Noisy Plumbing Pipes can elicit a range of reactions, from minor irritation to major fears that something is seriously wrong with your home’s plumbing. They can also be disruptive to your daily routine, especially if they occur at night or during work hours.
Common Causes of Noisy Plumbing Pipes
When homeowners hear water pipes making noise humming or clanging, they are apt to wonder if noisy water pipes are dangerous.
The reality is that plumbing pipes can make noise for a variety of reasons, some of which are minor and harmless, while others may indicate a more serious problem. It is important to be able to identify the cause of noisy plumbing pipes in order to take the appropriate steps to fix it.
Water Pressure
High water pressure can cause pipes to vibrate and bang against each other or against other objects in the walls. This is especially common in older homes with smaller pipes.
Water Flow
When water is flowing through pipes at a high rate, it can create turbulence and noise. This is also more common in older homes with smaller pipes.
Air in the Pipes
Air trapped in pipes can cause banging and knocking noises when water is turned on or off. This can happen when pipes are drained or when the water pressure is low.
Loose Pipes
Pipes that are not properly secured can vibrate and rattle when water is flowing through them. This can happen over time as pipes settle or as a result of construction or renovation work.
Water Hammer
Water hammer is a condition that occurs when water in a pipe is suddenly stopped or slowed down. This can cause a loud banging or crashing noise. Water hammer is most common in older homes with long pipe runs.
Other Causes
Other less common causes of noisy plumbing pipes include pipe corrosion, faulty valves, and frozen pipes.
How to Identify the Cause of Noisy Plumbing Pipes
- Consider the timing of the noise. Does it happen when you turn on or off the water? Does it happen at certain times of the day or night? For example, if the noise occurs whenever you flush the toilet, it is likely that the problem is with the toilet supply line. If the noise occurs when you turn on the hot water faucet, it is possible that the problem is with the hot water heater.
- Pay attention to the location of the noise. Is it coming from a specific area of the house, such as the kitchen or bathroom? For example, if the noise is coming from under the sink, it is likely that the problem is with the drain pipes. If the noise is coming from the wall behind the toilet, it is likely that the problem is with the toilet fill valve.
- Try to determine the type of noise. Is it a banging, knocking, rattling, or hissing noise? For example, a banging noise is typically associated with water hammer, while a rattling noise is more likely to be caused by loose pipes.
How to Fix Noisy Water Pipes
Fixing noisy pipes is sometimes a DIY project for a homeowner with the appropriate tools, but more serious issues may require the expertise of a professional plumber. Here are some of the possible ways to fix noisy pipes based on the underlying issue.
Water Pressure
If the problem is high water pressure, you may need to install a pressure regulator. A pressure regulator is a device that reduces the water pressure coming into your home. Pressure regulators are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Water Flow
If the problem is water flow, you may need to have your pipes cleaned or replaced. Over time, pipes can become clogged with sediment and mineral deposits. This can reduce water flow and increase the risk of noisy pipes. A plumber can clean your pipes or replace them if necessary.
Air in the Pipes
To remove air from the pipes, you can try turning on the faucet and letting it run until the noise stops. You can also try opening the highest faucet in the house and letting the air bleed out. In some cases, it may be necessary to install a vacuum air release valve to remove air from the pipes.
Loose Pipes
Loose pipes can be tightened by a plumber. A plumber will use a pipe wrench to tighten the pipe connections.
Water Hammer
Water hammer can be fixed by installing a water hammer arrestor. A water hammer arrestor is a device that absorbs the shock of water hammer. Water hammer arrestors are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Other Causes
Other causes of noisy plumbing pipes will need to be addressed by a plumber. For example, if the problem is pipe corrosion, the plumber may need to replace the affected pipes. If the problem is a faulty valve, the plumber may need to repair or perform plumbing repair on the valve.
Tips for Preventing Noisy Plumbing Pipes
As with most things in your home, the best defense against noisy pipes is a good offense. Here are some tips for preventing humming or banging pipes:
- Have your plumbing system inspected and cleaned by a professional plumbing company on a regular basis. This will help to identify and fix potential problems before they cause noise or other problems.
- Insulating your pipes can help to reduce noise from water flow and air trapped in the pipes. Pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
- Water hammer arrestors can be installed on any water line in the house, but they are most commonly installed on the hot water line leading to the faucet. Water hammer arrestors come in a variety of sizes and types, so it is important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
- Avoid turning on multiple faucets at the same time. Turning on multiple faucets at the same time can cause water pressure to drop and increase the risk of water hammer.
- Insulating your hot water heater can help to reduce heat loss and improve water efficiency. It can also help to reduce noise from the hot water heater.
- Repair any leaks immediately. Leaks can cause water pressure to drop and increase the risk of water hammer. They can also lead to other problems, such as mold growth and water damage.
If you are experiencing noisy plumbing pipes, it is important to identify the cause of the problem and take steps to fix it.
Searching for “Plumbers Near Me”?
When you need plumbers in and near Lakeland for noisy pipes or any other plumbing services, you need Stronghold Plumbing. As a licensed Florida plumbing company, we offer a full range of plumbing services, including installation, maintenance, and inspections.
Take advantage of our free plumbing estimates to get the peace of mind of knowing that your plumbing system is working properly.
FAQ’s – Noisy Plumbing Pipes
What are the main causes of noisy pipes in a home?
The main causes of noisy pipes in a home are water pressure, water flow, and air trapped in the pipes. In some cases, the noise may be caused by loose pipes or water hammer. Other less common causes of noisy plumbing pipes include pipe corrosion, faulty valves, and frozen pipes.
What is the best way to prevent noisy plumbing pipes?
The best way to prevent noisy plumbing pipes is to have your plumbing system inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. Additionally, insulating your pipes and installing water hammer arrestors can help reduce noise from water flow and air in the pipes. Finally, it is important to repair any leaks immediately.
How do I find a plumber for noisy plumbing pipes?
When searching for “plumbers near me” to help with noisy plumbing pipes, be sure to look for a licensed and experienced professional.
What is the best way to fix water hammer?
The best way to fix water hammer is by installing a water hammer arrestor. Water hammer arrestors are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and they absorb the shock of water hammer. For other causes of noisy plumbing pipes, it is important to contact a professional plumber for help.
