Checklist to diagnose causes of plumbing noises:

Use this list to track down the sources of plumbing system noises .

This article provides a plumbing noise diagnosis checklist useful for plumbing system noise control, starting with a list of sources of plumbing system noises in buildings: water supply piping noise, drain pipe noise, plumbing fixture noises, water main pipe noise, well pump and piping noises, and water heater noises.

Plumbing Noise Checklist FAQs Set #2 older

These questions & answers about plumbing system noises were posted originally at PLUMBING NOISE CHECKLIST - be sure to see that diagnosis and cure article.

On 2016-03-23 8 by ruthYahu - high pitch whistle, after i turn off the water pump

there is a high pitch whistle, after i turn off the water pump, it is loud and anoying. Will this hurt the pump? Is the pump about to break? Please help me stop this noise. It is soooooooooo loud.

On 2016-03-05 by (mod) -

Not sure, but possibly the new meter or a connection to it has changed the water flow rate so as to cause vibration or even water hammer. Try slightly opening or closing the main water valve and let me know if that makes the noise change or go away.

On 2016-03-04 by Billy

Sorry forgot to tell you im on city water dont have a well pump

On 2016-03-04 by Billy

A month ago the water company changes my water meter the same day i started hearing a loud humming noise in my bathroom walls and vibration i live here 11 years and never had this problem before can you tell me please what it is and how to fix it

On 2016-02-06 by (mod) -

Not sure what you're hearing Marie, possibly a failing bearing in the pump assembly>?

On 2016-02-05 by MARIE

WHY DOES MY SUMP JET WATER POWERED BACK UP PUMP SO LOUD

On 2016-01-24 by (mod) -

I'm not sure, Ann but it might be related to or similar to water hammer; if the noise stops when you change the water velocity then that's probably the case; search InspectApedia for WATER HAMMER for more details.

On 2016-01-23 by Ann

We have an intermittent clicking noise in or near the handle for the cold water when turning the water on or off at a bathroom sink. There don't appear to be any leaks. What could be causing the noise and what if anything should we do about it?

On 2016-01-11 by Roger

My sink in the bathroom (which has the drain line from my AC condenser)is making weird noises. It periodically makes a sound - almost like a duck quacking. Is that a sign of some clog?

On 2015-05-09 by (mod) -

Most likely it's a water supply pipe flow rate and vibration problem.

On 2015-05-09 by Mrs. Lewis

when you flush the commode cold water pipe leading into my gas water heater, vib.and makes a rowling sound. when the tank fills up it quites. this happens about once a week not every day. is this a water pipe or gas water heater problem???

On 2015-03-27 by (mod) -

I'm not sure Rose.

The sounds could be a failing pump or motor bearing but in turn that might be caused by running the pump dry if the well were running out of water.

On 2015-03-27 by Rose

My pressure pump is making a long mettle on mettle squeaking, grating sound and is taking longer to finish its cycle. Is this just the pressure pump or the well pump also?

On 2014-11-15 by (mod) -

Nancy

You want to take a closer look or get some help in tracing the noise you describe to its cause:

- earthquake?

- building structural damage?

- a mechanical system turning on or off?

- something else.

With no data about your building and no location data one can't hazard a useful guess as to cause.

On 2014-11-15 by Nancy Carlino

Every one or tow months there is a very loud rumble, sounds like it is coming from the belly of the house. Then the house vibrates lasts for about 5 seconds.

On 2014-09-17 by tj - problem with a 'banging' noise when my well pump kicked in. This is a submersible pump.

Hello,
Way back in June/July I indicated I was having a problem with a 'banging' noise when my well pump kicked in. This is a submersible pump.

I had replaced the check valve inside the house just before the pressure tank, thinking it was bad.
That didn't fix it.

I finally caved and called a well guy (and probably the wrong one, cause it cost a bunch :( )

He did however correctly diagnose the issue as being the check valve that is down in the well, just above the pump.

Of course, the piping from the pitless adapter down to the pump was the old PVC /white SCH40, which he said had to be replaced with the newer,flexible black tubing.
he also replaced the pump, as it was 30+ years old and he showed me it was drawing at MAX amperage while running.

But the problem was the check valve , just above the pump down in the well.

