Knocking Sound

Updated on September 07, 2009
J.H. asks from Escondido, CA
12 answers

Hi Moms.. we have been having this weird knocking type sound coming from our bathroom sink. It is every few seconds and then it will stop for a couple hours then start up again. We had this happen several months ago and it went on for about a week then stopped. It doesn't affect the sinks usage so we haven't called the plumber, it really is just so annoying to listen to. Any ideas on what it is and how to make it stop? Thanks.

3 moms found this helpful

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T.K.

answers from Las Vegas on

Go to JustAnswer.com. I did that recently and was very pleased with the help. Unfortunately, I did need a plumber. You may not.
T. K.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Are you in a house or a Condo?

could be air pressure related, old pipes etc. Who knows. Just because the "usage" of this sink still works... that does not mean it works. Sometimes, the pipes/regulators/washers/knobs are old or breaking down and need to be replaced. Or if in a Condo... then the artery of pipes can affect each other. Or maybe it is just your sink.

I would, call a Plumber... and ask them. No obligation to "hire" them. You are just asking a question.
Some will say "well, we need to look at it first, to give you an answer..." just to get you to hire them. But you don't have to. I've called Plumbers before and some are very nice and will actually tell you the problem on the phone and describe it fully. I upfront tell them I am only calling to ask a question and "shopping around" for answers and/or a Plumber and that I have a limited budget. But if I like them I will call back. There is no need to give them your personal information either. You are only calling for information.

This is how I found our plumber, that we really like.

Good luck,
Susan

1 mom found this helpful
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P.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear wondering...

it sounds like you have a ghost! you need a prieast to bless your home. I had the same problem in my home and I didn't want to believe that ghost could be a possibility but after careful analyzing I realized that that's exactly what it was. My home is very old and who knows who lived there 6 generations back. Good luck and I do hope you resolve your problem.
Best wishes.
Trishi

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C.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J., this brought a smile to my face. I think its called "hammer head" and yes you might have to have a plumber come out and clean out your sink pipes. We had the same thing -- comes and goes but when it stays, it is very annoying and can happen all hours! good luck. C.

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.,
it definatly sounds like there is something wrong. Pipes are not supposed to make noise. Maybe something is loose.
Call a plumber, for sure.
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Well my answer may sound strange, but we have a pool and when the pump is on we sometimes hear a knocking sound in the drain. the other night we heard it and the pump wasnt on...so who knows.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

My Dad did plumbing when he was younger. I had this happen a few years ago and he told me to turn all the water faucets on in the house and let them run for 3-4 minutes. Air pressure problem. Knocking went away.

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L.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

It is from your plumbing. Metal deposits form inside galvanized lines, that you cannot see. Do you know if you have copper plumbing or galvanized?
Some lines might have become obstructed inside and need to be changed.
If you decide to change your plumbing, *change it all- for copper, and not the minimum size allowed by the city but the next one up; you will be glad you did in the years to come!

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L.J.

answers from Las Vegas on

When a house is constructed, the plumbing pipes are (or should be) strapped down to the studs. If you are hearing a vibration, seeing a vibration when you turn the water on, either a strap came loose or the pipe was never properly strapped in the first place. You can call the subcontractor and/or the general contractor who built your house and try to get them to come out and fix the problem. Likely, if those guys are still in business, they may have an obligation to fix the problem. Good luck!

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

WOW I have the same problem but ony when I turn water on in the house.... I assumed one of my pipes needed to be tied and stabelized..... now I'm not sure..Please let me know what you find out..... I have plumbing issues :( too darn expensive to fix....

M. B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from San Diego on

Hi J.,
Check to see if the outdoor/outside faucet is turned on. I had forgotten to switch it off and everytime I turned on the inside faucet, we had that knocking noise. Maybe its the pressure in the pipes.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.G.

answers from Las Vegas on

We had this problem in Cincinnati, it's called hammer lock. It's caused by air in the pipes. To fix it, turn off the water at the main valve into the house. Turn on the water at ALL the faucets in the house and drain all the water from the pipes. Then turn the water back on and let it run for a minute or two, then close the faucets starting on the top floor (if you have a 2 story home). We had to do this every couple of years. If it doesn't work, then I guess the next step is to call a plumber. Good luck.

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