Why are my pipes making noise when the water is off or on?

Some of these sounds are caused by loose pipes, hydraulic shock, blockages, issues with water pressure and flow, and more. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the specific causes of noisy water pipes. We'll also give you DIY tips on how to troubleshoot them yourself and when it’s time to call a plumber.

1. The pipes aren’t secured correctly.

When you don't correctly secure your home's pipes, loose pipes occur. As a result, you may hear rattling or squealing noises coming from your piping.

Loose bolts, joists, or straps on pipes can make noise. These can be hidden under woodwork, in a cellar, airing cupboard, or under the floor. If you’ve had work done on your home recently, that may have affected the sturdiness of your pipes, as well.

2. Solenoid valves are causing noises.

Solenoid valves are fast-acting valves that control the water supply that’s sent to appliances like ice makers, washing machines, and dishwashers. They can suddenly stop the water that’s moving along pipes, which can result in a shockwave that causes the pipes to shudder and create a banging or water hammering sound.

If you’ve recently installed a new dishwasher, washing machine, or other home appliance, the solenoid valve may be the culprit of a loud bang or other noise. Contact a plumber for help finding a solution for this sound.

3. A water tank float valve is creating water ripples.

If you have a water tank, the float valve in the tank may cause water ripples when it rocks up and down. Those ripples may result in the valve constantly closing and opening, which results in a wave system that echoes along the pipes and a water hammering sound.

A metal reinforcing plate can help plastic water tanks stop moving and decrease hammering noises from pipes. Talk to your plumber about performing this repair.

4. The water system’s air chambers are blocked.

When you hear noisy pipes for the first time out of the blue, the cause may be that the water system’s air chambers have clogged. This could be due to something like mineral residue from the water supply or the water itself.

The blockage prevents the pipes from absorbing the pressure from the plumbing systems, which can result in noisy pipes and water hammering.

5. Loose and worn-out components.

Loose or worn-out washers, fasteners, nuts, bolts, and other hardware can create annoying sounds throughout your home. You may hear rattling or high-pitched sounds, like whistling, squeaking and squealing. These issues often occur near dishwashers, washers, and dryers, so a plumber will check those areas while they’re troubleshooting and fixing the problem. 

6. The pipes lack proper insulation.

Insulation can help prevent the pipe components from coming into direct contact with a building’s structure, which can also reduce noise. Various materials, such as felt liners or foam insulation, can deteriorate over time. If the insulation is exposed, natural elements can also contribute to the insulation’s deterioration or cause issues like mold.

For this project, you may want to have a plumber come out to first identify if insulation is an issue. They may be able to insulate your pipes, or you may want to consider hiring an insulation specialist. 

7. There’s a water pressure issue.

High water pressure can contribute to noisy pipes when you abruptly turn off the water. High water pressure could cause bigger problems, like burst or damaged pipes, as well.

You can reduce the overall water pressure in your home by decreasing the water pressure by turning the globe valve. If your home doesn’t use a pressure-regulating globe valve, you can hire a plumber to install a pressure reducer valve at the water line main. 

And if your home doesn’t have air chambers to absorb water pressure, you can also hire a plumber to install them.

Another option is to install water hammer arrestors, which use a mixture of air bladders and springs to absorb water movement.

8. The water flow is restricted.

If your pipes are making a high-pitched squealing noise, that could indicate water flow restriction. If the noise is only coming from a specific faucet or appliance, that fixture may have a clogged aerator. If the squealing noise is heard throughout the home, it may be due to pipe buildup.

Squeaky pipes are also more common with copper pipes. If you have copper pipes and you hear squealing, there may be nothing wrong at all. If the sound becomes too annoying, you could have rubber casings installed to reduce the sound.

9. Clogs and blockages in your pipes. 

Gurgling sounds indicate your pipes are struggling to drain the water, which is a sign there’s likely an obstruction in your pipes. Hair, waste, mineral buildup, soap scum, grease, food, and other debris can cause these unpleasant sounds. 

You may be able to remove the blockage with a plumbing snake or drain cleaner. But be careful when using cleaners — they may damage your pipes. If you have a severe clog you can’t remove, hire a plumber.

10. Tree roots have started growing near and inside your pipes.

Drain pipes that run under a lawn can develop cracks and holes that take in moisture that attracts nearby tree roots. These roots can start growing near the drain pipe or inside, which can lead to gurgling noises. Gurgling noises can also indicate a vent pipe blockage, possibly due to debris like leaves.

What are normal sounds when the water is on?

Of course, some sounds coming from your pipes are completely normal when you turn your water on. These include:

• A rushing water sound
• Some squeaking, if you have copper pipes
• Humming or vibrating sounds

Related: Weird sounds and smells in your home you should never ignore.

How to fix noisy pipes yourself.

There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot a noisy pipe yourself. These include:

• Drain all the plumbing in your home. This can help restore air to the chambers.
• Clean the air chamber to remove scale and residue. Or, replace the air chamber.
• If your main water supply uses a global valve, turn the valve to reduce your home’s overall water pressure.
• If your main water supply doesn’t use a pressure-regulating globe valve, install a pressure reducer valve at the main water supply.
• Install water hammer arrestors and/or pipe air chambers if your home doesn’t have them.
• If there’s squealing from a specific fixture, remove the aerator and soak it in vinegar for a half-hour to unclog it.
• Install rubber casings on copper pipes to prevent them from rubbing against the support anchors.
• Clear debris, like leaves, from vent pipes.
• Unclog drain pipes with dish soap and hot water.
• Use a drain snake or auger to remove tough clogs.
• Tighten loose pipe mounts or install new ones.
• Turn a hot or cold water pipe all the way open when you’re using a faucet.

You can also prevent noisy pipe issues by maintaining optimal water pressure, regularly clearing drain pipes, and ensuring your fixtures are maintained.

When should you hire a plumber to inspect your pipes?

If you’ve tried troubleshooting this problem on your own, but you can't fix the problem, it's best to hire a plumber to come and inspect your pipes. You may also want to hire a pro if:

• Your home is old, and you haven’t had an inspection in the past two years.
• You hear squealing throughout your home, which could indicate you need all your pipes cleaned.
• You suspect invasive tree roots are causing issues. In this case, you may also need tree removal services.

Download the Thumbtack app to find a plumber near you, and get started on your project.