You finally did it - you bought your dream house. A beautiful, stately Victorian. Sure, it might have been easier to get something newer and fully updated with renovations completely done, but you fell in love with the old world charm and unique experience of owning an antique home.
Once you’ve spent a few weeks in your new (old) home, you might begin to understand why so many people think that old houses are haunted. Random creaks in the middle of the night. Strange banging and clanging sounds. Even doors slamming shut.
Is it time to get a paranormal investigator? It could be, but a much more likely explanation is that you simply need a plumbing inspection. Let’s take a look (or, perhaps, a listen) at some common plumbing sounds which go bump in the night.
Hissing or Whistling Sounds
.2002210924551.jpg)
If you hear whistling sounds when you run the water, often, the sound is coming from the water supply pipe. The sound should stop when you turn off the water.
Try stopping the whistling sound by reducing the water pressure. If the water pressure valve is directly connected to the water main - it’s always a smart idea to work with an expert plumber instead.
Another DIY method is flushing out the pipe by running the water to extricate any materials that could be causing the sound. Of course, if neither of these methods work, it might be time to schedule a plumbing inspection.
Banging Pipes
Banging and clanging pipes can jolt you out of bed in the middle of the night wondering what the heck is going on. Now, unfortunately, as an owner of an older home, sometimes these banging and clanging sounds are simply the result of your heating system working as it should be.
If you hear a slamming sound, you might be hearing a heat zone slamming shut due to air pressure and wind. Disconcerting, yes. Paranormal? Not quite.
Older radiators are also notorious for making banging and clanging sounds. If the slope of the radiator is off, it will make banging noises while in operation until the slope is corrected. It is not recommended that you attempt to fix a radiator’s slope yourself.
Continuous Running Water
If your water gurgles while it runs, the most common culprit is air trapped within the pipes. There could also be a buildup or a blockage in the drain. If your water drains slowly, the latter explanation is most likely the correct one.
Similarly, the sound of continually running water may also be a cause for concern. In most cases, it’s an indication that you have an unrepaired water leak, which is always open and allowing water to flow through.
Whether you have a plumbing problem that needs to be addressed now or you simply want to schedule a plumbing inspection, Dr. Rooter of Lexington, SC can help you.
No matter what mysterious noises you’re hearing, it is of the utmost importance that you keep the plumbing at your home in good working order.