Strange Pipe Noises?
Hearing banging, gurgling, or whistling from your pipes? These sounds indicate underlying plumbing issues that need professional attention in Des Plaines.
Common Types of Pipe Noises & What They Mean
🔨 Banging or Hammering Sounds
What it sounds like:
- • Loud banging when you turn off faucets
- • Hammering sounds in walls
- • Thumping after toilet flushes
Most likely cause:
Water hammer - fast-moving water suddenly stops, creating pressure waves that bang against pipe walls.
🌊 Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds
What it sounds like:
- • Gurgling from drains
- • Bubbling in toilet
- • Water sounds in walls
Most likely cause:
Blocked drains, venting issues, or partial clogs creating air pockets and drainage problems.
🎵 Whistling or Squealing Sounds
What it sounds like:
- • High-pitched whistling
- • Squealing when water flows
- • Musical sounds from faucets
Most likely cause:
Worn valve seats, damaged washers, or mineral buildup restricting water flow through fixtures.
💧 Dripping or Trickling Sounds
What it sounds like:
- • Constant dripping in walls
- • Water running sounds
- • Trickling behind fixtures
Most likely cause:
Hidden leaks, worn seals, or faulty toilet flappers allowing continuous water flow.
Water Hammer Solutions
Water hammer is the most common and potentially damaging pipe noise. Here's how we fix it:
Professional Solutions:
- • Install water hammer arrestors
- • Add expansion tanks
- • Adjust water pressure
- • Secure loose pipes
- • Replace worn valve components
Why It's Important:
- • Prevents pipe joint damage
- • Protects appliance connections
- • Eliminates annoying noise
- • Extends plumbing system life
- • Prevents costly repairs
Our Noise Diagnosis Process
Listen & Locate
Identify noise type and source location throughout your home
Test & Measure
Check water pressure, flow rates, and system operation
Fix & Prevent
Implement targeted solutions to eliminate noise and prevent recurrence
When to Call Immediately
Emergency Situations
- • Extremely loud banging sounds
- • Noises getting progressively worse
- • Sounds accompanied by water damage
- • Vibrations shaking fixtures
- • Multiple new noises appearing
Schedule Soon
- • Consistent but minor noises
- • Sounds only during certain activities
- • Intermittent gurgling or whistling
- • Noises that started recently
- • Sounds affecting sleep or daily life
Preventing Future Pipe Noises
Best Practices:
- • Turn faucets off slowly
- • Don't slam cabinet doors near pipes
- • Keep water pressure at optimal levels
- • Address small leaks quickly
- • Regular maintenance inspections
Professional Maintenance:
- • Annual pressure testing
- • Pipe support inspection
- • Valve condition checks
- • Water hammer arrestor service
- • System optimization
Simple Troubleshooting Steps
You Can Try:
- Note when noises occur (which fixtures, time of day)
- Check if all fixtures make the same noise
- Ensure main water valve is fully open
- Look for visible loose pipes
- Check water pressure with gauge if available
Leave to Professionals:
- • Installing water hammer arrestors
- • Adjusting pressure regulators
- • Securing pipes in walls
- • Replacing valve components
- • System pressure modifications
Related Services
Stop Those Annoying Pipe Noises!
Get peace and quiet back in your home with professional noise diagnosis and repair.