Bumps, Bangs & Gurgles? Don’t Get Spooked. Call the Pros!

Don’t let strange sounds coming from your plumbing scare you. Unusual plumbing sounds typically point to underlying issues like high water pressure, trapped air, partial clogs, or worn-out hardware.

Here’s what your pipes may be trying to tell you when they are making abnormal sounds.

Common Plumbing Sounds and Their Meanings

• Banging or Knocking (Water Hammer): This can be caused when fast-flowing water is abruptly stopped or changes direction, sending a shock wave through the pipes. It can also mean pipes are loose and striking against wall studs.
• Whistling or Screeching: These sounds can be triggered by high water pressure rushing through a restricted opening, a partially closed valve, or a worn-out faucet washer.
• Gurgling or Bubbling: Hearing this may indicate trapped air or a partial blockage in your drain or main sewer line, forcing air bubbles to push back up through the standing water in traps. It can also point to a blocked or improperly sized plumbing vent.
• Low Rumbling or Vibrating: This sound is often heard near a water heater and caused by heavy sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which overheats and boils trapped water. Vibrating near toilets often points to a worn fill valve diaphragm.
• Humming: This is usually a sign that your home’s main water pressure is set too high. (Ideal pressure sits around 60–70 PSI).
• Ticking or Tapping: You may hear this when metal pipes expand and contract as hot water runs through them, rubbing against wooden framing or wall joists.

When to Call the Pros
If banging sounds are coming from inaccessible areas, the sound is getting progressively worse, you have an old plumbing system, or you suspect a hidden leak, call a professional plumber for evaluation.

“We’re here at Alan’s Plumbing to make sure spooky sounds don’t turn into serious problems,” says Luke Burkhalter, son of the namesake of the company, Alan Burkhalter. “If a sound continues and you’re unable to find its origin, or the fix is bigger than a do-it-yourself project, call us to come out and take a look.”

For 30 years, Alan’s Plumbing has been the go-to, honest, licensed plumbing company here in Fort Bend. Alan and his brother, Chris, work alongside the team of plumbers that includes sons Beau and Luke (youngest brother Jake does plumbing sales), longtime plumbers Jaime, Christian, and Anthony, and apprentices Nick, Noah, and PJ.

Alan’s Plumbing ~ Your Reliable and Honest Hometown Plumbers
281-261-1064
www.Alans.Plumbing
License M-18995
RMP Alan Burkhalter