While you might not want to think about it, your plumbing system can experience problems from time to time. As soon as you notice that something is out of the ordinary, you should get it assessed by a plumber before the problem gets worse. If you’re starting to notice that your water pipes are creating a whistling sound, it could be due to a couple of different reasons.
Locate the Source
Before the cause of your whistling pipes can be determined, understanding where the sound is coming from is of the utmost importance. In some cases, the noise can be coming from your water supply while in others it might be coming from an individual fixture. You should turn on different fixtures throughout your home and listen for the whistling sound. This examination will allow you to determine if it’s a problem with your entire plumbing system or a specific fixture or two that is producing the noise.
Noise From Fixtures
In the case where you’re only hearing that whistling noise when a particular faucet is turned on, then you likely have an issue with its internal components. This issue could be due to a worn-out washer, a clogged aerator, or even a loose brass screw. All of these problems can restrict water flow through the fixture, which can increase the overall pressure coming from the supply pipe.
When too much water is trying to be forced through an opening that isn’t big enough, pressure will build up and create a whistling sound. You’ll need to have the fixture repaired or replaced to remedy the water flow and, in turn, the whistling noise.
Noise From Piping
If you experience a whistling noise when using any of your plumbing fixtures, then the problem is with your main water supply. The whistling sound is the result of too much water pressure inside your lines. This can be the results of a few different culprits.
One of the most common is the inside of your piping has a buildup of debris. Over time, excess mineral buildup in the water can attach to the inside of your pipes. This will cause a narrowing of the pipe’s inside, which will restrict the flow of water through it. Many times, replacing your corroded piping is the solution to removing the problem.
All residential properties should have a water pressure between 40 and 60 PSI. Anything above this can result in damage to your piping and plumbing fixtures. In fact, building codes require that any home that receives water from their city supply and whose water pressure is above 80 PSI must have a water pressure regulator installed. This water pressure regulator is specifically designed to safely reduce water pressure before the water is supplied to the various fixtures throughout your home. If your home is missing a water pressure regulator or its regulator has become faulty, you’ll experience a whistling sound due to high water pressure.
Noise From Toilets
If you notice a whistling sound only at a specific toilet after you flush it, you likely have a faulty fill valve component. Inside your toilet tank is a fill valve that’s responsible for regulating the water that refills your tank after you flush the toilet. When the fill valve deteriorates, it will be unable to function properly and can lead to a loud whistling sound. You’ll need to get the fill valve replaced by a plumbing professional to eliminate the noise from your toilet.
Don’t Ignore the Problem
In most cases of whistling coming from your plumbing system, it will start out with a very light pitch and develop into a higher-pitched whistle over time. When you first hear a low whistling sound, you’ll want to contact a plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.
If you ignore the issue, the water pressure is going to build up more and more and the sound is going to get more and more prominent. Eventually, the water pressure will be so intense that it will completely damage your plumbing fixtures and even end up bursting your water supply lines. These problems can be much costlier to fix.
Reliable Plumbing Service
Action Air Plumbing and Septic offers reliable plumbing services to the whole Lubbock, TX community. Ask us about our repiping services, too! We can also assist with all your cooling, heating, ductless mini-split, and septic needs. Give our office a call today to schedule your next service appointment.
