I’ve been listening to Perth’s plumbing systems for many years, so I’ve heard almost every sound a pipe can produce.
At Plumb It Right, we’ve helped countless local homeowners figure out why their pipes are singing, banging, or whistling. More importantly, we’ve helped them restore peace and quiet to their homes.
Understanding Perth’s Unique Plumbing Challenges
Before we dive into specific noises, it’s important to understand how Perth’s environment affects our plumbing. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Perth’s temperature variations can be quite extreme, especially in areas further from the coast.
I’ve noticed these local factors often contribute to noisy pipes:
- Coastal salt exposure affecting metal pipes
- Sandy soil movement impacting underground pipes
- Seasonal temperature swings causing expansion and contraction
- High water pressure zones in hillside suburbs
- Hard water in certain Perth regions
Why Your Pipes Make Noise (And When to Worry)
Let me start with something I tell all my clients: your home’s plumbing system shouldn’t be a sound effects studio. While some occasional noises are normal, others can signal problems that need attention.
According to the Standards Australia guidelines, certain plumbing noises indicate issues that don’t meet Australian plumbing standards. Let’s break down what these different sounds mean.
Different Pipe Materials, Different Sounds
In my decades of experience across Perth, I’ve worked with various pipe materials. Each has its own “voice”:
Copper Pipes
- Tend to make louder expansion noises
- More prone to water hammer
- Can create a “ticking” sound during temperature changes
PVC Pipes
- Generally quieter
- Can make crackling sounds when hot water flows
- Might produce echoing sounds when not properly secured
PEX Pipes
- Naturally quieter due to flexibility
- Less prone to water hammer
- Can make subtle stretching sounds
Banging and Hammering Sounds
Just last month, I visited a home in the Perth metro area where the pipes were making such loud banging noises, the homeowner thought someone was hammering on their walls. This common issue, known as water hammer, happens when water flow suddenly stops or changes direction.
Common causes I’ve found include:
- Loose pipes striking against wall framing
- High water pressure (above the WA recommended levels)
- Worn valve washers
- Missing or faulty air chambers
- Rapid valve closure in washing machines or dishwashers
How I Fix It:
- First, I check the water pressure
- Install water hammer arrestors if needed
- Secure any loose pipes
- Replace worn components
- Adjust automatic valves on appliances
Whistling or Squealing
A whistling sound usually means water’s being forced through a tight space. Recently, I helped a client in Lancelin whose taps started whistling every time they turned them on. The culprit? A worn washer that was barely hanging on.
Common causes:
- Worn tap washers
- Loose internal parts
- Restricted water flow
- High water pressure
- Debris in the water line
- Worn valve stems
The Solution:
Based on my experience, this often needs:
- Washer replacement
- Valve cleaning or replacement
- Pressure adjustment
- Flow restrictor inspection
- Complete valve rebuild in older systems
Gurgling Drains
The Department of Health WA notes that gurgling sounds can indicate drainage problems that might lead to health issues. I’ve seen this countless times in Perth homes, especially in older properties.
What causes gurgling:
- Blocked vents
- Partial drain blockages
- Incorrect pipe gradients
- Venting issues
- Sewer line problems
- Air gaps in the system
My Approach:
- CCTV inspection to locate the exact problem
- Clear any blockages
- Check and repair vent stacks
- Adjust pipe gradients if necessary
- Hydro-jet cleaning when needed
- Install additional vents if required
Common DIY Mistakes That Make Pipe Noise Worse
Over my 38 years as a plumber in Perth, I’ve seen plenty of well-intentioned DIY attempts that ended up causing more problems. Let me share some real situations I’ve encountered and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Aggressive Pipe Banging
Just last week, I visited a home where the owner tried to stop a banging pipe by hitting it with a rubber mallet. As I explained to them, this can actually:
- Loosen existing pipe supports
- Create new weak points
- Damage pipe joints
- Make the noise problem worse
Mistake 2: Wrong Pipe Insulation
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen people wrap their pipes in standard home insulation. One client in Perth’s northern suburbs used old beach towels! Here’s why this doesn’t work:
- Regular insulation isn’t designed for pipes
- It can trap moisture and cause corrosion
- Some materials can actually amplify noise
- Incorrect materials can be a fire hazard near hot water pipes
Mistake 3: Over-Tightening Fixtures
The number one mistake I see is people thinking “tighter is better.” In fact, according to the Plumbers Licensing Board, over-tightening is a common cause of fixture failure. This can:
- Crack pipe fittings
- Strip threads
- Damage washers
- Create new noises
Mistake 4: Ignoring Pressure Issues
Many homeowners try to fix pipe noise without checking water pressure. A client learned this the hard way after installing new tap washers that didn’t solve their whistling pipes. The real issue was high water pressure.
Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Tools
I recently helped a customer who’d used regular pliers instead of a pipe wrench, causing:
- Surface damage to pipes
- Weak points in the system
- Future leak risks
- Improper connections
Modern Solutions for Noisy Pipes
Technology has come a long way since I started plumbing. Today, we have access to:
- Advanced water hammer arrestors
- Flexible pipe connectors
- Sound-dampening pipe insulation
- Smart pressure regulation systems
- Modern venting solutions
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Perth Homes
Our climate requires specific attention throughout the year:
Summer:
- Check for expansion noises as pipes heat up
- Monitor outdoor pipe exposure
- Inspect irrigation system connections
Winter:
- Listen for contraction noises in colder weather
- Check pipe insulation
- Monitor hot water system performance
Spring/Autumn:
- General system inspection
- Pressure testing
- Valve maintenance
When to Call a Professional
From my experience, call a plumber when you notice:
- Sudden new noises
- Increasing noise volume
- Multiple types of sounds
- Noises accompanied by other issues
- Changes in water pressure
- Visible pipe movement
Taking Action
At Plumb It Right, we approach noisy pipes with a systematic process:
- Thorough inspection
- Problem identification
- Clear solution explanation
- Quality repairs
- Follow-up checks
- Preventive maintenance advice
Remember, we don’t charge call-out fees, and we’ll give you an upfront price for any repairs needed. We service the entire Perth Metro area up to Lancelin, and we guarantee our work.
If your pipes are making more noise than your stereo system, it’s time to get them checked. Give us a call for a free quote – let’s get your home’s plumbing back to peaceful operation.
John Nightingale is the founder of Plumb It Right, bringing over 38 years of plumbing expertise to Perth homes. His commitment to quality service and transparent pricing has earned him a reputation as one of Perth’s most trusted plumbers.
