Noisy pipes in the middle of the night are annoying. The loud gurgling sound or constant humming is enough to irritate you and keep you from sleeping at night.
Strange sounds from your pipes can cause anxiety, but they can also indicate something is wrong with your plumbing system.
Ignoring noisy pipes and delaying hiring a professional plumbing service can cause serious problems that require costly repairs. To avoid serious harm, it is crucial to understand the causes and how to address them. If you’re sick of noisy pipes and want something done about them, here are some things you should know.
Common Causes of Loud Noises and Ways To Fix Them
Several reasons can cause loud noises in the pipes, so you must determine what is causing the issue before trying to fix it.
Water Hammer (Banging or Thudding Noises)
Banging sounds indicate a water pressure problem, mostly brought on by trapped air bubbles and water hammers; a water hammer results from stopping the fluid motion by closing a valve or a faucet. The pipes make a loud banging sound due to a pressure wave that happens when the water’s momentum stops. If you hear thudding noises, turn on the faucet immediately to release any trapped air. To further reduce the banging sound, consider adding water hammer arrestors.
Here’s the detailed process of fixing a water hammer on your own.
- Turn off the primary water source
- Turn on the taps on the top floor of your house
- Turn on the taps on the ground floor of your house
- Let all water drain out of the plumbing system
- After the water has drained, turn the main water supply back on.
- Let the water flush out the air particles in the pipes
- Turn off the taps
High Water Pressure (Humming Sounds)
When there’s high pressure, you will likely hear humming or vibrating sounds in the water pipes. Generally, the cold water pressure is consistent with a pressure regulator, also known as a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). The device can regulate the incoming water pressure as high as 100 to 200 PSI based on location. Ideally, your home’s incoming cold water pressure should be between 40 and 60 PSI to reduce unnecessary strain and prevent vibrating noises.
In case of inconsistency, install a PRV to regulate the pressure and prevent it from exceeding the set water pressure limit. Check the system’s manual for instructions on adjusting the pressure. Purchase a gauge to test the water pressure periodically.
Copper Pipes (Ticking, Whistling, or Popping Sounds)
Most house pipework is made from copper because it’s durable and malleable. However, copper expands and contracts with the increase and decrease in temperature. While hot water temperature expands the metal, it gradually contracts once it cools down. If you hear loud noises after using hot water, it could be due to the expansion of copper pipework. The sound usually occurs when the pipe rubs against the brackets, joints, and support structures and expands due to increased heat. Although copper can withstand this pressure, you can follow these methods to stop the loud noises.
- Insulate the accessible pipework with foam rubber to avoid friction against other structures.
- Lower the hot water temperature to reduce expansion.
- Consult a professional to install insulation or fix problems in inaccessible areas and avoid the extra charges of plumbing delays.
Water Heater Issue (Rumbling, Sizzling, or Tapping Sounds)
Rumbling, cracking, or popping sounds may be caused by blockages, sediment accumulation, or wear and tear on the water heater. Flush the water heater occasionally to get rid of deposits. Condensation is another factor contributing to this. Although condensation is harmless, it can damage the tank if a leak occurs.
Conclusion
Homeowners can take care of some of these problems on their own. However, if you are not confident, it is always best to seek professional help for plumbing issues. Consulting a plumber to check the pipework before it escalates is a practical and wise solution to avoid hefty expenses.