A: Hello, Fred. I receive a lot of letters just like yours about singing showers. It's amazing how so many people can have the same problem. Most of the time, it's a simple solution that most homeowners and many plumbers overlook.

The most likely culprit in this case (and in many plumbing system noises) may be high water pressure. In most areas of the country, any plumbing system water pressure over 80 pounds per square inch (psi) is considered too high for residential use. To determine your water pressure, go down to your local home center or supply house and buy a water-pressure test gauge. These gauges simply screw on to your outside faucet spout. When you open the valve, the pressure is displayed on the gauge.

Normal ranges are between 35psi to 75psi. Any water pressure over 80psi is too high for most homes, and a plumber should be called to install a pressure reducer valve.

I suspect that your old showerhead used more than 2.5 gallons per minute and your new shower system meets the current code of 2.5 gpm or less. That reduction in flow combined with possible high water pressure can produce a humming sound in your plumbing system. To back that up, you said when you open up a faucet while the shower is running the noise stops. Opening up a second fixture usually takes some pressure of the first fixture, and there you go. Less pressure may be stopping the noise!

Plumbing problems are always tricky and the only way to solve them is one step at a time. Once you correct your pressure problem, you should find your shower singing a different tune: the sound of silence!