Have you heard strange noises in the walls of your home? There's a good chance that annoying sound is caused by your home's water supply lines. Noisy pipes can cause quite a stir—they may even keep you up at night.
The common pipe noises you'll recognize include a clicking noise, a hammering noise, a loud banging, and maybe even a gurgling noise. The good news is, you don't have to live with noisy pipes. Depending on the layout of your home and the orientation of the pipes, fixing that rattling noise from your plumbing might be easier than you think.
What causes rattling pipes?
Both cold water and hot water lines can cause loud noises. If your plumbing system is making loud noises when the water is running, it could just be loose pipe straps or a water hammer issue.
If the noise is specifically coming from hot water pipes and it sounds more like an annoying knocking noise, the cause is usually because the pipes expand as they get hot and begin to rub against the beams, the pipe hangers, etc.
How to Fix Water Hammering Sounds
Water hammering is a different type of noise than expanding pipes. It sounds more like a loud bang. Older homes may have an "air chamber" (a section of pipe that is supposed to be full of air) that absorbs the shock of water being turned on and off suddenly. Over time, it can fill with water, leading to the pipes producing that dreadful series of bangs.
A common water hammer solution is to drain water from the lines and refill the water system. This reintroduces a bubble of air into the air chamber. If you're unsure if your home has a traditional air chamber, ask a professional plumber.
If you drained the plumbing pipes and still hear a loud hammering, identify the location and attempt to reinforce or replace the hanging pipe clamps. Fixing loose piping or swapping copper pipe fittings for plastic tubing insulators can help reduce annoying noises.
Products We Like That Silence Noisy Pipes
- Plastic tubing insulators. Plastic ribbing in these plumbing straps helps insulate the reverberation of expanding and creaking. You can add these clamps to your existing visible pipes to reinforce an area where the sections of pipe are loose and rattling, or replace all of the unforgiving metal pipe clamps.
- Install a water hammer arrestor. If you know the source of the water hammering (such as the pipes from your washing machine), you can put a water hammer arrestor on the hot and cold water lines. This will absorb the shock wave caused by the change in water pressure from a fast-closing shutoff water valve. These pressure-reducing valves help manage the movement of water and reduce sounds from noisy plumbing.
- Add foam pipe insulators. If the pipe is rattling against a beam, a super affordable option is to pad between the two with pipe foam insulation or foam rubber. Foam liners can deteriorate over time, though, making acoustic pipe supports a viable option if you want to invest in soundproofing your home.
What causes banging noises in vertical pipes?
Banging sounds in vertical pipes often come from hydraulic shock. This happens when water stops too quickly and hits a closed valve or fitting. A spring-loaded shock absorber or water hammer arrester can help reduce these sounds and protect your plumbing system.
FAQ
Why does my water pressure suddenly drop when I use more than one tap?
This can happen if your home has a low water flow rate or a partially closed shut-off valve. It can also be caused by sediment buildup in your water supply pipe or issues with the water pressure regulator. If the problem continues, a licensed plumber can help test your pressure levels and check for blockages.
Can high water pressure damage pipes over time?
Yes, and it’s often overlooked. If pressure exceeds 80 pounds per square inch, it can stress joints, loosen fittings, and even lead to leaks or plumbing emergencies. A water pressure regulator can help protect your system and keep the flow of water steady.
