Why Does My Plumbing Sound Like a Foghorn?

Your home's plumbing system is as complex as can be, given its many components. Owing to that reason, problems associated with plumbing aren't any different. They tend to be startling, especially for homeowners without plumbing experience.

One good example of such issues is a strange foghorn-like sound coming from the pipes – more like a loud, reverberating humming. If you've noticed this bizarre noise, you might want to have it checked and fixed as soon as possible before it turns into a major plumbing issue.

Determine Where the Sound is Coming From

The best starting point to address this issue is to identify where precisely the bizarre sound is coming from in your house. Read on as we explore the most likely culprits.

Faulty Ballcock in the Toilet

The toilet is arguably the most common culprit as far as foghorn-like noises are concerned. If the sound is produced every time someone uses the bathroom, the toilet ballcock, also referred to as the flapper or fill valve, is most likely the component to blame.

An old, offset, or defective ballcock may shudder and fail to close the valve properly, potentially causing a loud noise. The easiest remedy entails replacing the valve entirely or, if possible, the valve's "ball" part.

Loose Plumbing Faucet

If this noise comes out every time you turn on a faucet, chances are it's an issue with your faucet washer. When subjected to water, a loose faucet washer can produce as much noise as a foghorn.

To try and fix this problem, consider tightening the screws in your faucet system. If the rattle doesn't stop, it's probably best that you reach out to a professional plumber.

Washer Machine Issues

You may have heard strange sounds from your washer as it fills up with water, one being a piercing, slamming machine gun-like noise. If so, it could be an issue with your washing machine or dishwasher's valve.

It could most likely be that the solenoid fill valve is worn out, and it may be best to replace it on time. 

Faulty or Old Pipes Inside the Walls

Sometimes, it's impossible to tell where the foghorn sound is coming from. In fact, it might seem to originate inside your walls. In most cases, old pipes are behind the noise, especially if your home is old.



Here, the best cause of action is to let a professional plumber like Lutz Plumbing look at it – we have the necessary tools to detect the problem's origin and fix it without causing too much damage.

Water Pressure Concerns

Loud noises could also arise from the water pressure inside your pipelines, especially if the pressure-reducing valve isn't in the best shape. This is also known as the water hammer effect .

When you close a faucet, water will slam into the valve at high speeds, creating a shock. This effect tends to make a loud thudding sound and could potentially damage the loose fittings and pipes in the system.

For this case, hiring a professional plumber is a prudent idea. They'll find and replace any damaged faucets or fill valves and tighten any loose pipelines to address the water hammer effect. And if that doesn't do it, you can have them install a pressure-reducing valve to avoid damaging the pipelines.

Your Go-To Plumbing Service In and Around Kansas City

Regardless of the cause, hearing strange noises from your plumbing system can be puzzling. And while a foghorn noises hardly qualify as a plumbing emergency, it's still vital that you get it fixed to avoid potentially causing further damage to your plumbing system.

At Lutz Plumbing Inc., we boast extensive experience in offering exceptional plumbing services for both commercial and residential settings. So,  contact us today  for a free quote or more information about our plumbing services.