Quick Answer:
If you feel a vibration or buzzing when the washing machine runs and worry the fixture or piping will fail, start by trying simple checks before opening walls. Run the faucet from very low to full flow to find the exact flow point that creates the vibration, hold the fixture to feel whether the handle or body is resonating, and test hot-only and cold-only to see which side triggers it. If the movement is inside finished walls, stop and have a plumber locate and secure the pipe — a licensed pro can fasten or re-route the run safely without damaging finishes.
Why This Happens
Vibration often comes from one of a few common causes:
- Loose or unsupported pipes that hit framing as flow or pressure changes.
- Internal cartridge or valve parts that are worn, misaligned, or allow turbulence at certain flows.
- Resonance: the fixture, trim plate, or handle can pick up a vibration at a particular flow rate.
- Pressure spikes or water hammer when the machine’s valves open and close quickly.
One common plumbing-service follow-up is a faulty valve or cartridge — see Vibrating after replacing cartridge for cases where work changed the behavior. If the vibration appears only when water runs in one area of the house, it can point to how a pipe is routed; for example, read about situations similar to Vibrating only in upstairs bathroom.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Recreate the problem and listen
- Run the washing machine and stand near the supply or fixture where you feel the vibration. Note when it starts — immediately on fill, during spin, or only at certain cycles.
2. Run the fixture from very low to full flow
- Open the faucet or supply slowly from drip to full. Pay attention to the exact flow level where the noise or shake starts; that often reveals whether turbulence or a resonance frequency is involved.
3. Hold the fixture to feel resonance
- Place a hand on the faucet body, handle, and nearby trim while changing flow. If the fixture itself vibrates even when pipes look tight, the vibration may be transferring through loose mounting instead of the pipe.
4. Compare hot-only vs cold-only
- Shut off one supply at a time (hot or cold) and run the same test. If the vibration appears only on hot or only on cold, the problem is isolated to that valve or pipe run.
5. Check visible piping and mounting
- Look under the sink, at the washer supply valves, and at any exposed pipe runs. Tighten loose straps and add cushioning where metal rubs on framing. If piping is secure and vibration continues, the issue may be inside the wall or the valve itself.
6. If vibration is inside the wall, pause and call a plumber
- Do not open finished walls until a plumber locates the pipe. A pro can use a camera or locating tools to find the exact run and fasten it without unnecessary cutting.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overtighten cartridges or force parts back into place — that can break plastic components or cause leaks.
- Don’t jam shims or rigid materials behind trim to stop vibration; this can damage finishes or hide a larger problem.
- If vibration is felt inside a wall cavity, don’t start cutting drywall yourself — let a plumber locate the pipe before opening surfaces.
When to Call a Professional
- Call a plumber if you can’t isolate the source with the basic checks, if vibration occurs inside finished walls, or if you see leaking or signs of movement on structural members.
- Also call a pro when the vibration appears only at certain pressures or cycles and you suspect a valve, cartridge, or mounting issue beyond simple strap tightening.
Safety Notes
- Shut off water at the supply valves before working on fittings. If you must shut the house water off, know where the main shutoff is and how to operate it.
- Avoid using excessive force on valve parts or cartridges; plastic pieces break easily and can cause leaks.
- If you smell gas or see electrical damage near vibrating fixtures, stop and contact the appropriate professional immediately.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this start suddenly? Small changes in water pressure, a worn valve part, or a recent repair can reveal or create a vibration that wasn’t noticeable before.
- Can I fix it myself? You can try the flow, hold, and isolation checks described above and tighten visible straps; stop and call a plumber if the source is inside walls or if you find leaks.
- Will this damage pipes or fixtures? Left unchecked, persistent vibration can wear fittings and supports over time, so address the cause rather than masking the noise.
For more related articles, see the Vibrating Faucets or Showerheads hub.