Plumbing problems can be downright spooky, especially if you’re not familiar with the eerie sounds that echo through your pipes.
In this article, we’ll help you identify and address these common plumbing issues to keep your home ghost-free.
4 Plumbing Nightmares That Can Kill Your Halloween Spirit
Fall is in the air, and before you know it, Halloween will be here. Beware of these 4 plumbing nightmares that can really put a damper on your Halloween spirit.
#1: Beware the Jack O’Lantern’s Revenge on Your Pipes
Who doesn’t love to carve pumpkins? It’s a lot of fun, but it’s super messy.
And you’ve probably noticed that the guts of a pumpkin are rather sticky, which is why you should never put pumpkin pulp down the drain.
To avoid any spooky surprises, dispose of these Halloween leftovers in the trash or compost bin.
Greasy, Grimy Pumpkin Guts
The slimy remnants of a pumpkin should never find their way down your garbage disposal. When pumpkin pulp dries and hardens, it can create a ghoulish blockage that’s a nightmare to remove. Likewise, pumpkin seeds can be problematic for your plumbing.
According to a California report, the consistency of pumpkin pulp is such that it will easily stick to sink drain pipes and all walls of the garbage disposal.
Want to be a superhero? Then consider composting that jack-o-lantern’s innards.
If composting is not available in your area, then howl at the moon and put it right in the trash.
Sorcery Suggestion: Consider roasting pumpkin seeds for a tasty treat and responsibly dispose of the rest.
#2: Unmask the Boiling Cauldron – Your Hot Water Heater
If your conventional water heater starts emitting eerie noises that rival the supernatural, it’s likely due to a buildup of minerals and sediment at the bottom of the tank. The crackling sounds could be water struggling through this mineral layer. Rumbling noises may indicate pieces of sediment shifting around.
When casting a spell over it won’t work, you may need to drain the tank completely and flush the sediment out. There may be no need for spells and incantations if your water heater is a decade or older, it might be time to consider a replacement. When in doubt, consult with a professional.
#3: Got Goblins? Plumbing Noises of the Night
It’s dark, all is quiet in the house and everyone is sleeping. But wait…what’s that creepy noise?
Sounds like someone is tinkering, hammering, or vibrating the walls and floorboards. Fear not, it’s far more likely that the sounds you hear are coming from your plumbing pipes than Casper the friendly ghost.
Banishing Ghostly, Common Plumbing Sounds
Your plumbing system might occasionally belt out some formidable sounds that send shivers down your spine. Before resorting to any arcane rituals, consider these common plumbing culprits:
- Supply lines that are unsecured or loose
- Contraction and expansion of pipes due to fluctuating water and air temperatures
- Knocking noises in the pipe when the tap is turned off quickly (also referred to as water hammers)
- Older water heaters also make crackling and bubbling sounds, which may indicate a build-up of minerals on the floor of the tank
- High-pitched squeals (cavitation) resulting from water pressure shifts between large and small pipes
How to Reduce the Noise of Pipes
Securing the pipes properly will reduce the noise and insulating the walls will help prevent the sound from traveling as well. Water molecules moving through the pipes tend to loosen pipes and attachments, causing the noise.
Pipes are naturally going to expand and contract over time. You can give your pipes a little more space by allowing more room for them in the wall cavities.
Water hammers are nothing to be afraid of, it’s basic physics. But if it’s as annoying as a house that hands out cheap candy, then water hammers can be stopped by installing water hammer arrestors on the water lines.
#4: Double, Double Toilet and Trouble
The toilet is no stranger to scary scenes and it can contribute to a frightening night when you hear gurgling, dripping, and water running constantly.
These are common occurrences, and they often get tossed aside like a box of raisins in your Trick or Treat stash.
Dripping
If you hear a dripping noise but don’t find any leaks, then it’s likely your toilet’s flapper is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Gurgling Drains and Pipes
These sounds are usually coming from the drain pipe, not necessarily the toilet. However, if the toilet is the only appliance gurgling like a monster in quicksand, then the drain pipe may be blocked or something is blocking the vent.
Running Water
The sound of a running toilet can be torturous! A healthy toilet should run for 30 seconds to about a minute after flushing.
If it goes on longer than that, then something is preventing the tank from filling. This is the sign of a leak between the tank and bowl.
Keep Your Plumbing in Check to Avoid Halloween Horrors:
Remember, most of these noises are nothing to fear. However, if they’re as bothersome as running out of candy on Halloween night, it might be time to have a chat with your trusted plumber.
With these updated tips, you can face plumbing issues with confidence, knowing that you have the knowledge to banish those eerie sounds and keep your home goblin-free.
Don’t let plumbing nightmares haunt you – take control and enjoy a comfortable, worry-free home. If in doubt, always seek advice from a professional plumber to ensure your plumbing remains in tip-top shape
Work with the Ghost Busters of Outer Banks Plumbers
Looking for ghostbusters? We’re the next best thing. And we always provide FREE estimates.
Need some extended work done on those walls? We have a great list of vendors we work with that can help get the job done.
Have a safe and fun Halloween, and be sure to check out our infographic for more plumbing tips!