When it comes to strange sounds in homes, few things are as confusing or disruptive as noisy plumbing. For new or first-time homeowners, it can even be downright alarming. Why do pipes make noise? The answer depends on a few different factors, but the most common causes are often pressure, temperature, loose fittings, or air in the system. No matter the source, it helps to know what’s normal and what may signal the need for plumbing repair.
What kind of noises could you hear?
- Loud banging
- Gurgling
- Squeaking
- Humming noise
- Squealing
- Hammering
- Buzzing
- Whistling
Let’s look at some of the possible causes of noisy pipes and help you decide which fixes may be a DIY job—and which should be left to professional plumbing services.
Before diving into specific noises, it’s important to first understand how your home’s plumbing system works and where issues can originate.
Understanding Your Home’s Plumbing System
Your home’s plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, valves, vents, and fixtures that carry fresh water in and waste water out. Most systems operate under pressure and are connected to municipal supplies. They include hot and cold water lines, drainage pipes, and vent stacks. Pipes run through walls, floors, and joists, often hidden from view. This means when something goes wrong, it usually reveals itself as a sound first: banging, humming, or rattling, alerting you that something needs attention.
With a better grasp of how your plumbing operates, let’s explore the most common reasons behind noisy pipes and what they mean.
Common Causes of Noisy Pipes
Water Pressure
Water pressure, typically high water pressure, is often to blame for buzzing sounds, due to the vibration of the pipes as the water flows through. Installing a water pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve (PRV) can help regulate flow and reduce stress on the system. Many modern homes already have these installed, but they can fail. If your home already has a PRV and it’s making noise or no longer controlling pressure effectively, it may need replacement.
Loud banging sounds can be caused from water pipes moving due to water pressure in the plumbing system as the water runs through, causing high pressure/ PSI (pounds per square inch), which can lead to other plumbing problems and issues with your water lines.
Knowing where your shut-off valve for your main water supply is located is important as a homeowner, in case of burst copper pipes, a free flowing leak in your hot water heater, or for troubleshooting your plumbing system and vibrating pipes.
Loose Pipes
When you have loose pipes, especially loose hot water pipes, you can run into plumbing problems and loud noises. What can happen is the fasteners that hold the pipes to the studs of your home can become loose. When the hot water from your water heater flows through copper tubing, it will expand and move slightly. If pipes are not properly secured to studs or joists, they can move slightly as they expand and contract, rubbing against wood or drywall. This creates creaking or thudding noises. As the flow of water from the water heater stops, it cools off, and the copper pipe settles back into place, rubbing against the stud and causing noisy pipes.
This is something that can be a DIY fix. Securing loose pipes with clamps or foam pipe insulation to keep things in place is often an effective DIY solution to fix your noisy water pipes and save yourself from future plumbing issues.
Loose Washers / Nuts
Hearing a squealing or squeaking sound when you turn on a faucet? It might be a loose washer or nut in your water valve. These parts can wear down over time, especially in older homes or well-used fixtures. Replacing a worn washer is relatively simple for handy homeowners and can restore quiet function to faucets and appliances.
Buildup / Clogs
Your plumbing is not supposed to sound like a coffee maker or make burping or hissing sounds. If your plumbing has become rather noisy recently, it’s time to have a plumber take a look at the vents. Your plumber would have to climb on top of the roof and inspect the vents for debris.
If the gurgling sound is coming from just one fixture in the home, a plumber can clear out the blockage with a handy plumbing snake. Occasionally, the culprit is a poorly-installed vent, and if that’s the case a licensed plumber can give you advice on how to correct the faulty installation.
Air Pressure / Air Chambers
Why are my water pipes making noise even when no water is running? If your pipes are making a mysterious “hammering” sound, there’s a good chance that there is air trapped inside the household plumbing, especially if you live in an older home. Older plumbing systems often include vertical air chambers that help absorb shock. When these chambers become waterlogged or air gets trapped in higher sections of pipe, it creates vibrations, thumps, or jackhammer-like sounds. Draining the system and refilling it slowly with all faucets open can help “reset” the airflow.
When the Problem is an Air Hammer
An air hammer happens when compressed air in your plumbing gets released abruptly, often when a water valve is suddenly opened. When someone opens the faucet, the result is a sharp, startling bang. The noise is caused by trapped air in the pipes. The fix usually involves draining the pipes or installing modern air chambers to better manage the pressure imbalance.
When the Issue is a Water Hammer
If the issue isn’t trapped air, the noisy plumbing could be caused by a water hammer. If you quickly close a faucet and there is a loud banging noise that’s followed by a series of diminishing banging noises, you probably have a water hammer.
Basically, when you shut off the faucet, it causes a small vacuum downstream, which pulls the water back and releases it back against the valve. Water hammers only occur when valves are closed suddenly. If you don’t hear the noise when you close the valve slowly, what you have is a water hammer, not an air hammer. Water hammer arrestors can be installed to help prevent this from happening in some situations.
When You Have Air and Water in the Pipes
Sometimes both air and water are in the pipes, causing them to vibrate and rattle. You will especially see this in older homes. Also, when pipes expand and contract because of the pipes heating up or cooling down, it can lead to strange noises. We found that this usually occurs when household plumbing pipes are not properly secured to ceilings and walls.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
In many homes, pipes pass through uninsulated spaces, which causes expansion and contraction with changes in temperature. As hot water moves through the system, it can cause the metal to expand. As it cools, it contracts, resulting in popping or creaking sounds. This is particularly common in cold water lines exposed to extreme temperature differences. Adding insulation around the pipes can minimize noise and prevent long-term wear.
Now that you know what might be causing the noise, let’s figure out whether you can safely fix it yourself or if it’s time to call in a pro.
Can I Fix Noisy Pipes Myself?
Here’s a quick guide to help you determine when a DIY fix is appropriate and when to call a pro:
DIY-Friendly Fixes:
- Installing foam pipe insulation – Helps reduce vibration and noise caused by expanding or contracting pipes.
- Tightening pipe brackets or supports – Prevents pipes from rattling or banging against walls or framing.
- Replacing faucet washers or aerators – Stops squealing or dripping caused by worn-out
- Draining your system to release trapped air – Eliminates jackhammer sounds and restores pressure balance.
- Adjusting accessible water valves – Can reduce pressure or stop noise from faulty or half-open valves.
Call a Professional For:
- Persistent banging despite DIY fixes – Indicates a deeper issue, like a water hammer or pressure imbalance.
- Pipe movement behind walls or under floors – Requires tools and access professionals are equipped to handle.
- High water pressure that won’t regulate – May involve replacing the main pressure-reducing valve.
- Suspected mainline or vent stack blockages – Complex clogs often require professional snaking or inspection.
- Replacing or installing a pressure-reducing valve – A job best left to a licensed plumber for safety and code compliance.
A licensed plumber can inspect your home’s plumbing system, identify weak points, and recommend long-term solutions to protect your system—and your peace and quiet.
Call the Professional Plumbers at A-1 Sewer and Septic!
Do you have a problem with loud, noisy, or banging pipes, or would you like to run new water lines, replace your water heater or have your mainline cleaned? If so, you have access to professional help here at A-1 Sewer & Septic Service. Contact our Kansas City plumbers to schedule a service call!