Have you ever flushed and been concerned by that distinct weird, foghorn-like sound in your plumbing pipes? Typically, this annoying sound can cause some homeowners to think about each flush or even surprise unsuspecting users. A variety of circumstances can cause odd noises in your plumbing system.
Here are some of the most notable plumbing sounds in residential plumbing systems. .
Foghorn Sound in Plumbing Pipes
This sound happens quite often, especially with toilets that have more age. It generally happens after flushing. The cause is usually a defective fill valve in the toilet’s tank. To verify that the valve is the cause of the noise, our Long Beach Plumbing Experts suggest you remove the tank lid and flush the toilet. Once the sound begins, gently lift the float ball or ball cock mechanism upward to stop the water flow.
If the sounds come to a stop, along with the water flow, your fill valve needs repair. While some fill valves can be repaired, your local Long Beach Plumber will a majority of the time suggest installing a new one. The low cost of a new fill valve warrants replacing versus repair.
Hammering Sound in Plumbing Pipes
The abrupt rush of water within your pipes causes what is known as water hammer or hydrostatic shock. The weight of the water rushing through the pipes at a high velocity and momentum mixes with air, which causes cavitations within the pipes.
The result is typically a banging sound within the pipes. A water hammer arrestor — at times called an air chamber, air cushion or water capacitor — is needed in order to help fix the problem. Installation requires a local Long Beach Plumber to help locate the sound and install the device — integrate it — into the suspected water supply lines.
The Common Rattling Sound in Plumbing Pipes
A majority of Long Beach Plumbers will tell you that water hammer can sometimes cause your plumbing pipes to vibrate and rattle. Furthermore, the contraction or expansion within the pipes cause scraping or rubbing noises at tethering points along the pipes. If the tethering straps fail or become loose, water rushing through the pipes will cause them to rattle. This can happen in both water supply lines as well as drain lines. To aid in fixing this problem, your plumber must pin point the sounds within the wall, open the wall and re-strap or secure the applicable pipes.
Do try to ignore the weird sound of plumbing noises in your home. A loose or rattling pipe can create a leak or separate due to the constant vibrations and movement. If this occurs, not only will you face the cost of plumbing repair, but also the potential of expensive home repairs due to water damage.