Your plumbing system should be able to work pretty well for many years without any problems as long as you maintain it regularly. However, in time, you’ll eventually start to encounter some issues. One of the best indicators of that is hearing some banging, wooshing, knocking, and rattling sounds in your walls. This already indicates that there might be a problem with your plumbing that needs to be fixed by a professional. The following are some common noises heard in a home’s plumbing system and the reasons you might be hearing them.

Constant Humming and Grinding on Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are designed to prevent flooding in your basement. If you don’t live in an area where there’s constant flooding, you don’t really have a reason to use your sump pump that often. However, if you hear it running all the time, it may simply be the wrong size for your home.

Some homeowners even experience hearing slurping or grinding sounds that could be because of an issue with the impeller. Whatever the case is, sump pumps aren’t supposed to make those noises. At most, you’ll just hear a faint humming sound when it’s turned on during a flood. You better have it checked by a plumber as soon as possible to see what the problem is.

Popping Sound in Your Water Heater

A popping, bubbling sound may come from your water heater due to sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank. This is almost unavoidable since water practically always has some minerals floating around it, which is what causes the sediment buildup. That’s why it’s essential to flush out your water heater’s tank regularly to make sure those sediment particles don’t cause any trouble to your heater’s performance. This can be easily fixed before any extensive damage occurs. Keep in mind, however, that when you hear that popping sound, the sediment formed may already be too much, requiring you to act quickly and flush it out as soon as you can. 

Strange Toilet Noises

You’re probably so familiar with the sounds your toilet makes that your ears will be attuned to anything out of the ordinary. If you hear any unusual sounds like hissing or a foghorn-like noise, it could be any of the following issues:

• Loose or Worn Washers in the Valve
• Water Tank Leak
• Clogged Drain Line

A loose washer can make quite a racket, which will alert you that there’s something wrong. The hissing, on the other hand, is normal every time you flush your toilet. However, if the hissing sound doesn’t stop after a minute or two, then there might be a leak in the water tank.

Gurgling Sound in the Floor Drain

The floor drains in your bathroom or basement are capable of making some gurgling sounds, which indicates a clog of sorts. This is especially true in your basement drain as it’s closer to the sewer line. Whenever you hear that gurgling sound, it could be due to a localized clog in the p-trap, or there could be something blocking the sewer line itself. Call your local clogged drain service provider to help assess the situation.

Conclusion

Plumbing issues can strike any time with very little indication. It pays to know what the signs and sounds are so you know exactly when to call the professionals. Remember this list, so you know exactly what kind of plumbing problem you’ll be expecting.

CANDU Plumbing & Rooter offers an extensive range of plumbing fixtures and services to our valuable customers. As San Fernando Valley’s premier plumbing experts, we repair and fix everything from leaking pipes and faulty faucets to emergency drain cleaning. Contact us today to request a service!