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 alarming, especially if you’ve ever wondered, “Why do my water pipes make noise?” or noticed water pipes making noise during everyday use. The reason why pipes make noise depends on several factors, but the most common causes are 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 noises
- Gurgling
- Squeaking
- Humming noise
- Squealing
- Hammering
- Buzzing
- Whistling
We’ll walk through the possible causes of noisy pipes and help you determine which fixes you can handle yourself and which ones require a professional plumber.
Before diving into specific noises, it’s essential first to understand how your home’s plumbing system works and where issues can originate.
Understanding Your Home’s Plumbing System
Your home’s plumbing system uses a complex network of pipes, valves, vents, and fixtures to carry fresh water in and wastewater out. In most homes, these systems operate under pressure and connect directly to municipal water 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 that 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
High water pressure is a common cause of buzzing or vibrating sounds when the water is running. As excess pressure forces water through the pipes, it can cause them to vibrate. This can be a cause of noisy water pipes. Installing a water pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve (PRV) helps control the pressure and reduce strain on the plumbing system. Many newer homes already have a PRV installed, but these valves can wear out over time. If yours is noisy or no longer regulating pressure correctly, replacing it can restore normal water flow.
Excessive water pressure can also cause pipes to shift or bang as water moves through them, leading to loud noises and other plumbing issues. Know where your main water shut-off valve is so you can quickly shut off the water flow during an emergency, such as a burst pipe, a leaking water heater, or while troubleshooting noisy, vibrating plumbing.
Loose Pipes
Loose pipes, especially hot water lines, can cause loud plumbing noises. Over time, the fasteners that secure pipes to wall studs can loosen. When hot water flows through copper pipes, the metal expands slightly, causing the pipe to shift. A loosely fastened pipe moves and rubs against wood or drywall, creating creaking or thudding sounds.
When the hot water flow stops, the pipe cools and contracts, settling back into place and rubbing the stud again, which can cause more noise. Fortunately, this is often a simple DIY fix. Securing loose pipes with clamps or adding foam pipe insulation can hold the pipe in place, reduce noise, and help prevent 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 fixtures that are well-used. 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 will have to climb onto the roof and inspect the vents for debris.
If the gurgling noise is coming from one fixture, a plumber can clear the blockage with a plumbing snake. Occasionally, the issue is a poorly installed vent or vertical pipe, which a licensed plumber can evaluate.
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 in the pipes that absorb shock. When these chambers become waterlogged or air bubbles get trapped in higher sections of pipe, they create vibrations or a jackhammer-like sound. Draining the system and refilling it slowly with all faucets open can help “reset” the airflow.
When the Problem is an Air Hammer
Compressed air in your plumbing releases abruptly when someone suddenly opens a water valve, causing an air hammer. When someone opens the faucet, the result is a sharp, startling bang. Trapped air inside the pipes creates the noise you hear. The fix usually involves draining the pipes or installing modern air chambers to manage the pressure imbalance.
When the Issue is a Water Hammer
When you shut off the faucet, it creates a slight vacuum downstream that pulls the water back and releases it against the valve. Water hammers only occur when valves are closed suddenly. If you don’t hear noise when you close the valve slowly, you have water hammer, not air hammer. A plumber can install water hammer arrestors 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 hum, vibrate, or rattle as pressure shifts. You will especially see this in older homes. When pipes expand and contract due to heating or cooling, they can produce strange noises; this usually occurs when unsecured household plumbing pipes move against ceilings and walls.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
In many homes, pipes pass through uninsulated spaces, which causes expansion and contraction with temperature changes. 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 professional:
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 parts, especially on fixtures connected to appliances like a washing machine or water softener.
- 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.
- Professionals handle pipe movement behind walls or under floors because they have the proper tools and access.
- 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.
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!