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It can be quite disturbing to hear strange noises emanating within your home pipes. These sounds can be everything from bangs, clanging, whistling or gurgling and humming. There is nothing as frustrating as having noisy pipes, although this is a sign that there are problems that require attention. These issues if not addressed could result in expensive replacement or water damage in future.
Fortunately, when it comes to noisy pipes, being knowledgeable on what causes them and how to solve them can go a long way to quieting your home. In this particular article, we intend to discuss various causes of noise, how one can locate the root cause and possible solutions.
Types of Noisy Pipes and Their Causes
Noisy pipes can manifest in various ways, each pointing to a different issue in your plumbing system. Below are the most common types of noises and their potential causes:
Banging or Hammering (Water Hammer)
- Water hammer occurs when water flowing through the pipes suddenly stops or changes direction, causing a shockwave. This often happens when a faucet or valve is turned off quickly.
- It can also be caused by loose pipes that bang against walls or other surfaces.
Whistling or Squealing
- High water pressure is a common culprit for whistling pipes.
- Worn-out washers or valves inside faucets or appliances can also produce high-pitched sounds.
Gurgling
- Gurgling noises are usually caused by clogged drains or partially blocked drains, which create air pockets as water flows through them.
Humming or Vibrating
- Excessively high water pressure can cause pipes to hum or vibrate.
- Loose pipes that aren’t properly secured can also contribute to this noise.
Troubleshooting Noisy Pipes
Once you are able to determine the type of noise, then it’s easy to troubleshoot when and how to try and solve the problem. Below are solutions for the most common noisy pipe problems:
Fixing Water Hammer
Water hammer can be resolved by addressing the pressure shockwave in your pipes. Here’s what to do:
Install Water Hammer Arrestors:
- Water hammer arrestors are devices that absorb the shockwave and prevent banging noises.
- Attach these devices near appliances or faucets prone to sudden shut-offs, such as washing machines or dishwashers.
Secure Loose Pipes:
- Inspect your pipes for loose sections that might be banging against walls or other surfaces.
- Use pipe clamps or straps to secure the pipes and prevent movement.
Drain Your Plumbing System:
- Turn off the main water supply and open all faucets to drain the water from your pipes. This can help clear any trapped air that may be causing the noise.
Reducing High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure not only causes noisy pipes but can also damage your plumbing system over time.
Test Water Pressure:
- Use a pressure gauge to measure your home’s water pressure. Ideal water pressure should be between 40-60 psi.
Install a Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV):
- If the water pressure is too high, install a PRV near your main water supply to regulate and lower the pressure.
Clearing Clogged Drains
Gurgling sounds are usually a sign of a blockage in your pipes. Here’s how to clear it:
Use a Plunger:
- For minor clogs, a plunger can help dislodge debris and restore proper drainage.
Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar:
- Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. This natural solution can dissolve grease and debris.
Use a Plumbing Snake:
- For stubborn clogs, use a plumbing snake to reach deeper into the pipes and clear the blockage.
Securing Loose Pipes
Securing Loose Pipes Vibrating or humming pipes can often be fixed by securing loose sections of your plumbing system:
Locate the Loose Pipes:
- Inspect visible pipes, such as those in the basement or under sinks, for movement.
Install Pipe Insulation:
- Use foam pipe insulation to cushion the pipes and reduce vibration.
Use Pipe Clamps or Straps:
- Attach clamps or straps to secure the pipes to walls or beams, ensuring they don’t move when water flows through them.
Preventing Noisy Pipes
Preventative measures can help you avoid noisy pipes in the future:
Regular Maintenance
- Inspect your plumbing system regularly for signs of wear, leaks, or loose fittings.
- Clean drains periodically to prevent clogs and gurgling noises.
Install Water Hammer Arrestors
- Adding water hammer arrestors to key areas of your plumbing system can prevent banging noises before they start.
Monitor Water Pressure
- Keep your water pressure within the ideal range of 40-60 psi by checking it periodically and using a pressure-reducing valve if needed.
Upgrade Old Plumbing
- Replace old or corroded pipes, fixtures, and valves to eliminate potential sources of noise.
When to Call a Professional
Most of the time, the noise you hear in a pipe requires only easy actions that can be resolved by the individual but some situations require the service of a professional plumber.
- Persistent Noise: If the problem persists, there may be another problem of a different origin, which calls for further diagnosis.
- Frequent Clogs: There are times when your plumbing gets restricted for certain durations, only for it to get blocked again after sometime, this is often indicative of other issues within the system.
- Visible Damage: Broken pipes that have rust, crack, or leakage should be repaired or replaced by a professional.
- Complex Systems: In fact, if the plumbing layout of your house is complex, only a professional is in a position to diagnose the problem and offer a lasting solution.
Conclusion
Banging and knocking pipes are hugely annoying and can be detrimental to the comfort of your home, but it is understandable if the causes are all known and addressed. Start from the basics such as resolving water hammer and high water pressure, eliminating water hammer through clogs, and tightening loose pipes, among others, these techniques assure you of minimum pipeline noise.
Need expert assistance with pipe repair & replacement or noisy pipes? Contact Lifetime Plumbing today!