Why Does My Plumbing Sound Like a Fog Horn?

Loose Washer in Faucet

A common source of plumbing noise is a loose washer in a kitchen or bathroom faucet. When it moves under pressure, water escaping through the gap creates a loud, foghorn-like sound. Replacing or tightening the washer is often a quick fix.

This often occurs after DIY work or when a faucet starts to wear out. If the noise only happens with one faucet, that’s likely the issue.

Learn more about leak repairs.

Worn or Loose Toilet Fill Valve (Ballcock or Flapper)

A toilet that groans after flushing may have a worn fill valve or flapper. Water flowing past a faulty seal can vibrate loudly. This problem usually starts small and gets worse over time.

Replacing these parts is affordable and easy—and it reduces noise and water waste.

Explore toilet fixture repairs.

Water Hammer

If pipes bang or make foghorn-like sounds when shutting off water quickly, it could be water hammer. This pressure shock is common in older plumbing systems.

A plumber can install water hammer arrestors or adjust your pressure to stop the noise and protect your pipes.

See our pipe installation services.

Loose Pipes in Walls

Unsecured pipes vibrate when water flows through them, making deep, echoing sounds inside your walls. This is more common in multi-story or older homes.

Securing or insulating the pipes can stop the noise and prevent long-term damage.

High Water Pressure

High pressure—above 70 PSI—can cause valves and pipes to buzz or howl. It also increases wear on your plumbing.

If your pressure is too high, installing or adjusting a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) can help.

Mineral Buildup or Aging Pipes

Hard water deposits minerals in pipes, narrowing them and causing noise. Older pipes may also corrode, adding to the problem.

A plumber can inspect for buildup and recommend cleaning or replacement.

How to Narrow Down the Source

1. Listen closely. Does the sound happen when flushing? Using a sink? Turning water off?
2. Test fixtures individually. Try hot and cold water on each one.
3. Check for patterns. If it happens across the home, it’s likely a systemic issue.

Sometimes sound echoes through ductwork or walls, so locating the source may require a professional inspection.

Fixes You Can Try

Tighten or Replace a Washer

• Shut off water to the faucet.
• Disassemble the handle.
• Replace or tighten the washer.

Bring the old washer to the store to match the size.

Replace the Toilet Fill Valve or Flapper

• Turn off water to the toilet.
• Flush to empty the tank.
• Replace the valve or flapper.

Look for slow-closing or quiet-fill models to reduce noise.

Control Water Hammer

• Install arrestors.
• Adjust or install a PRV.
• Add an expansion tank.

Helpful if you’ve added water-demanding appliances recently.

Secure Loose Pipes

• Strap noisy pipes with clamps or nylon brackets.
• Call a plumber for pipes behind walls.

Pipe insulation may also help reduce vibration.

 Lower High Water Pressure

• Use a pressure gauge to test PSI.
• Adjust the PRV to 60–70 PSI.
• Install a PRV if missing.

This protects your system and reduces plumbing noise.

Check for Mineral Buildup

• If pipes are old or clogged, have a plumber inspect them.
• Cleaning or replacement may be needed.

Pipe descaling may restore flow without full replacement.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if:

• The noise continues despite DIY fixes.
• You hear it across the home or inside walls.
• Pipes may be failing or unsecured.
• Your system lacks arrestors, a PRV, or expansion tank.

In Buffalo and Western New York, older homes and freezing winters make plumbing more prone to damage. A licensed plumber can solve the problem and prevent future issues.

Get Peace and Quiet Back in Your Home

If your plumbing sounds like a fog horn, Frank’s Mr. Plumber is ready to help. From leaky faucets to pipe repairs, we bring 40+ years of trusted service to Buffalo and nearby areas.

Call 716-876-6000 or contact us online. Locally owned in Tonawanda since 1985, we’ll get your plumbing quiet and working right.