It can happen that your faucets make noise either when opening or closing them. Sometimes it’s a whistle noise, sometimes it’s banging, or knocking, and even vibration noises can be heard. There are a few things that could be causing these and you need to get them checked and fixed as soon as possible. Check out what are they below!
“The secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes.” - Benjamin Disraeli
Pipes
There are a lot of things related to faucets making noises and pipe issues. First of all, it can happen that the pipes of your house are too small and when water is being distributed, it results in screeching and banging. The solution would be to call a plumber and install new pipes.
Another option is a kink or bend in the pipe:
This can happen especially in pipes located under the kitchen sink - since they’re exposed and can easily be knocked when you put something away there. This type of damage to the pipe causes water pressure to build and create noise. If you take a look under there, you’ll be able to see if there’s any damage done.
Squealing sounds can also be caused by hot water. That’s because when hot water is turned on, it causes pipes to expand and scrape against their metal support brackets. A simple solution for this would be to replace the metal brackets for plastic brackets.
Insulation
Insulation is usually used to keep pipes apart, keep the heat from spreading to the surroundings and avoid banging (which can happen due to high water pressure or when pipes expand with the passage of hot water). If a piece of insulation has fallen or is too old, it won’t do the job properly and noises will start to happen.
Water Pressure
Let’s start by making it clear your water pressure should always measure less than 80 pounds per square inch. If it’s higher than that, problems will occur. Sounds like shaking, rattling, and banging are common when the pressure is high. You can either get a DIY water pressure test or hire a plumber to do it for you.
Though I must add,
Hiring a plumber right away sounds like the smartest choice since they can already resolve the issue for you right there and then. Installing a pressure-reducing valve is something that only a professional can get done.
Sediment
Your water line can also be affected by sediment, especially if you live in an area with high mineral content. The sediment will build up and create a blockage in your faucet and will cause weird sounds.
Solution: Get a professional to remove the pipes connected to the faucet and remove sediment buildup.
Washer
Compression-valve faucets are fitted with washers, and if this piece is on the wrong side or if it hasn’t been properly installed (meaning, it’s loose), noises will happen. It’s easier to know if you have this problem because the noises created from it will only happen in that particular faucet.
Solution: To resolve this matter, replace the washer. Or, if by any chance your faucet is too old, consider replacing the whole thing at once.
Faulty Cartridge
Some faucets don’t have a washer, but have cartridges instead - especially these modern faucets. So the noise won’t come from wobbling washers, but from debris or sediments blocking the water flow. But then again, it’s easy to notice if this is the problem when just that one faucet is making noise. Get a plumber to help you take apart the faucet and install a new cartridge.
Have you identified the problem with your faucet? Get a free quote from local plumbers to get it fixed!
More from homeyou:
- Plumbing Maintenance: What Are You Doing Wrong?
- Why Doesn’t My Hot Water Last When I Shower?
- 5 Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber