Bumps in the Night: Pipes not Poltergeists
It’s getting to the time of year when the darkness lasts longer than the daylight—the time when the wind stirs up the desert dust and sends tumbleweeds across the ground. The desert can be a spooky placeon a Halloween night, with the wind whistling down the dunes and the ancient legends haunt the shadows between the cacti. When spooky sounds move into the walls of a home, the homeowner may need to be less concerned with calling the ghost hunters and more concerned with calling the plumber about their noisy pipes.
Ghostly Song: Humming Sounds
- Pipe damage/breakage
- Mounting bolts or fasteners loosening
- Wall damage
- Water damage resulting from broken pipes
If a house has a well water source, this can be a problem as well pumps are more likely to produce higher pressure for a single home than a city water source. If a homeowner has access to their well pump and can adjust their pressure settings, they should do that. If they cannot, it is time to call on the plumbing professionals.
Wailing Wind or Whistling Pipes
Sometimes starting the shower or sink is a noisy affair. Do the pipes seem to protest with a whine or whistle forlornly as water exits the faucet? This is typically caused by a worn-out washer or other small parts that assist with water flow and cut-off. This often happens around larger appliances that are connected to the plumbing system.
If the whistling grows too loud and annoying, it is likely a sign that some small part needs to be replaced. Calling a professional plumber for water line services will solve the problem quickly and easily as they will find the problem component and replace it. No whistling, and no leaks.
Don’t Be Startled by Water Hammer
Water hammer may sound like some wizard’s spell attack, but it actually refers to water movement in the pipes when a valve is quickly turned to the closed position. The momentum of water rushing out of the pipe is suddenly stopped, which causes the water to bounce backward in the pipe causing a loud banging sound or several smaller bumps.
Because the water hits the valve and rebounds with a high force, it can cause concussive damage to pipes and joints.
- Valve and Pump Damage: The water knocking around the pipes can cause pressure damage to the valves in question and any pumps that push the water from the opposite direction.
- Weakened Joints: Pressure will loosen fittings and pipe joinings which can lead to other problems.
- Leaks: If pipes or joints are damaged enough, then water may begin to leak, which can lead to mold, mildew, and other property damage.
Suppose this is a consistent problem in a home. In that case, the inhabitants may need to seek the assistance of a plumbing professional for repiping or fitting the pipes with a water hammer arrestor.
About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC is the company of undisputed top experts in Albuquerque, NM. They provide 24 hour emergency service and free estimates; their goal is to fix it the first time with no hassle to their customers. Call them today for pipe services.
