Plumbing Pipes Making Noise

Have you ever heard sounds inside your walls like rattling, ticking, squeaking, or pounding – especially while you are running water or have just turned it off? Well, either you’ve got noisy neighbors or an infestation of rodents…OR you are hearing various symptoms that could be coming from your water pipes or drains.

Pipe noises range from loud hammering sounds to high-pitched squeaks. The causes may be loose pipes, water logged air chambers, or water pressure that’s too high. Anchoring exposed pipes is a simple solution; other remedies such as anchoring pipes concealed inside walls, floors or ceilings, may call for a professional.

Banging
Pipes are usually anchored with pipe straps every 6 to 8 feet for horizontal runs, 8 to 10 feet for vertical.

• If your pipes bang when you turn on the water, you may need to add straps or clips, or cushion the pipes with foam rubber.
• When you anchor a pipe-especially a plastic one-leave room for expansion.
• Don’t use galvanized straps on copper pipes. Dissimilar metals can cause corrosion.

Squeaking
It’s not uncommon for hot water pipes to squeak as the pipe expands because of changing water temperatures inside it. The movement of the pipe in its strap creates friction and causes it to squeak.

• Solution: Cushion it as you would a banging pipe.

Water Hammer
This noise occurs when you turn off the water at a faucet or an appliance quickly. The water flowing through the pipes slams to a stop, causing a hammering noise.

Possible cause #1: Loose pipes

Solution: Anchor loose pipes or install a hammer arresting device. These can be purchased at plumbing supply store and some hardwares. There are several types of hammer arrestors for differing applications, so you may want to hire a plumbing professional for this solution.

Possible cause #2: Faulty air chambers. 
These lengths of pipe, installed behind fixtures and appliances,  hold air that cushions the shock when flowing water is shut off. They can get filled with water   and lose their effectiveness. They are a “type” of hammer arresting devise.

Solution: To restore air to the chambers, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. Open all the faucets to drain the system. Close the faucets and turn the water on again. The air chambers should fill with air.

Possible cause #3: Water pressure that’s above 80 psi (pounds per square inch).

Solution: To lower the pressure, install a pressure-reducing valve. You may want to call in a plumber to do   the work if this is a job you don’t want to do yourself.

If you find yourself in need of someone to help you diagnose and eliminate noises from pipes in your house, you know who to call. . .317-578-2882.

. . . better call AttaBoy Plumbing!

Your plumber,

Buddy