Ever wondered why your pipes moan, your shower betrays you, or your bathroom smells worse when it rains? Let’s demystify some of the weirdest plumbing behaviour around Melbourne homes.
1. Why Does My House Smell Weird When It Rains?
That sulphur or sewer-like smell when the weather turns? It’s usually caused by blocked or broken drain vents. In Victoria, plumbing systems use roof vents to release sewer gases. But if those vents are clogged or cracked, bad smells can sneak back inside when rain or air pressure changes.
😉 Fix: A licensed plumber can inspect your venting system and reseal or clear it.
2. Why Do My Pipes Sound Like They’re Moaning?
That low hum or groan from your pipes is often caused by water hammer — a pressure surge that happens when valves close quickly and the water has nowhere to go. It can also be from loose pipe brackets letting your plumbing vibrate.
😉 Fix: Installing a pressure-reducing valve or pipe dampeners often solves it.
3. Why Does My Shower Go Hot When Someone Flushes?
This is an old favourite — and very common in older Melbourne homes. Your shower and toilet share the same cold water line, and when someone flushes, the cistern draws water away. That leaves your shower with less cold water to mix, making it suddenly super hot!
😉 Fix: A plumber can install pressure-balancing mixers or update your system to handle simultaneous flow.
4. Why Does My Toilet Gurgle When I Drain the Bath?
If one fixture affects another (like your bath making the toilet burp), it’s usually a venting issue or partial blockage. Water rushing down the bath drain can pull air from other parts of the system, which creates bubbling or gurgling sounds.
😉 Fix: A plumber can check for vent blockages or slow drains that are disrupting airflow.
5. Why Does My Tap Screech When I Turn It On?
That ear-piercing squeal is often from a worn-out washer or loose valve. As water squeezes past damaged or aged parts, it creates a high-pitched vibration.
😉 Fix: Time for a washer replacement — or treat yourself to a tap upgrade.
6. Why Can I Hear Water Running When Everything’s Off?
This one’s a red flag. If you can hear water when no taps are running, it might be a leak inside your walls, ceiling, or under the slab. You’ll often notice a spike in your water bill before physical signs appear.
😉 Fix: Check your water meter when all taps are off. If it’s spinning, you’ve got a hidden leak — get a pro in ASAP.
Final Word: Strange Doesn’t Mean Normal
Weird plumbing behaviour is rarely just a harmless quirk. It’s usually your house whispering (or yelling) that something’s not quite right. And the sooner you check it out, the less likely it is to turn into a costly fix.
Melbourne homeowner?
We help locals get to the bottom of odd sounds, smells, and shower betrayal every week. Call us before your pipes throw another tantrum.