Banging, rattling or whistling noises. Your pipes might be telling you there is an issue. Sounds like these can indicate a pipe is under stress and could be weakening and ready to burst.
One of the earliest signs of breaks or leaks is unusual noise. Strange noises like trickling, gurgling, or hissing can hint at a leak. The volume of the sound typically indicates the severity of the problem, but not always. Volume can also increase or decrease depending on the diameter of the affected pipe.
Squeaking or whistling noisy pipes indicate something is wrong with the flow of water through the pipes. There could be an obstruction in the plumbing line. There could be a defective washer or aerator if the sound is coming from a faucet. Your shut-off valve may be partly closed.
Clanging Or Dripping Noises Coming From The Walls
One way to confirm the issue is to turn off all faucets in your home and then listen for the clanging, dripping, or whistling noise. Also known as a water hammer, this loud sound indicates high water pressure and can burst your pipes.
If a clog goes unchecked, the continuous pressure can cause the pipe to expand and eventually burst. This is especially likely for deep clogs within the system, where the pressure can't be relieved by normal means and may go unnoticed until it's too late.
If your pipes are making a rattling noise, this sound doesn't usually signify a major problem. Pipes rattle because they're loose, and when water travels through them, it causes them to shake. Since the pipes are free-floating, they hit nearby walls and studs as they shake.
Accidental water damage that occurs as a result of a sudden, unexpected occurrence like a burst pipe is often covered by a homeowners insurance policy. In addition, cleaning, repair or replacement of wood flooring, drywall and even furniture due to water damage as a result of a burst pipe typically is covered.
Pipes typically burst when exposed to extremely low temperatures for an extended period of time (anywhere from 1-3 days depending on temperature).
The national average cost of burst pipe repair is between $200 and $1,000, with most people paying around $500 for a moderate repair with a new section of pipe added. At the low end of the spectrum, for a minor repair that doesn't involve pipe replacement, you can expect to pay $150.
Noisy pipes in the form of rattling, whistling or squealing are often a result of loose fasteners and hardware, such as a loose washer. Excessive wear may result in worn washers and loose pipes. As water flows through these, they move and come in contact with components around them.
Average Flat Rate
Some plumbing jobs are billed at a flat rate. As of 2025, the average plumber rates for larger repairs are typically between $500 to $800, while smaller jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs typically range from $125 to $350.
The sound of running water with no apparent source can often be traced back to faulty plumbing. Start by examining all valves, faucets, and toilets for signs of damage or malfunctioning. Check each valve and connection point for any indications of corrosion or deterioration.
For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.
Warning signs of a burst pipe include standing water, unusual sounds or smells, and wet spots on ceilings or walls. Learning how to detect a burst pipe can help you catch it in time to minimize damage from leaks. Pipes can burst with freezing temperatures, clogs, or aging and degrading pipes.
Water pipes are an essential part of any home plumbing system, but nobody wants to be able to hear theirs. If your water pipes are making loud noises, this is a sure sign that something has gone wrong.
An often-overlooked sign of burst pipes is the sound they make. If you hear dripping sounds, hissing, or a distinct rushing water sound within your walls, it's a clear sign of a plumbing problem. These sounds indicate that water is escaping from your pipes and flowing into areas where it shouldn't be.
In most cases, water pipes are designed to withstand considerable pressure, making them less likely to burst. However, if significant structural damage to your house occurs, then water pipes can burst.
And once the temperature outside dips below 32F, unprotected pipes are at a greater risk of freezing and potentially bursting. That said, it's still possible for your pipes to thaw without bursting. The key is to release the pressure and allow the pipes to thaw slowly.
Owners are responsible for the repairs to damage within their units. In the event that the burst pipe was caused by a unit owner's negligence, then the ultimate responsibility for all the damage may belong to the owner.
Typically covered: losses caused by water abruptly leaking from a pipe inside the home, frozen/burst pipe if reasonable care is used to maintain heat in the home, water backing-up through a sewer or drain (with Back-up of Sewer or Drain endorsement) and water damage to your home caused by ice dams.
This finding was supported by a survey of 71 plumbers practic- ing in southern states, in which the consensus was that burst- pipe problems began to appear when temperatures fell into the teens. However, freezing incidents can occur when the tem- perature remains above 20 degrees F.
Here are some signs that you may have a burst pipe: Unusual sounds: You hear hissing, whistling, or banging sounds in the walls. Visible water damage: New water stains on your ceiling, walls, or floors.
A pipe banging against a masonry wall can be silenced by wedging a wood block behind it, fastening the block to the wall, and securing the pipe to the wood.
Skittering in the walls
From raccoons, mice and squirrels to birds, bees, and the dreaded rat, these critters can become unwanted tenants in our homes. If you hear noises coming from the walls, you'll want to check the exterior walls for any signs of animals and call your local animal control expert for help.