Different Pipe Noises Can Sure be Scary!
October is full of pumpkin spice, crunching, leaves, and excitement about Halloween costumes. It is a month where spooky noises in the home seem to take on a new, scarier meaning. While it can be thrilling to imagine ghosts and goblins, the truth is that the majority of the noises coming from the home at this time of the year are likely to be pipe noises. As a homeowner, it’s essential to know what those piping noises mean and the possible impact it can have on your home.
How Water Pressure Can Sound Creepy
Imagine a homeowner sitting on the couch, reading a book and enjoying the quiet. Suddenly, there is a humming sound, but they are alone in their home. Creepy, right? Often, this humming noise can actually be coming from the home’s pipes.When the water pressure in the home is too high (generally more than 80 pounds per square inch - or psi), pipes start to vibrate and hum.
The best way to verify this is by contacting a plumbing company that will go out and check the water pressure for more information.
If that doesn’t stop the humming noise, it’s possible the pipe noises are actually related to a damaged washer or a valve or flapper that may be malfunctioning on the toilet.
Why is There a Whistling Sound?
Whistling coming from the bathroom is actually more common than most people think! While this can seem super spooky, pipe noises are also to blame. In most cases, that whistling noise is actually due to a faulty fill valve on the toilet. If the homeowner feels comfortable, they can lift off the lid and look for that valve.
Simply adjust it a bit until the whistling stops. They can also contact a trained plumber for help if they are unable to locate the fill valve or if the pipe noises don’t stop even with adjustment. Occasionally, whistling sounds can be caused by a mineral build up in the pipes, which causes a reduction in the size of the pipes and an additional increase in water pressure.
Air Bubbles Can be Truly Spooky
When asked about the top three spooky October creatures, many people answer ghosts, goblins, black cats, etc. No one is spooked out by an air bubble, yet, air bubbles can actually be the cause of many of the loudest banging noises in the home!These tiny bubbles start to build up in the heating system and change size as they move through the pipes, causing a variety of loud, banging pipe noises.
A plumber can go to the home and evaluate the pipes for air bubbles or even a condition called water hammer (professionally known as a hydraulic shock) which can only be fixed by a trained professional. However, left unchecked, either of these problems can cause even more expensive, emergency repairs. Don’t ignore pipe noises, especially new ones!
Work With Local Experts
Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago, in Illinois, has been awarded both the outstanding service and best value in Chicago plumbing awards. They have been specializing in plumbing since 1998, offering emergency assistance with flood control, sewer line repair and replacement, water line repair, and installation, and sump pump services.
