Photo: Curtis Adams
Most people don’t think about plumbing until something breaks. I’m hoping it will go away by hearing drip and knocking pipes. After all, that’s not leaking, right? However, your plumbing does not need to leak because it is in trouble. It usually sends a warning long before it happens and you just need to know how to listen.
The sounds may seem small now, but they are often your first sign that something is worn down or putting pressure on where it isn’t. Ignoring them can lead to damage you’ve never seen before coming.
In this article you will know what those common plumbing sounds really mean, and how to tell them when it’s time to ask for help.
Slowly drip: More than a nuisance
The dripping faucet is not just background noise. It is often the first sign of wear. Maybe it’s a worn washing machine or a valve that isn’t properly sealed. In any case, all IV drips are water down the drain and accompanying money.
But it’s here. The infusion may also refer to pressure issues or accumulation of pipes. Especially if it always comes from the same fixture. Too long can lead to bigger issues, such as corrosion of pipes and hidden leaks within the walls.
That sudden bang: Greeting the water hammer
The loud noises you hear when the washing machine or dishwasher stops filling is not normal. It’s a water hammer. It occurs when fast moving water hits a closed valve, and the pressure cannot go anywhere. The force rattles the pipe and can slowly damage the joints and fittings if they continue to occur.
If you’re replacing the cartridge and slamming it, or you don’t know what’s causing it in the first place, it’s wise to bring in a plumber before things get worse. If the wall noise is too long, it can leak if ignored.
Gragging: Listen to the drain
Run the sink or flush the toilet and suddenly you hear a gluggling sound. It’s not just moving air. It’s your plumbing that tells you something is blocked either on the pipe or on the vent stack.
If the waste pipe is unable to properly draw air, it will try to inhale it from anywhere you can, even from a nearby drain. That’s when you make those weird sounds. If you don’t take care of it right away, you can see the back-up and slow sinks and bathtubs.
Photo: Ellie Burgin
Hissing sounds and mouth sloing: more than just a habit
When you turn on the faucet, you may hear the whim. It may not be loud, but it sticks out. That sound often means something inside the fixture is loose or partially blocked. Mineral accumulation is a normal suspect.
Tight and tapping: Not only does the pipe calm down
The sound of the sound usually expands as the hot water pipe gets hot. They rub onto walls, studs, or parentheses when there is not enough space to move freely. This is not dangerous, but it is a clue that the pipes are not installed with proper spacing or insulation.
Also, adding insulation or plastic sleeves around the pipe allows for room to expand without rubbing hard surfaces. That simple fix will help you quiet the morning a little and extend the life of your plumbing system.
Silence can be just as loud
Sometimes the lack of sound is the biggest warning sign. Especially if it’s a pump, water heater, or well system, there’s a fixture that was making noise, and if it wasn’t all of a sudden it could have stopped working completely.
It is also worth noting that even loud fixtures like toilets can be “too quiet” if something is wrong. The toilet that was used to make noise when suddenly refilling may have a filling valve not working, and the water tank may have little or no water coming into it.
The final thought…
When it comes to your home, plumbing problems rarely appear without dropping some tips first. The sound can be subtle or strange, but you are usually trying to tell something before the actual damage begins. Today’s IV drip could mean tomorrow’s corrosion. And once something is turned off, don’t wait for it to turn into a full-fledged repair job. Trust your gut, and if you are unsure, call someone who can see them well. Your plumbing has a voice. And now you know how to listen.
Source: January Girl – www.lizbreygel.com
