Most plumbing operates silently. When your pipes start making noise — banging, whistling, gurgling, or humming — something is wrong. Some noises are minor annoyances; others signal serious problems. Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. diagnoses plumbing noises throughout Riverside County and explains what each sound means.

Banging or Hammering Pipes (Water Hammer)

What it sounds like: A loud bang or thud when you turn off a faucet or when your washing machine valve closes suddenly.

What it means: This is called “water hammer” — the shock wave created when fast-moving water is suddenly stopped. The kinetic energy has to go somewhere, so the pipe bangs against whatever it’s touching (framing, other pipes, wall).

Severity: Moderate. Ongoing water hammer can stress pipe joints, loosen connections, and eventually cause leaks. It also sounds alarming.

Fix: Water hammer arrestors can be installed at washing machine valves and other fast-closing valves. Slow-closing valve cartridges may also help. Air chambers (if your home has them) may need to be recharged.

Whistling or Squealing

From a faucet: Usually a worn washer or degraded cartridge. The restriction creates a high-pitched whistle as water is forced through a smaller-than-designed opening.

Throughout the house: May indicate high water pressure. Normal pressure is 45-80 PSI. Whistling pipes often indicate 80+ PSI. Have your pressure tested.

From the toilet: A whistling fill valve means the ballcock or fill valve is worn and restricting flow as the tank fills. Replacement solves it quickly.

Gurgling Drains

What it sounds like: Bubbling or gurgling from a drain after another fixture runs, or from a toilet that bubbles when you shower.

What it means: Gurgling typically indicates a venting problem. Drain lines must be vented to equalize pressure — without proper venting, the water flowing through drains creates suction that pulls air through nearby traps, causing gurgling (and potentially letting sewer gas into the home).

Severity: Moderate to serious. Can allow sewer gas (including hydrogen sulfide) into the home. Have it inspected.

Humming Pipes

A low hum from your pipes often indicates water pressure that’s too high — the water is under such pressure that the pipes vibrate slightly. Test your water pressure with a gauge at an outdoor hose bib. Pressure above 80 PSI needs to be reduced via a pressure reducing valve (PRV) adjustment or replacement.

Clicking or Ticking Near Your Water Heater

Normal thermal expansion and contraction sounds as hot water heats pipes. Not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.

Banging in the Walls During the Night

If banging occurs without anyone using water, this may indicate a loose pipe strap that’s allowing a pipe to shift, or a hydronic heating system issue. Have it evaluated by a plumber.

Let Davis Plumbing Diagnose Your Noisy Pipes

Call (951) 657-0393 for plumbing noise diagnosis and repair throughout Riverside County. Or contact us online.