The Sounds of Bad Plumbing

The Sounds of Bad Plumbing

We often talk about the importance of homeowners inspecting their properties and their plumbing and keeping their eyes open to potential problems. Being alert to the visual evidence of moisture can be a great way to ensure that there are not any hidden plumbing issues at work in your home.

However, it is worth noting that keeping your eyes open is just the first step toward greater plumbing awareness. Homeowners should also keep their ears open. Some of the telltale signs of bad plumbing—or of potentially major issues in need of repair—are ones that you hear, not necessarily ones that you see.

The question is, what are some of the sounds homeowners should be alert for? What are some of the dead giveaways that there is something going on with the plumbing?

1. Faucets that constantly drip. A dripping faucet can be extremely annoying, and not just because it reminds you of all the water you’re wasting. The good news is that a dripping faucet is often easy to repair, sometimes with the purchase and application of a new washer. If your faucet hardware is 20 years old or more, however, you may need to have the whole set replaced, which may require you to call a plumber.
2. Faucets that squeak when you turn them on. Again, this is more an irritation than anything else, and you can likely resolve the problem either with a new washer or the use of some plumber’s grease. If these solutions do not work, though, then calling a professional plumber may be necessary.
3. Pipes that screech or whistle. There could actually be a number of issues in play here. You may simply have air in the pipes; shutting off the pipes and then running the water until it’s drained dry can solve the issue. Then again, there may be debris caught in your pipes, or a water pressure issue, both of which may require you to call a professional plumber.
4. A shower that rumbles and whooshes. Hopefully, the issue here is just with your hot water heater, and flushing the unit will make these loud noises go away. If that doesn’t do it, you may need to have your pipes cleaned by a professional plumber.

The important thing in all of this is awareness: If your pipes are talking to you, it’s best that you listen. They may be telling you there’s a problem that needs prompt attention!