It’s a positive thing that your plumbing is reliable. When your plumbing is making noises or is loud, you might begin to worry. While some sounds are normal, others aren’t. We’ll walk you through five common sounds and how to resolve them.

These noises include:

  • Plumbing is whistling
  • Plumbing is gurgling
  • Plumbing is humming
  • Plumbing is vibrating
  • Plumbing is bubbling

1. Plumbing is Whistling

If your plumbing is whistling, you could be facing a couple of issues.

Cause: Hard Water

More than 90% of U.S. homes have hard water, which means it has too much calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in your pipes and appliances, creating clogs and less efficient operation.

If you have issues with soap scum, clogged pipes or appliances deteriorating quickly, you might have hard water. Having a plumber install a water softener is the best way to fix this issue.

Cause: Old Pipes

Plumbing doesn’t last forever. If you have an older home, it’s important to know what pipe material you have and how long it lasts.

  • Brass: up to 100 years
  • Copper: up to 80 years
  • PVC: up to 45 years

If your pipes are near the end of their lifetime and you’re dealing with leaks, rusty water or insufficient water pressure, it may be time to have new ones installed.

Cause: Water Pressure Is Too High

This can be caused by your water supplier or problems with your water heater. A telltale indication of high water pressure is hearing banging in your pipes, especially after shutting off a faucet.

If this is what’s creating the problem, a plumber can check and replace your home’s pressure-reducing valve as needed.

2. Plumbing is Gurgling

Gurgling isn’t a good sound. It’s usually a symptom that you’re experiencing some sort of blockage or clog. Here are three of the most common types.

Cause: Clogged Drain

Your drain can either be partially or fully blocked. Here’s the difference:

  • Partial clog—water drains more slowly than normal.
  • Full clog—water rises instead of draining, especially in multiple drains.

It can be tempting to use a liquid drain opener to fix the issue, but this can create more problems. These products are harsh and can eat away at your pipes. It’s always best to have a plumber unclog your pipes, either through a snake or jetting.

Cause: Clogged Sewer Line

Your home has a sewer pipe that carries waste to the primary sewer line, usually located in your yard or in the street. If this pipe gets clogged, you will likely be taking care of backup in your basement.

Things that can block or plug this pipe includes tree roots seeking water or by flushing bathroom products other than toilet paper. Whether you’re dealing with tree roots or a clogged toilet, you’re going to need assistance from a professional plumber.

Cause: Blocked Sewer Vent or P-Trap

The sewer vent system and P-traps on your drains keep icky plumbing smells out of your home. If they get clogged, you’ll likely notice gurgling, experience slow draining or smell sewage. A plumber can help you get to the bottom of and resolve this smelly problem.

3. Plumbing is Humming

If your plumbing is humming, you’re not just dealing with an annoying sound.

Cause: High Water Pressure

Humming means your home’s water pressure is likely too high. This can create problems like water leaks and damage to faucets and other fixtures. A plumber can help you control water pressure, which should be around 60–70 PSI.

4. Plumbing is Vibrating

If your plumbing is vibrating, three problems could be creating this noise.

Cause: Unsecured Pipe Clamp

The most common trigger of vibrating plumbing is a loose pipe clamp. This hardware keeps pipes secure when water is flowing through them. If the loose pipe is under a sink, you might be able to fix this issue yourself. If it’s behind a wall, it’s recommended to work with a plumber.

Cause: High Water Pressure or Water Hammer

Less frequently, pipes can vibrate due to high water pressure or a water hammer, which occurs when water that’s moving fast hits a closed valve. A plumber can diagnose and correct these problems.

5. Plumbing is Bubbling

If your plumbing is bubbling, you’re likely dealing with issues associated with gurgling plumbing.

Cause: Clogged or Incorrectly Vented Drain

Whether you’re dealing with a clogged or incorrectly vented drain, a plumber can take care of it.

Polar Air & Mechanical Can Resolve Your Odd Plumbing Noises

No one wants to hear a loud or odd noise coming from their plumbing. There are many different noises that can be heard from your pipes and what they mean may varies. If you have any questions about the sounds you’re hearing in your home, contact at 843-253-4874 today. We’re here to help when you need a plumber in Myrtle Beach or surrounding areas.