Strange plumbing sounds from your pipes and fixtures are your plumbing system’s way of crying for help. Ignore them, and you might end up with costly damage, water leaks, or even a full-blown plumbing emergency.
At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we know plumbing sounds shouldn’t be scary. Our team, led by Edmonton’s trusted local expert, Moe Hasan, offers 24-hour emergency plumbing services, so help is never out of reach. Whether it’s a small faucet fix, a tankless water heater installation, or a complete sewer line replacement, we’re here when others are closed.
So, before you turn up the TV to drown out the noise, let’s decode what your plumbing is really trying to say. Here are the top strange sounds you might hear and exactly what they mean.
1. Gurgling Drains: A Choked-Off System
What it sounds like:
A slow, bubbling or gurgling sound when water drains from the sink, tub, or toilet.
What it means:
This usually points to a venting problem or partial clog. Your plumbing system relies on air vents (often through the roof) to equalize pressure. When the vents are blocked, air gets trapped and causes that glug-glug sound.
Alternatively, a partial clog somewhere down the line is slowing the water flow, forcing air to escape in weird ways, often through a nearby fixture.
Don’t ignore it because:
- It could turn into a complete blockage.
- Venting issues can affect multiple fixtures and lead to sewage smells inside your home.
- Gurgling is often the first warning before a full backup.
What to do:
Call in Go 2 Plumbing and Heating for a diagnostic inspection. We’ll assess whether it’s a vent issue, a clog, or a deeper sewer line problem and fix it fast, before it escalates.
2. Banging or Hammering: The Infamous Water Hammer
What it sounds like:
A loud bang, clunk, or knock when you shut off a faucet or when an appliance (like a washing machine) finishes its cycle.
What it means:
You’re dealing with “water hammer”, a shockwave that travels through your pipes when the flow of water suddenly stops. It can be caused by high water pressure, loose pipes, or failed air chambers.
Why this is bad news:
That banging is not just annoying, it’s slowly damaging your pipes, joints, and valves. Over time, water hammer can lead to pipe bursts or leaks behind your walls.
What to do:
We can install water hammer arrestors or adjust your water pressure. Sometimes, simply securing loose pipes can stop the problem cold.
3. Hissing Sounds: Pressure Problems or Leaks
What it sounds like:
A continuous or rhythmic hiss coming from faucets, pipes, or behind walls.
What it means:
Hissing usually means high water pressure, which can wear down your plumbing and increase your water bills. In other cases, a hissing toilet could mean a leaky flapper valve, causing your tank to constantly refill.
If you hear hissing behind a wall or near your hot water tank, you might have a leak under pressure, a situation that needs immediate attention.
Why you should act fast:
High pressure or leaks can:
- Waste hundreds of gallons a day
- Damage fixtures and pipe joints
- Lead to mold, rot, or expensive structural issues
What to do:
Call us for a pressure test and plumbing audit. We’ll set your system to safe standards and check for hidden leaks.
4. Toilet Bubbles or “Ghost Flushing”
What it sounds like:
- Toilet bubbles when the tub drains
- Toilet flushes by itself without being touched
What it means:
Bubbling is a sign of negative air pressure or a blockage in the drain line. The air has nowhere to go but up—so it bubbles through the toilet bowl.
Ghost flushing usually happens due to a worn-out flapper valve or a slow tank leak.
Why this matters:
Bubbles could indicate a larger sewer line issue, especially if it happens often. Ghost flushing, while not dangerous, can waste water and spike your utility bill.
What to do:
If it’s persistent bubbling, get your sewer line checked. If it’s ghost flushing, we can quickly replace your toilet components, saving you money and stress.
5. Glug-Glug From the Shower or Sink When the Washer Runs
What it sounds like:
Your shower or bathroom sink starts gurgling loudly when the washing machine drains.
What it means:
The washer is pushing a high volume of water through a restricted drain, and the pressure is backing up into nearby fixtures. This often means the drain line or vent stack is partially blocked.
Consequences if ignored:
- Overflows or slow drains
- Contamination from wastewater
- Damage to floors or cabinetry
What to do:
Our team can perform a video drain inspection and high-pressure cleaning (hydro jetting) to fully clear the blockage, restoring safe, quiet drainage to your entire system.
What Your Plumbing Is Really Saying: “Call Someone Who Listens”
At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we listen to what your pipes are saying literally and figuratively.
Unlike your average 9-5 Edmonton plumber, we offer round-the-clock emergency service, because plumbing problems don’t care what time it is. Whether you need an expert diagnosis or an emergency fix at 2 a.m., we’re the team to call.
Our promise to you:
- 24-hour emergency plumbing service
- Honest, upfront pricing no surprise fees
- Residential and commercial plumbing solutions
- Licensed technicians with advanced diagnostic tools
We treat strange plumbing sounds seriously because we know they often mean something bigger is brewing.
✅ Quick Plumbing Sound Checklist
| Sound | Possible Cause | Urgency | Our Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gurgling Drains | Vent issues or partial clog | High | Inspection & drain cleaning |
| Banging Pipes | Water hammer | Medium-High | Arrestor installation & securing |
| Hissing | High pressure or leak | High | Pressure testing & leak repair |
| Toilet Bubbles | Sewer vent clog | High | Sewer camera inspection |
| Ghost Flushing | Worn flapper | Low | Toilet rebuild or part replacement |
Let’s Silence Those Pipes For Good
Don’t ignore the weird sounds echoing through your walls. At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we’re ready 24/7 to stop the noise, and fix the root cause.
📍 Location:
9544 143 Ave NW
Edmonton, Alberta, T5E 2H3
📞 Call us anytime: 780-850-8817
🌐 Request your FREE quote now: https://www.go2plumbers.ca/contact-us/
Final Word: Plumbing Problems Start with a Whisper, End with a Bang
That innocent gurgle, hiss, or clunk you’re hearing is more than background noise, it’s the first sign of something that could cost you thousands if left alone.
Let Go 2 Plumbing and Heating handle the mystery before it becomes a mess. We’ll get to the bottom of it fast, clean, and guaranteed.
Because when your plumbing speaks, we’re the ones who listen and act.
