Often, especially in older homes, the plumbing in your house can make some very strange noises indeed. Before you attempt some DIY, you should look online for information on plumbing problems that may arise. Some problems are more obvious than others, and you may need to seek the help of a professional to rectify them. So, if you hear some strange noises in your plumbing, here are some of the most common causes.
A Big Thud
When you turn on a tap, if you hear a big thud, then this can be an indication that the pressure in your system is too high. One way to combat this is to install a regulator which allows you to adjust the pressure in your pipes. Installing one of these will usually require the assistance of a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly.
A Whistling Sound
The opposite of the above problem is a whistling sound when the taps are turned on, and this is usually an indicator that the pressure in your system is too low. If you have a regulator installed then try turning this down, alternatively it could be caused by air or debris in the system. Turn off the water at the mains and turn on a tap and let it run till the water stops. Once the water has stopped running, turn the mains valve back on and see if this helps to solve the issue.
A Hissing Drain
If you hear a hissing sound when water is running down one of your drains, whether it is the kitchen sink of the bath, it is usually a sign that the water pressure is too high. Try installing a regulator which allows you to alter the pressure within the system.
A Gurgling Sound
If you hear a gurgling sound in your drains when water is drained away, then this may be a blockage in the pipe, which you can try cleaning with a product from your local DIY shop or grocery store.
A Constant Drip
If you are getting a steady drip from one of your taps, then the most likely cause of this is a damaged rubber washer. Changing the rubber washer on a tap is not an overly complicated task, but for the less adventurous DIY enthusiasts you may wish to summon the help of a local plumber.
Rattling Pipes
If, when you run the water or flush the toilet, you hear a rattling sound, it probably means that the pipes are no longer secure and have become loose. If you are going to secure the pipes yourself, make sure that you do not damage them and cause an even bigger problem. An experienced plumber will be able to solve the problem quickly, and most will offer a guarantee on their work.
There are some sounds in our homes, such as when the central heating is warming up, that are not possible to solve. For all other problems, if you do not have the experience yourself, seek the assistance of a qualified plumber and have your home running smoothly and problem free in no time.
This is really good information that I will have to save for reference. I have had different plumbing problems in the past and it is scary to not understand what is going on.