Tips For Dealing With Noisy Pipes
There are many noises pipes can make ranging from loud hammering sounds to high-pitched squeaks. Among the causes are loose pipes, water-logged air chambers, or high water pressure. Some problems can be remedied by the home handyman; others may require the assistance of 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, cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket or both. When you anchor a pipe, especially a plastic pipe, leave room for expansion. Don’t use galvanized straps on copper pipes.
Water Hammer
This may occur when you quickly turn off the water at a faucet or an appliance. The water flowing through the pipes slams to an abrupt stop, causing the hammering sound.
Check for:
– Loose pipes
– Anchor the pipes
Faulty Air Chambers
These pipes, which are installed behind fixtures and appliances, hold air that cushions the shock when flowing water is shut off. They can lose their effectiveness if they fill with water.
– 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 back on. The air chambers should fill with air.
Check for:
– Water pressure that’s above 80 psi (pounds per square inch)
– Install a pressure-reducing valve to lower the pressure. (Call a professional plumber if you don’t want to try this yourself)