View Full Version : High pitch hum in pipes
 
 aef222
Jul 23, 2008, 09:07 AM
When I turn off either shower in the house, I hear a high pitched whining noise.  It stops if I turn on any other water source in the house, but then starts again when I turn it off.  It only lasts about 10 minutes.  What is it?
 danielnoahsmommy
Jul 23, 2008, 09:09 AM
Air in the pipes
 hkstroud
Jul 23, 2008, 09:16 AM
Are you on a municipal water system?  Do you have a pressure regulating valve?  Are you on a well system?
 aef222
Jul 23, 2008, 09:46 AM
I assume I'm on a municipal system (I don't have a well).  I wouldn't know where to look to see if I have a pressure regulating valve...  On a friend's advice, I did try turning on every water source in the house at once, starting from the top, but that didn't help.
 ballengerb1
Jul 23, 2008, 09:56 AM
I would buy a presssure gauge and fittings to attach it to the garden spigot. If your pressure is over 50 psi you need a pressure reducing valve (PRV) to bring it down or you already have a PRV that needs adjustment or replacement. The high pitched whine is temporary excessive pressure blowing past a valve seal, likely the toilet ballcock or frig ice maker.
 hkstroud
Jul 23, 2008, 11:55 AM
Look for a PRV valve at the place where you turn off the water to the house.  Should look something like this.
 hkstroud
Jul 23, 2008, 11:58 AM
Bob 
Note that the whining noise is occurring when the shower is turned off and continues for 10 minutes.  I'm thinking trash in PRV as it tries to adjust pressure .
 ballengerb1
Jul 23, 2008, 05:21 PM
I agree, it could be a PRV trying to reduce the pressure, or like I said, maybe another valve like a ballcock or ice maker. Something is venting the excess pressure, your thought about a PRV does make the most sense. Good call Harold.