Water pipes can be noisy due to a variety of reasons. Hot water pipes make noise as different water temperatures cause them to expand and contract. Other types of pipes may make noise due to high water pressure, a phenomenon known as water hammer, or loose mounting straps. When your pipes create sounds, it can be disconcerting; however, most of these issues can be easily remedied.
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Water Pressure
If you think water pressure is the cause of the noise, it can be easily adjusted by changing the amount of pressure on the water-pressure regulator installed on your house or installing a pressure-reducing valve. Water pressure that is too high not only creates noise but can also damage household appliances that use water, so it’s important to make sure that the pressure is regulated to prevent damage.
Water Hammer
Water hammer is caused when running water is turned off quickly, and the water has no place to go. The water then hits the shut-off valve, creating a loud sound like a hammer. Most vertical pipes have air chambers that are supposed to absorb the shock when water is suddenly shut off. However, sometimes the air chambers fill with water, making them less effective. You can fix this by turning off the water supply to your home and draining all the water from the system. Once the water is all drained, you can turn the water back on, which will rush the pipes, while letting air get trapped in the vertical air chambers. Fixing water hammer issues is essential because water hammer can cause damage to joints and connections.
Loose Mounting Straps
Another issue you might come across is loose mounting straps. Mounting straps hold the pipes against the framing of the house to prevent movement. If the straps are loose, the pipes will be able to move freely when water is running through them. If your pipes are noisy, it could be a sign that they are moving against the framing and making noise through the vibrations. In this case, you can either replace the straps or add additional ones for support near where the old ones are located. You can use a cordless drill, drywall screws, and pipe straps to do so.
Noisy pipes can be a disconcerting nuisance, but if you can pinpoint the source of the noise, you can make appropriate repairs and enjoy the resulting silence.