If you’ve ever been startled by a loud bang in the middle of the night after someone turns off the faucet, you’re not alone. Noisy pipes are a common plumbing issue many Toronto homeowners face, and while some sounds are harmless, others signal bigger plumbing problems that need attention.
Your home’s plumbing system should run quietly in the background. When pipes begin to whistle, vibrate, or hammer, it means something is off with water flow or water pressure. Ignoring these noisy pipes can lead to costly repairs down the road.
In this blog, we’ll break down the 5 common causes of noisy pipes, what those sounds mean, and how you can fix them. We’ll also cover when a simple fix is possible and when you should call a professional plumber in Toronto to prevent damage to your plumbing system.
Reach out today for reliable pipe inspection and repair in Toronto, Etobicoke, and Mississauga.
Why Are My Water Pipes Making Noise?
Water pipes carry hot and cold water under pressure throughout your home. Changes in water flow, temperature, and pressure often create movement or vibrations inside supply pipes. Sometimes the sound is just an annoyance, but in other cases, noisy water pipes point to a plumbing issue that can worsen if ignored.
Common pipe noises include:
- Banging or hammering sounds
- Whistling or high-pitched squeals
- Vibrations or thrumming
- Dripping or ticking noises
- Gurgling sounds in drains
Each noise has a different cause, and knowing what to listen for helps you determine the next step.
1. The Water Hammer: Why Pipes Bang After Water Is Turned Off
One of the most common causes of noisy water pipes is the water hammer. This happens when water flow suddenly stops—like when you shut off a faucet, washing machine, or dishwasher. The change in momentum sends a shockwave through your pipes, causing a loud banging noise.
What causes a water hammer?
High water pressure in the supply pipes
Air chambers that have filled with water
Loose or improperly secured pipes
How to fix noisy pipes caused by water hammer:
1) Reset the air chambers: Shut off your main water supply valve, then open all faucets (including basement sinks and outdoor spigots) to drain the system. Turn your water back on to refill the chambers with air.
2) Secure loose pipes: Your supply pipes may jiggle and increase noise if they are not securely connected to joists. Where necessary, add insulation or pipe clamps.
3) Install a water hammer arrestor: For persistent water hammer issues, a plumber can install an arrestor near the washing machine or dishwasher. This device absorbs shock and prevents banging pipes.
It’s advisable to have a qualified plumber examine your plumbing system if you frequently experience water hammer in order to prevent damage to valves and fittings.
2. Whistling or Squealing Pipes
Do you hear a whistling sound when water runs through certain faucets or toilets? This is often due to restrictions in the plumbing system that force water through a narrow opening, creating a high-pitched noise.
Common causes of whistling pipes:
- Worn washers or valves inside a faucet
- Loose screws inside fixtures
- Dirty or clogged faucet aerators
- A failing toilet ballcock or fill valve
- Mineral buildup in older copper pipes
Solutions:
- Replace worn faucet parts such as washers or screws.
- Clean or replace aerators clogged with mineral deposits.
- Replace faulty toilet fill valves that whistle when tanks refill.
- If whistling happens throughout the house, the main water supply valve or pressure regulator may need replacement.
Whistling noises can sometimes indicate high water pressure, so it’s worth checking your home’s psi.
3. Vibrating or Thrumming Pipes
When pipes vibrate loudly while water is running, it often points to water pressure that’s too high. Residential water systems should stay between 40 and 80 psi. Anything higher can damage appliances, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures.
Signs of high water pressure:
- Pipes vibrating or humming when water runs, as high pressure can put extra stress on the pipes to make them shake.
- Banging noises when shutting off water, which may lead to noisy plumbing issues over time.
- Leaky faucets and running toilets caused by the constant strain of high pressure on seals and fixtures.
- Shortened lifespan of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, since excessive pressure forces these appliances to work harder than intended.
Fixing water pressure issues:
- Go to a hardware store and get a water pressure gauge. To check the water pressure in your house, connect it to an outdoor faucet.
- Ask a qualified plumber to place a water pressure regulator on your main water line if readings are higher than 80 psi.
- Regulated pressure not only eliminates noise but also protects your plumbing system from long-term damage.
Contact us if you are looking for reliable plumbers in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, or any other areas of the GTA.