In case anyone is interested....

days labor for two guys,
160 feet of that black tubing
new Gould 1/2 HP Submersible pump, check valve and new wire, etc,etc. $2500

On 2014-07-08 by (mod) -

First

Lets determine if the noise is from plumbing supply piping. After last water use at night turn off the main water shutoff valve. If the pipes are silent under that condition and noisy when water is on, that's diagnostic.

On 2014-07-07 by V

I should add that we do not have a pump. It happens rain or shine..

I hear a loud vibration noise at times. Seems like it is a piping noise coming from under the house. It has happened about 6 times over the last 4 months. Sounds like air in the main pipes of the house, but it sometimes happens during the night, when none has flushed the toilets. It only lasts about 5-10 seconds then goes away (and we will hear it weeks later again). It is so strong that it wakes us up at night...any idea what it could be???

On 2014-07-03 by (mod) -

TJ

Yes it's called the swap-and-let's see - approach: often a technician can make a guess based on experience and will swap a guessed part figuring it's cheaper overall for the customer than having to spend longer diagnosing the system.

From what you've seen I'd wonder about debris clogging causing irregular pressure switch operation or even varying the rate at which the well can deliver water; Someone may want to check for pump impeller debris or damage.

On 2014-07-03 by TJ

Hi, no, not exactly..
The pump ON pressure is 35. The noise happens when the pressure switch hits 35 and the pump kicks on. This is consistent and when this noise does occur, it's always when the pump comes on at 35 psi on the pressure switch. BUT, as I said in prior posts... it doesn't happen every time

I did get a plumber here two days ago. He changed the 'check valve' that is on the water supply line just before the pressure tank and the pressure switch.

There was some pieces of rust in the line before the check valve(which the plumber said came from a 90 elbow that was in the line prior to the check valve). There was also a piece of 'something' about 3/4 inch in diameter that looked like a small rock.
I have no clue what this is, but it's reddish and metallic as a magnet grabs it?

Anyway, I thought that did it, because I went over 24 hrs and did not hear the noise. Then, to my dismay, we heard it again this morning. :(

Now I feel like I'm working on my car.... just changing parts that aren't bad (hah lol)

On 2014-06-26 by (mod) -

TJ

Good additional information - in that you're confident this is a pump-related noise, and that the noise occurs NOT when the pump starts or stops, but when the system reaches a specific pressure (35 psi), at which time the pump was already running and is continuing to run - have I got that right?

If this is the case we're looking for what happens at 35 psi. Principally I'd expect the pressure switch to do something. Are we sure the pressure switch is responding accurately to building pressure changes and pump turning on and off? Debris clogging can throw off the actual gauge reading.

On 2014-06-25 by tj

OK... read your article (very informative). Unfortunately I'm not sure it's applicable to me.
My noise is NOT related to a faucet or other device being turned off. It happens only when (and only sometimes) when the pump on pressure (35 psi) is reached at the controller ,which is on the line feeding my pressure tank in the basement. It never happens when turning off a faucet etc.

I did check for loose/unsecured piping and I could find none.

On 2014-06-25 by (mod) -

DO keep us posted TJ, what we learn together will help others.

Tracking down and diagnosing a noise can be tricky; if you are sure that you've already reliably isolated the noise cause to the plumbing system and to a pump turning on and off, and when you've made a visual inspection to secure obviously loose items,

AND if you rule out water hammer, then what's left is to find the actual noise source - a mechanic's stethoscope and a careful ear can help - noises are indeed transmitted through building piping, framing, etc. so it takes an effort.

On 2014-06-25 1 by TJ

Don,
I have read several , but not yours. By the time I found your site, I had convinced myself it wasn't water hammer. (not for any scientific reason though :) ) Anyway, I will check out your article.
I did fasten some pipes already that were loose(but have been for 34 years).

however, I did not do a complete review of all piping, particulary above the drop ceiling in my basement..
i will read your article in detail and followup.. thx again

On 2014-06-24 by (mod) -

TJ

well that helps.

I'm back to thinking you have either water hammer or pipe movement.

Have you read over my article on water hammer noise at

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Hammer.htm

On 2014-06-24 2 by tj

Hi Dan,
Understood, and I agree. The part that bothers me is that , as I said, my pump is down in the well. So I'm having trouble correlating any noise that pump might be making for any reason to the noise I'm hearing on the second floor of my house(for example) periodically,

when the pump cycles on. I'm far from an expert on any of this, but it doesn't make sense to me that that noise could be transferring from the pump, through the water line etc. and into my copper pipes in my house. So.... I'm scratching my head here on this 'clunk' I'm hearing.

