber plug at the bottom of the tank) can be the culprit as well. To test the tank, add a few drops of food coloring and watch to see if the color diminishes quickly – this indicates that the water is leaving the tank when it shouldn’t be. If it does, it is time to replace the flapper. Some do-it-yourselfers are up to the task, but other people need help from a professional plumber. Call upon our friendly team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Eastern Iowa to solve the problem fast and efficiently.

Water Pipe Humming Noise

Water pressure is an important issue, and frequently the reason for a high-pitched humming. You want the right pressure, but too much can create problems, including high-pitched sounds that will reverberate through your home every time a toilet is flushed. To check your water pressure, get help from a plumber, or purchase a water pressure gauge and check it yourself. Most people are unfamiliar with how to monitor or change water pressure, and count on their local plumber to fix any problem. In some cases, the problem is associated with an outdoor faucet that has been left on, with a nozzle blocking the flow. In other cases of a higher-pitched sound, replacing toilet flappers will resolve the sound issues.

Resolving Water Pressure Problems

Most people think water pressure problems surround too little water, but in fact, too much is a problem as well. Not only will too much pressure cause a humming sound in your home, it can shorten the lifespan of many of the plumbing components. It is well worth having any humming sound checked out by a professional plumber. Not only will the problem be resolved, it can help keep the rest of your system in top operating shape.