What’s that Noise? Reasons for Humming Water Pipes

Mosman Well Works • December 20, 2024

Water pipes produce various noises, depending on several factors. One of the most common noises that you might experience with your water pipes is humming. The humming sound might be short-lived or persistent. The following is a breakdown of the causes and solutions to humming water pipes.

Reasons for Humming in Water Pipes

There are three major reasons why your water pipes could be humming.


A Problem With the Gate Valve. The gate valve controls water flow in a pipe. If the gate valve gets faulty, your water pipe might produce a humming noise when turning the water on or off.


High Water Pressure. High water pressure often results in a humming noise in the water pipes. The primary causes of the water pressure include a thermal expansion of the relief device and a faulty water pressure regulator. Water pipes in houses located at the bottom of a hill also experience high pressure.


An Issue Affecting the Ballcock in the Toilet. A faulty ballcock assembly unit within the tank in the toilet or faulty washer results in humming noise in water pipes. 

Solutions to Humming in Water Pipes

The following are steps that you can take to stop the humming noise in water pipes:


Turning off All the Valves in Bathroom Pipes. Turning off the valves while the pipes are producing the humming sound helps you identify the source of the problem and take the necessary action.


Replacing the Toilet Flapper. Replacing the rubber plug at the bottom of the toilet tank helps in stopping the humming sound.

Investigating Loose Pipes and Fixtures

Loose pipes or fixtures can be another source of humming noises in your water system. Over time, pipes can become detached from their mounts or fittings due to vibration or thermal expansion. This can cause them to vibrate against walls or other pipes when water flows through, producing a persistent humming sound. Inspecting and securing loose pipes with pipe clamps or brackets can often resolve the issue. Additionally, check for loose faucet parts or shower heads, which can also contribute to unwanted noises in the plumbing system.

Checking for Air Trapped in the Pipes

Air trapped in the water pipes can lead to humming or vibrating noises, especially after recent plumbing work or if the water supply has been turned off. When air bubbles are forced through the pipes, they can create a humming sound as they disrupt the smooth flow of water. To address this, you can try bleeding the air from the system by turning on all faucets and letting them run until the water flows smoothly. If the problem persists, it may indicate a need for professional inspection to locate and eliminate trapped air in the system.

When to Hire a Professional

These instances require you to hire professional help to stop the humming sound:


Lack of the Right Tools. If you do not have the right tools to manage the humming sound from water pipes, it is recommended that you get professional help.


Complex Piping System. If the water pipes are connected in a complex manner, you should get help from a professional plumber.

Give Mosman a Call

At Mosman Well Works, we work around the clock to ensure that all our customers get any help as far as water and water pipes are concerned. You can always contact us and get your pipes fixed professionally within the shortest time possible. 

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