It's hot today here, so maybe I'll just go sit in the basement , by the pressure tank and see if I can get lucky and have it happen when I'm there (and paying attention) :)

Thx in advance

On 2014-06-24 by (mod) -

TJ,

We're constrained by guessing from afar with no image and not much data so I have to give general advice. Usually a single CLUNK! sound on mechanical equipment is associated with start-up or shut down, and very often is associated with mechanical movement.

Since pumps start and stop a rotating force, you will often see that at the start-up (and occasionally at shut down) the torque exerted by starting the motor from a standstill imparts a twist or rotation to the pump motor assembly which can in turn move the unit if it is not securely bolted, OR if whatever it's bolted to (say a pressure tank or metal piping) moves.

A connection between the pressure tank pressures and clunking noise doesn't leap to mind, but I'll think about it.

On 2014-06-24 by tj

I've checked the piping supports. As for anything on the pump, it's a submersible
Is there any chance that it could be due to my unloaded pressure tank psi being 21, but my cut in pressure for the well pump being 35?

If not, then and I looking at calling a well guy, or a plumber? Suggestions?
Thx in advance

On 2014-06-23 by (mod) -

RJ I would get into the attic and find the leak.

Can you tell us what water recirculation pump you are describing? What's the application?

On 2014-06-23 by rj

I hear what sounds like a drip in the attic area after the water recirculation pump turns on in the morning. The "drip" lasts for about 10 minutes. I changed the time on the pump by one hour and the drip sound started one hour earlier also. What is this sound, is it normal, is there a leak that is causing damage and how can it be remedied? Thank you.

On 2014-06-23 by (mod) -

TJ

I'd start by looking for loose pump motor mounts or piping supports. If those are intact and secure I'd look for a failing pump bearing or impeller or motor components.

On 2014-06-22 by TJ (anonymous from prior post)

I just checked when my pump comes on and off (put my glasses on this time).
It's 35 - 55. Check this about 4 pump cycles and it's consistent.

On 2014-06-22 by Anonymous

Hello, I was just reviewing your ' plumbing noise checklist' above. I've just very recently developed a periodic 'clunk/thunk' noise when my well pump cycles on

. I can't intentionally create this, but it does happen several times a day. I also have not personally been able to view the pressure tank,piping when this happens, but my son has and he says their is movement in the water pipes where they come off the pressure tank.
The pump is the original(submersible, about 34 years old).

The pressure tank was replace about 20 years ago.
The pump seems to cycle fine(on at 30 off at 50), and I don't find anything obvious wrong. We have no air in the water,sediment etc. The pump appears to come on and off at normal intervals.
I did have a couple of pipes that were not held tight by copper retainers, but I fixed these. Still same issue exists.

I've turned off the power and drained the entire system on two different occasions now in the last 10 days.
The pressure tank is at 21 psi (on my 30-50 system).
I believe this is a little low, but not sure it would cause this issue?


BUT, we have NEVER had this noise, until the last few weeks and I'm a bit concerned.

I read in your checklist that possibly a pump control relay switch or check valve could cause this?

Where would these be located?
I assume the check valve is down by the pump somewhere

What about the pump control relay?

Although I consider myself to be mechanically inclined and somewhat 'handy' :) (I know what you are thinking...
If it involves 'below ground' pieces, i'm not touching it.

Seriously though, any advice is appreciated here.
I'm ready to call a professional, because I know it's not right.

Any suggestions? A plumber or would a 'well guy' be more suitable for this.

Thx in advance
TJ Morrissey

On 2014-06-01 by (mod) -

Linda,

Since the only moving parts in the well (other than a little movement in a foot valve check valve parts) are in the pump, those are good guesses - assuming your pump is a submersible unit IN the well.

Possibly the pipe defrosting also loosened scale and deposits in the piping interior.

I'm not sure how electric welders on in-building metal water piping might damage a well pump, as I figure there is not a direct electrical connection if the well piping is plastic.

There are some electrical tests that can be done on the pump circuit that can point to a failing pump motor.

https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Electric_Motor_Diagnosis.php

and

https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pump_Table.htm

A pump that draws abnormally high current may be internally damaged, have a failing bearing &c.

