This noise usually means you have loose pipes. As water is running, pipes are shaking and hitting nearby walls making the noise you hear. Pipes should be secure. If you suspect your pipes making a rattling noise are caused by loose pipes, walk around your basement or crawl space and try strapping them down.
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.
Normally pipe sounds are caused by two problems. One is the pipes aren't secured properly in the walls and ceiling. The second is an improperly installed air chamber that is designed to prevent water hammer effects.
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.
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.
If you hear a noise like banging, clanging, knocking, or vibration, or some combination of sounds, you're probably hearing hydraulic shock, aka water hammer. Water hammer occurs when pressure changes rapidly inside a pipe, causing the water to literally “hammer” into the pipe wall and make a noise.
A water hammer arrestor costs from $15 to $50. They're available online, at home centers, and in hardware stores. Most of the cost of a water hammer arrestor installation is in the labor. Calling in a pro will typically run $250 – $500.
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.
The best approach for soundproofing water pipes is to wrap the pipes with a pipe lagging material to block sound (not absorb it). Pipe lagging works best by creating a heavy, airtight, sound-isolating wall around your pipe.
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.
An older home may make some creaking and grinding sounds, as the building material shifts or a strong wind blows. But plumbing noises are usually a bad sign. You should know what plumbing noises to listen for, so that the next time you hear a crack, bang or boom, you'll know what to do.
Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F. However, it's much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F.
Clunking, rattling or vibrations from pipes If you hear clunking, rattling or vibrating from your pipes, it may be caused by loose fittings. If pipes are not clipped correctly, they may move over time and hit against walls or flooring. It's important to get these fixed as they can lead to bigger issues.
No, a sound is of course not dangerous—but what it represents can definitely have a heavy negative influence on your pipes. The effect of the shockwaves can damage the pipes and knock them loose, and also damage taps, faucets, and appliances. Enough force from water hammer can even cause pipes to burst.
You can fix the problem by tightening the screws holding loose pipe straps. Additional straps can be added to improve stability. Pipe straps are usually made of thin metal or plastic, while padded types are available to reduce vibration.
The long-term effects of water hammer might present themselves in the following ways: Leaks: Water hammer has the potential to damage joints, fittings and connections, resulting in poor seals and ultimately leaky pipes.
Can noisy pipes burst? Yes. This is especially true if the noise is caused by high water pressure or loose pipes. If you hear your water pipes making noise, it is important to deal with that immediately.
To fix the issue, you need to replenish the air supplies of the chambers. Doing so will silence those noisy pipes. Additionally, installing water hammer arrestors can help mitigate the banging noise caused by water hammer.
Excessive or irregular water sounds may indicate potential issues within your plumbing system. Gurgling, hissing, or constant water flow noises when no fixtures are in use could be a sign of a leak, water pressure problems, or issues with the water supply line.
Water pipes that make a groaning or hissing noise often indicate a constriction somewhere in the waterline. As the water flows through the narrower section, it creates this noise. This problem commonly develops in faucets and toilets as washers and internal fixtures wear out.
In conclusion, the presence of water gurgling in your walls should not be ignored, as it often signals underlying plumbing issues that require professional attention.