Noisy water supply pipes and water hammers can be a real nuisance and can cause further damage to the entire plumbing system. When you’re lying in bed at night and hearing the hammering from inside the walls, you know that can’t be good!
But what causes the water hammering, and how can it be fixed? Is it air packets?
Keep reading below to find some causes of a noisy water pipe. Then, we will look at how to stop the water hammer sound before it causes leaking pipes and water damage to your home.
We’ll delve into why you might be having trouble with water hammers and explore some effective solutions.
Likely Reasons for a Noisy Water Pipe
Brackets and clip
Brackets or clips keep the pipe securely in place against the wall. However, if these brackets are not installed correctly or are loose, the water pressure can cause the pipes to shift and hit surrounding objects, leading to noisy pipes or water supply lines.
Solution: Removing the faulty brackets and correctly installing new clips will secure the pipe. This will stop the pipe from moving. Calling a licensed plumber will fix the problem of accessing the lines.
Loose pipe
Loose pipes can also contribute to water hammer issues. These pipes may vibrate against framing, resulting in a loud hammering noise. Over time, natural wear and tear cause pipes to loosen and age, often necessitating upgrades.
Solution: Only a licensed local plumber can safely access the pipes. Tighten the loose pipes and ensure the installation is correct. A plumber from a reputable company will find the best pipes for your home and correctly install them.
High water pressure
Modern mixer taps and fast-closing washing machine solenoid valves shut off water almost instantaneously, sending an intense shockwave back through the pipework. Under Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500.1 (the national plumbing standard regulating water services, which caps allowable static pressure at 500 kPa to protect fixtures and prevent destructive hydraulic shock), excessive water pressure dramatically amplifies water hammer. If left unaddressed, high pressure stresses pipe joints, damages washing machines and dishwashers, and can ultimately trigger catastrophic pipe bursts inside walls or ceilings.
Solution: Install a calibrated pressure limiting valve at your main supply and fit water hammer arrestors close to fast-acting valves. Water hammer arrestors act like shock absorbers, cushioning sudden pressure surges. A licensed plumber will accurately test your household water pressure and install compliant protection.
Blockage
At times, a noisy pipe might produce a gurgling sound rather than banging. This often indicates an obstruction within your pipe. Something may have inadvertently entered the drain, preventing proper water flow.
Solution: There are some DIY methods to clear a blocked drain. A blockage can be located by calling a blocked drain expert. A licensed plumber can clear the blockage and create a free flow for your water again. This fixes the water hammer.
Hydraulic shock
Washers automatically regulate water flow in seconds. Water hammer occurs when a surge of pressure moves through pipes, typically when water flow changes direction or stops suddenly. This shockwave, known as hydraulic shock, is often accompanied by a noticeable banging or knocking sound right after shut-off.
Solution: Install a water hammer arrestore to compress the air in the pipes, ramping down the pressure. Call an emergency plumber, do not attempt to resolve this issue yourself. You can opt to have your trusted plumber install the following to keep hydraulic pressure under control:
- Water hammer arrestors
- Surge tanks
- Pressure vessels and pressure limiting valve
- Check valves
- Slow shut-off valves
- Air chambers
Water Ripples from the Tank
A float valve inside your water tank might be causing pipe hammering. As water fills the tank, the valve float moves up and down, repeatedly opening and closing the valve. This creates a 'wave system’ echoing through the pipes, leading to the hammering noise. Plastic water tanks are prone to significant flexing, so it’s advisable to use a reinforcing plate to keep them stable.
Solution: It’s always best to consult a professional for your water hammer fix. When most pipes are behind the walls, professional plumbers can offer a low-cost, high-tech solution, like pipe relining.
Fixing Your Water Hammer Or Noisy Pipes
There may be other causes for your noisy water hammer and the water supply that is not ideal. Not attending to plumbing problems like this one will result in further damage to your home. This will result in additional costs and unnecessary stress for you.
To get to the bottom of why you have noisy pipes and find permanent water hammer solutions, you need the help of an experienced, licensed plumber. Operating under NSW Fair Trading Contractor Licence 305428C, Fixed Today has been the trusted plumbing team Sydney households rely on and return to since 2011 across more than 15 years.
When you contact us, our team asks a couple of diagnostic questions about which taps or appliances trigger the hammering and your property’s wall structure so our technician arrives equipped with digital pressure loggers, acoustic sensors, and Australian-approved arrestors. We walk you through every step of the solution upfront, backed by transparent pricing and a $0 call-out fee on approved work. Contact Fixed Today for lasting water hammer relief.
