Squealing sounds coming from your pipes when water is running can have a variety of causes, from water pressure issues and fixture hardware that needs replacing to mineral buildups in pipes. Many fixes can be performed quickly with the help of a plumbing service.

High Water Pressure

One of the most common causes of squealing sounds from pipes or fixtures is water being forced through the pipes at high pressure. If your water pressure has recently been adjusted, whether at the valve or by your water company, it's possible that it may be set too high for your home.

The range of acceptable pressure is big enough that you should seek professional help when trying to readjust it, as there are many factors that can go into what ends up being the right setting for your home.

Water Supply Needs Adjusting

Just like your pipes can squeal if the water pressure is set too high, the pressure valve or the shutoff valve for your home's water can also be the source of the problem if they are left only partially open. This can cause a buildup of pressure due to the supply pipes being partially shut off. To make sure this isn't the case, locate your supply valve and regulator to check that they are both functioning the way they should.

Worn Aerators and Washers

If the squealing sound seems to come from a particular fixture, the problem could be with hardware in the specific fixture itself, such as a clogged aerator or a washer that's wearing down. If this is the case, the problem can be easily fixed by having the fixtures or the specific parts cleaned or replaced as necessary.

Mineral Buildup in Pipes

If the squealing sound is consistently present whenever water is being used anywhere around the house, even if it only seems to be coming from one place, the problem could be inside your pipes themselves. This is often caused due to mineral buildup in the pipes, which in effect creates a water pressure problem by trying to push the same amount of water through progressively smaller spaces.

While the buildup can sometimes be removed through a process called descaling, the problem is often widespread enough that it may necessitate a complete replacement of the affected pipes. If left alone, this can result in pipes bursting as a result of increased strain. It can be temporarily alleviated by reducing your home's water pressure, but eventually, the pipes will need to be replaced to prevent damage to your home.