Have you noticed a high-pitched, loud whistling sound upon opening your showers? You might have reacted to these with confusion and fright initially. Then after the shock, you are left wondering, where did the sound come from? Why did the plumbing fixture produce such an uncharacteristic and strange sound? A shower is among the most commonly used plumbing fixtures at your Boca Raton, FL home. Hence, it should always remain operational to ensure your home is comfortable and convenient.
This can only be ensured through a carefully planned maintenance plan with a reliable plumber. However, even with meticulous maintenance, some issues might arise, such as the whistling sounds. So, what makes the shower produce the loud-pitched whistling sound? Below are the potential causes of this phenomenon;
Clogged Shower Cartridge
In various modern showers, you’ll find a shower cartridge that is a replaceable component for regulating the flow of water. The shower cartridge’s obstruction might result in a high-pitched noise and low water pressure. However, the solution to this plumbing issue is easy. The plumber will open the shower, remove the cartridge, and fix it back in position. Problem solved.
Unfortunately, some homeowners resort to using the made-up techniques they learned over the DIY tutorials on the internet, such as using white vinegar to clean the shower cartridge. However, since the component lies within the wall behind the shower, a minor mistake might result in a leakage. Hence, leave the plumbing fixes to professionals to ensure they are efficiently addressed and avoid costly repairs and water damage.
Water Pressure Imbalance
The other cause and a common reason your shower might produce the loud, sharp whistling sound is pressure imbalance. You should call a plumber in Boca Raton, FL, to inspect your plumbing and measure the water pressure. The professional might recommend installing or replacing the water pressure regulator if it has increased throughout your entire plumbing system. It is a device that keeps the water pressure at a consistent and safe level, averting any damage to the plumbing fixtures and system. On average, a tankless water heater supplies a few gallons of water per minute. This water is enough for a bath or a shower for one person.
Hot Water Squealing
The other culprit that can cause that whistling sound is the hot water from your heater. This issue might manifest in various ways, such as:
- Pipe stretch: When hot water travels via the piping, they are forced to expand slightly. You’ll hear a loud squealing noise if there isn’t enough room for such expansion.
- Faulty hot water faucets or piping: If you hear the sound when you only turn on the hot water, it might be caused by a lodged pipe or loose hot water valve.
- Improperly maintained water heater: Whenever you open the shower, your water heater kicks in to heat your water. However, if the unit doesn’t have regular maintenance, it might begin malfunctioning and produce strange noises.
Hence, it is recommended that you have the water heater regularly maintained by a water heater repair professional. Plumbers know the potential problems and will provide top-quality services to ensure that your water heater doesn’t produce these uncharacteristic sounds.
Faulty Showerhead
The other reason for the whistling noise is a faulty showerhead. Even the most durable showerheads might eventually succumb to damage or wear and tear. The channels or holes through which water flows from your shower head might get restricted or blocked. Whenever this happens, the water builds up pressure before it is released, resulting in that whistling noise. Whenever you notice this, call a plumber in Boca Raton, FL, to clean the showerhead by opening it and removing the blockage using industry-approved methods.
Old Diverter Valve
Do you also use the shower as a bathtub? Then it probably has a diverter valve that regulates the flow of water. It redirects the water from the tub spout to your showerhead. Over time, the valve might become damaged or worn out, just like many other plumbing parts. Call a plumber for a replacement if you hear a high-pitched squealing or whistling sound after adjusting the handle.
Supply Pipe Issues
The whistling sound might have nothing to do with your shower but the water supply piping. Hence, it is only prudent to consider the water lines as a potential reason. As time passes, the water supply pipes might become blocked, loosen, or be damaged, causing issues such as low water pressure and strange noises such as banging or whistling. If you suspect the water supply lines might be the reason behind the whistling sound, have a plumber near you inspect and fix any underlying issue.
Limescale Buildup
Unfortunately, the accumulation of limescale or mineral deposits doesn’t just block the showerhead. It might also build up within the pipes, valves, and other parts of your plumbing system. This results in various issues such as high-pitched whistling sound and poor water pressure. Whenever you notice chalky, white deposits on the shower or sink, that is a telltale sign of limescale buildup. You must hire a plumber immediately to remove the deposits before irreparable damage to your system happens. The professionals might advise that you invest in the following to deal with mineral and limescale deposits:
- Reverse osmosis systems force the water to pass via a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities, minerals, and other contaminants. Hence, you get clean water devoid of the calcium and magnesium minerals that make limescale.
- Water softener: Most water softening systems use an ion exchange process to remove minerals from water. This keeps your entire plumbing system smoothly running and prevents limescale buildup.
Damaged Faucet Handle Valve
The last reason you might hear the whistling sound from your shower is that the faucet handle valve might be worn out. Specifically, the washer within the valve might become damaged over time. The faucet handle valve is a component that controls the volume of cold and hot water flowing into your shower to match the temperatures set. It might make the whistling sound if it isn’t efficiently functioning. Never try fixing this issue yourself. Rather, call a plumbing professional to address it swiftly and effectively.
Your Plumbing Professionals
Since your shower is among the most used fixtures at your home, even the slightest deviation from normal behavior can be a cause for alarm. Whenever you hear a whistling sound, it might be caused by either of the issues above. Rather than start guessing, why not have a plumber near you come over, inspect the shower, and fix the issue? Call our licensed plumbing professionals at MainLine Plumbing today for reliable and professional plumbing services.
Author Bio:
Andrew Dilaurenzio
The primary contact at Mainline Plumbing Service, you can contact Mainline Plumbing Service by phone using this number 954-466-9803. They provide 100% guaranteed customer service. They do it all. Water heaters, sewer camera video inspection, drain cleaning, slab leak repairs, leak detection, sewer line repairs, and much more.