Noisy Pipes

Do you have noises in your home that are annoying to you or maybe even scary? If so, chances are that it’s in your plumbing.

Some noises in your plumbing are common and easy to explain. Most can be diagnosed and fixed in a short amount of time. Others are more complicated and hard to explain. These probably require a professional. Some common noises you may hear are a bang, squeak or ticking noise. Following are some tips to locate the noise and possibly remedy it.

You’re in the bathroom brushing your teeth and you shut the water off when all of a sudden; BANG! (Sometimes explained as a knock or a clunk). WHOA, what was that? This bang in your plumbing is probably caused by a sudden stop in the flow of water as when you turn off the faucet quickly from brushing your teeth. It can also happen with your dishwasher, clothes washer and even your toilet. The key thing to remember with this issue, is that it happens when you turn the water off.

Many newer homes do not have this issue since they have a device called a water hammer arrester. (Sometimes referred to as air chamber, air cushion or water capacitor). These are chambers filled with air connected to the plumbing that allow the pressure wave to dissipate harmlessly into a cushion of air.

If you do not have a water hammer arrester, then check for loose pipes and/or high water pressure. One or both of these could be causing the banging in your plumbing system.

In the case of loose pipes you need to check for pipes that are knocking against, vibrating or rubbing a joist or framing member.

This is easy to do with the exposed piping. If the issue is concealed inside your walls you may want to call a professional. In the case of exposed pipes that are easy to get to, then all you need to do is anchor your pipes. This is a simple solution and can probably be tackled in a couple of hours.

Before you start, check to see if there are anchors already in place. You may have anchors but they may be worn out, loose or not properly located. If you find you do need to anchor your pipes then you will need pipe hangers. Sound insulating pipe hangers are best for this job.

The hangers should be the same material as the pipes.

Your pipes should be anchored with pipe hangers every 6 to 8 feet on your horizontal runs and every 8 to 10 feet on your vertical runs. Foam pipe insulation can be added in your trouble spots as reassurance. Note that water hammer can damage pipes, valves and eventually weaken pipe joints over time, so it is important to take care of it!

Water pressure that is above 80 psi (pounds per square inch) can cause banging in your pipes. (This issue is sometimes explained as a chattering or moaning sound).

Pressure-reducing valves are installed at the point where water comes into the house to soften the pressure, helping eliminate the sound. But, in dealing with high water pressure it is best to call a professional plumber.

In the case of a squeaking or ticking noise it is probably located in your hot water pipes. A water pipe that was cool then is suddenly heated by hot water running through it, expands (due to heat). It is this expansion that causes the rubbing or friction to the pipe hanger that causes the squeaking noise. The remedy for this is to insulate your pipes as mentioned above. The cushion the insulation offers dampens the noise.

Pressure-reducing valves are installed at the point where water comes into the house to soften the pressure, helping eliminate the sound. But, in dealing with high water pressure it is best to call a professional plumber.

In the case of a squeaking or ticking noise it is probably located in your hot water pipes. A water pipe that was cool then is suddenly heated by hot water running through it, expands (due to heat). It is this expansion that causes the rubbing or friction to the pipe hanger that causes the squeaking noise. The remedy for this is to insulate your pipes as mentioned above. The cushion the insulation offers dampens the noise.

Unexplained noises in your home can be annoying. If you can narrow it down to your plumbing and isolate the issue, chances are it will be an easy fix. You probably only need a couple hours and a few inexpensive parts.

This will help maintain the value of your home. Over time, these noises can cause damage. Besides, isn’t it worth a quiet house?