Sometimes both air and water are in the pipes, causing them to vibrate and rattle. You will especially see this in older homes. Also, when pipes expand and contract because of the pipes heating up or cooling down, it can lead to strange noises.
It is normal to hear water sounds under a bathroom. Don't tear up drywall based on a sound. For safety sakes, keep your eyes open for visible signs of a leak, just in case.
Plumbing Issues: One of the most common reasons is a leak or a running toilet. If a toilet's flapper valve is not sealing properly, it can cause water to continuously flow into the bowl, creating a running water sound. Similarly, a leaky pipe can produce a constant trickle.
Air in the Pipes: Trapped air can create noise and rattling. This can sometimes be resolved by bleeding the plumbing system. Pipe Expansion and Contraction: Changes in temperature can cause pipes to expand and contract, leading to noise. Ensuring pipes have enough room to move can help reduce this issue.
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.
Sediment Buildup
Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water can accumulate inside pipes, partially blocking water flow. This can create pressure fluctuations that lead to knocking sounds, particularly in your hot water pipes, as sediment is more likely to form in heated water.
Soggy spots on the lawn or damp patches in your basement that weren't previously present. Water bubbling up through the ground or pooling around the foundation of your home. Cracked pavement, bulges on walkways or driveways. Faint hissing or bubbling sounds in the walls.
In many cases, hearing water running through pipes is a normal part of your home's daily functioning. The sound may be more noticeable when water is being used, such as during showers, flushing toilets, or running faucets.
If you are ready to soundproof your water pipes, you have two main options. You can either wrap the pipes with noise blocking materials or fill the cavities around the pipes with sound absorption products. Using both noise blocking and sound absorption materials can eliminate the sounds of pipes in your home.
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.
Loud banging sounds can be caused from water pipes moving due to much water pressure in the plumbing system as the water runs through, causing high pressure/ PSI (pounds per square inch), which can lead to other plumbing problems and issues with your water lines.
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.
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.
Clogged Pipes
Clogs can trap air bubbles, and when those air bubbles attempt to squeeze by it causes your drains to gurgle. Your sewer pipes can be clogged by a multitude of things, such as fat or grease, paper towels, and feminine products.
Thermal imaging cameras, or heat scanners', can be used to help find hidden leaks in hot water pipes under floorboards, concrete and behind walls. Thermography cameras can help identify problem areas that the naked eye cannot detect, revealing hidden water leaks that are otherwise out of sight.
Water leaks in underground, pressurized pipes may make many different sounds: “Hiss” or “Whoosh” from pipe vibration and orifice pressure reduction. “Splashing” or “Babbling Brook” sounds from water flowing around the pipe. Rapid “beating/thumping” sounds from water spray striking the wall of the soil cavity.
The price to fix a small water line leak in an easy-to-access location is about $190. However, a main water line leak repair costs $340 to $1,500 or $100 to $200 per linear foot. The final costs depend on the severity of the issue.
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.
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.
Start by using a plunger to try and clear any basic blockages. This can often solve simple clogs. If that doesn't work, the next step is to check the P-trap under the sink. Cleaning out the P-trap can often remove debris that causes clogging.
Air in water pipes will sound like a hiss or pop. Alternatively, the trapped air can cause loud gurgling and prolonged vibrating noises. Other sounds are loud noises and bangs emanating from the pipes; this clearly indicates air traveling in the pipes.
If your well can't get enough water supply due to drought, the pump system will suck in air as it functions. The trapped air will make its way into your piping and faucets. The problem will persist for as long as the drought continues.
While these sounds can be scary and seem like serious issues, the cause is usually quite benign. Most often, a loud sound coming from your pipes is caused by trapped air. By turning off your main water supply and running all faucets for 10-15 minutes, you force any trapped air through your water pipes.