As we approach the Halloween season, weird noises coming from the drains in our homes can feel right out of a horror movie. Banging, knocking, and gurgling sounds are all unsettling and even frightening! Thankfully, these spooky sounds are more common than you might think.
To give you some peace of mind and help you ward off any plumbing problems, our experts at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric discuss these strange drain noises and what they mean.
Banging Sounds
A loud banging sound or pipe rattling sound is one of the most common spooky sounds. Typically this sound occurs after you shut off the faucet as the water rushes towards its destination. This phenomenon, nicknamed “water hammer,” is the result of water slamming into a closed valve, creating a shockwave. This abrupt shockwave is the culprit of the loud banging you may be hearing.
To remedy this problem, we recommend lowering your water pressure or, if you live in an older home, installing a water hammer arrestor. If the problem continues, we recommend calling in the professionals for backup.
Knocking Sounds
A knocking sound in your basement or utility closet may sound like someone is knocking on the wall or like more of a popping noise. Either way, the volume of this noise varies, but can range from very quiet to extremely loud. This sound is a result of water boiling up from under the sediment inside your water heater tank. The build-up of sediment is normal, but when it traps water underneath it is when you have a problem. The bubbles under the sediment start to boil when you turn your hot water on but it cannot be released, causing them to pop loudly.
Luckily, flushing your water heater tank should fix this problem. If you still notice the knocking sounds, we recommend replacing the water heater tank. If you’re unsure what the best course of action is, it never hurts to call a professional to check things out.
Gurgling Sounds
If your sink is making a gurgling, glugging, or gurgling sound, it could be for a couple of reasons. First, a clog could be forming somewhere in your drain. Or, there could be a blocked vent pipe somewhere in the drain-waste-vent system. These vents add air back into the pipes after water pushes the air down and out after you turn your water off. The vents can become blocked by an obstruction outside your home or a clog inside.
When you turn your water on with a clog, air finds another way to fill the vacuum to move the water, usually through the drain. The blockage or a clog in the drain creates this unpleasant, gurgling sound.
It can be difficult to discern the cause of the gurgling noise, which is why we recommend calling a professional plumber who can investigate and remove the blockage.
Avoid A Plumbing Catastrophe with Bacon’s Drain Cleaning & Replacement Services
If you hear one of these spooky sounds, don’t wait to call a professional plumber. By identifying and taking action early on, you can avoid a scary plumbing catastrophe. At Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric, our drain cleaning experts can clear all drain blockages in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, removing any obstructions from your drain pipes. This Halloween, steer clear of any eerie noises with Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric!
Everybody Loves Bacon! 5 Star Plumbing Services in Texas
Don’t wait until you’ve got a major plumbing problem on your hands! With 24/7 emergency service and the ability to meet your tech virtually before they arrive, Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric is here to ensure you can enjoy your home to the fullest: safely, securely, and at a great, upfront price. Schedule your service today by calling (469) 864-7538 or reaching out online.