A pump motor that draws abnormally low current may be cavitating, spinning without moving water, due to loss of water in the well or a damaged impeller.

To pull the motor out of the well is also to remove the foot valve. If I were doing that for motor replacement or for further motor testing, at time of reinstallation I'd install a new foot valve in any case, rather than risk having to pull everything a second time.

On 2014-06-01 by linda

this winter my pipes froze in my house, a welder was used and it worked, but after i had a lot of brown water for a couple weeks. then few months later iam hearing a loud humming and vibrating sound coming from are well. can you please help. i was told it could be a bad bearing, or the check valve. thank you for any help on this.

On 2014-05-04 by (mod) -

Sabrina

When you are near an elevator shaft sounds may be transmitted in the shaft or from the shaft into the ceiling by any air duct, metal pipe, etc. that connects the two.

I can't say what's going on from just your note, but the sound event log that I suggest at

https://inspectapedia.com/noise_diagnosis/Noise_Log.htm

might help make some progress.

On 2014-05-04 by sabrinaday8@gmail.com

Hello:
I live on the 25th floor of a 47 floor condo. The hall ceiling on the floor below me is lowered. I hear noises mostly at night sounding similar to a low fog horn lasting 5 seconds and then repeating after a few seconds.

Our new maintenance guy showed me that there were only shut off valves as he lifted a ceiling tile. He took me two floors up and showed me the elevator equipment room but all the motor, etc noises were consistent and not on and off. I asked him about boosters and he said all that equipment is in the basement. Can you please let me know what you think? Thanks.

On 2014-04-26 by (mod) -

From just the toilet flush? and really coming from just the tank?
What kind of toilet and flush mechanism are installed. If this is a power-flush system that mechanism may be the noise source.

On 2014-04-26 by Glen

Loud bang form the toilet tank when it is flushed. Only during cold weather

On 2014-01-28 by (mod) -

Samir,

Usually gurgling drains in nearby sinks when a fixture is used are traced to

- partly blocked slow main drain
- blocked or clogged or defective plumbing vent system

Your plumber is right not to panic, but particularly if this condition represents a change from how the building behaved previously, obviously something has occurred that we might want to track down and fix.

Search InspectApedia for

PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS

to see more diagnostic details

On 2014-01-28 by Samir

Two sinks in adjacent bathrooms glugging away everytime taps used. Does not seem to be connected with flushing toilets. No odour either. Outside vertical vent with top perforated cover and no visual sign of obstruction.
Then, WHY, oh why,the glugging annoying us. My plumber says not to worry not doing any harm!!!
Any advice?

On 2013-02-20 by Alex

This morning while laying in bed, i heard my toilet empty out the water in the bowl, then when i went in to see what was going on, the water in the bowl was low and it almost sounded like wind? I'm more of a car person, not a plumber but i'd like to know what may be happening,

i just had all my lines done less than six months ago and threw thousands into that, i hope its nothing bad,

i have one of those toilets that has the dual flush mode on it so i didn't look in the back because i didn't want to mess up the buttons on the top of the tank why would it make the wind noise and be low? it seems to be fine this evening, hopefully its just something strange that happened once and not a larger problem.

On 2012-12-15 by Cecilia

I live in the basement, when the toilet is flush upstairs, I hear the noise water flushing down - is the any way, could be repair,
insulated round the pipe??. Like to have your advice. Thank you.

On 2012-08-27 by Tim

I have a vibration noise in my domestic well pump. The pump is 50 feet from my house in an enclosed shed and I can hear the noise in my house because the hum is in the piping near the water tank in my
enclosed garage. I can also hear the noise in my shed. It's not a very loud noise, but the pump was very quiet up till 2 weeks ago. Now every time the pump turns on, the noise is very noticeable. It is not water hammer.

On 2012-07-07 by (mod) -

Aileen, please use the CONTACT US link at page top to send us a recording of this sound and we can comment further, perhaps suggesting some diagnostic questions as well. Also tell me if your plumbing system uses any pumps and if it is connected to septic or sewer

On 2012-07-06 by aileen cheetham

very comprehensive and excellent....but my problem is not in this article. I have a noise like a ships hooter randomly in my soil pipe, what can be the cause? All toilets flushing and filling properly.

...

Continue reading  at PLUMBING NOISE CHECKLIST or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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