What Are Those Strange Plumbing Sounds?

Your plumbing works day in and day out, usually without a falter. When it does have an issue, it may be a visible leak or a backed-up drain in your kitchen. There are other signs that you may not see, but can hear, that your plumbing may have some trouble. Here are some strange plumbing sounds that can alert you to issues with your pipes, water heater or other components.

Rattling Pipes

Is there a clatter of rattling or vibrating pipes behind your walls or under your floors? Sometimes all that is needed is tightening the pipe brackets to keep them still. However, vibration can be caused by too high of pressure; have the water pressure checked to ensure it is correct.

Hammering or Banging Pipes

Do you hear banging or hammering in your walls? Water valves that shut too abruptly can cause a “water hammer” effect. This can damage your pipes and should be fixed. Talk to your local plumber about adding an arrestor or changing to slower-acting water valves.

Tapping and Crackling Water Heaters

If your tank water heater is making racket, it may need flushing. The minerals that buildup in the tank can cause element issues and corrosion that cause a banging sound. Flushing can remove the minerals and extend the life of your water heater.

Hissing or Squealing Faucets

When your faucets make noises when you turn them on, get them checked out by a plumber. Hissing can mean too high of water pressure and squealing can alert you to valves or washers that need replacement.

Next time your plumbing starts talking, make sure to listen. Strange sounds can identify plumbing issues before they become larger emergencies.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

If you have low water pressure, everything using water takes longer. Showers can take a few extra minutes, filling the sink or cooking pots takes longer and running a bath can seem to take forever. Low water pressure is not necessarily a bad idea – it can help reduce the amount of water you use. However, you should be receiving the pressure you desire and if it is low, you need to find out the reason.

There are a few different reasons you may be experiencing low water pressure in your home. To troubleshoot the issue, you first need to determine if it is only certain water fixtures or rooms that experience low pressure or the entire house. If it is only the bathroom or just the kitchen sink, you are most likely dealing with a fixture issue. If it is only hot water, not cold water, then it could be a problem with your water heater, not the plumbing.

When the water pressure is low throughout your house, it could be caused by a couple dynamics. If you are on city water, ask your neighbors about their water pressure – it may be the city water main that is producing low pressure. You could also have a water pressure reducing valve in place that you were not aware of that needs adjustment. You should check to make sure your main water valve is completely open as this could restrict water into your home.

If you are still unsure of why you have low water pressure, call your local plumber. They can inspect your plumbing and provide answers as well as solutions to increase the water pressure in your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Causes of Low Water Pressure

Are you experiencing low water pressure or flow in your home? There are several different causes of low pressure, some that are easily remedied. The first step is to determine where and what is causing the reduction in water flow. Here are some tips to find the problem and how it can be fixed.

Isolated Low Water Pressure Problems

Are all your faucets experiencing low water pressure? If it is only in your bathroom or kitchen, it may be an isolated issue. For example, if only one faucet has low pressure, the supply valve for that faucet may not be completely open. Showers that trickle water may be due to a clogged showerhead, not related to the actual plumbing.

Whole Home Low Water Pressure

If you have low water pressure throughout your home, there are a couple possible causes. If you are on a municipal water supply, it could be low pressure from the main source. Using a hose bib water gauge can help you determine your base water pressure. If it is above 40 PSI, your base water pressure is stable; if it is lower, contact your municipal water supplier as there may be a problem with the supply.

If your base pressure is fine, the problem must be in your home. The most common causes within the home for low water pressure include:

  • Failed pressure release valve
  • Partially closed main water valve
  • Corroded internal pipes

While you can check the main water valve to ensure it is open completely, a failed pressure release valve or corroded pipes may require the professional assistance of a plumber. They can further evaluate the issue and offer solutions to resolve the problem.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283