4. Dripping, Ticking, or Rubbing Noises
A water hammer is louder than most plumbing noises. There may occasionally be a slight squeak, click, or trickle inside the walls.
Typical causes:
- Leaking water pipe: A steady drip could signal a plumbing leak hidden in your walls or ceiling.
- Thermal expansion: Copper pipes expand when hot water flows through them, then contract as they cool. This movement causes pipes to rub against joists or brackets, creating a ticking or squeaking noise.
- Loose pipes: If supply pipes shift when water flows, they can knock against framing.
How to address it:
- To lessen thermal expansion, turn down the water heater’s temperature a little.
- Where possible, wrap copper pipes in foam insulation sleeves.
- Call a plumber right away if you think there may be a hidden leak. Water damage, the formation of mold, and expensive structural repairs can result from even little leaks.
5. Gurgling Noises in Drains
If your bathroom sink or bathtub drain makes a gurgling noise, the problem usually isn’t with the water supply pipes but with the drainage system.
Common causes of gurgling drains:
- A partially clogged drain or vent pipe
- Sewer line blockage
- Improperly vented plumbing system
Why this matters:
A clog developing deeper in the system may be indicated by a gurgling sound, which indicates air is having difficulty escaping as water flows. If left untreated, this may result in sewage backup or complete obstructions.
Solutions:
- Use a plunger or drain snake to clear minor clogs.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can corrode pipes.
- Get your main sewer line inspected by a qualified plumber if gurgling continues in several drains.
When to Call a Plumber for Noisy Pipes
Some noisy pipes can be fixed with DIY solutions, like draining your water lines or tightening loose valves. But other noises point to bigger plumbing problems that require professional help.
Call a plumber if:
- You hear repeated loud banging noises after water shuts off.
- Pipes vibrate even after adjusting water pressure.
- You suspect a hidden leak inside walls or ceilings.
- Multiple fixtures gurgle, whistle, or make unusual sounds.
- Your water pressure consistently measures above 80 psi.
- The sound of banging is coming from your pipes even after you turn the water off.
- Pipes can also make noise when hot water runs through them and expands.
- You notice noisy vertical pipes behind walls or heating systems making unusual sounds.
- A faucet or valve seems to trigger the noise levels when opened or closed.
- You may have water hammer issues that keep repeating even after adjustments.
Absolute Draining & Plumbing has been serving Toronto homeowners for over 20 years. Our licensed plumbers know how to identify the source of pipe noises, from high-pressure issues to water hammer problems. We can inspect your main water shut-off and water valve setup, install water hammer arrestors, pressure regulators, or insulation to stop your pipes from making noise and protect your plumbing system.
Whether the noise is coming from new pipes, old copper lines, or heating systems, we’ll help eliminate the noise before it leads to costly repairs. Since water hammer is a common issue in Toronto homes, our team has extensive experience in solving it quickly and effectively. We’ll make sure your plumbing runs smoothly and quietly so you don’t have to worry about pipes making noise when water is turned on or off.
Contact us if you are looking for reliable plumbers in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, or any other areas of the GTA.
Preventing Future Noisy Pipe Problems
Maintaining your plumbing system lowers the likelihood of expensive malfunctions and obnoxious noises. Frequent maintenance prolongs the overall life of your plumbing system aside from protecting your pipes. Homeowners can take the following precautions:
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections to catch leaks, pressure issues, and worn valves early.
- Install a water pressure regulator to protect appliances and fixtures.
- Flush your water heater once a year to prevent sediment buildup that can cause banging noises.
- Secure loose pipes with proper fasteners or insulation.
- Use strainers in sinks to prevent clogs that lead to gurgling noises.
Don’t Ignore Noisy Water Pipes
If your pipes make banging, whistling, or vibrating noises, it’s your plumbing system’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Some issues, like loose pipes or worn washers, are easy fixes. But others—such as high water pressure, water hammer, or hidden leaks—require professional plumbing repair.
Ignoring noisy water pipes can result in flooding, water damage, and more serious plumbing issues. Absolute Draining & Plumbing can assist homeowners in Toronto who are experiencing recurring pipe noises. To maintain your plumbing system operating safely and silently, our skilled team of plumbers can examine your water lines, determine the root cause of the noise, and suggest the best course of action.
Contact Absolute Draining & Plumbing today for a free estimate or call us to stop noisy pipes before they cause bigger problems.
