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 hear the hammering coming 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.
Let’s explain why you might have a problem and our water hammer solutions.
Likely Reasons for a Noisy Water Pipe
Brackets and clip
Brackets or clips hold the actual pipe in place onto the wall. Suppose the brackets are not installed correctly or are loose. The water pressure will cause the pipes to move and hit anything around them. This would create 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 are another contributing factor to the water supply hammering in your pipes. The loose pipe will vibrate and hit the framing, causing a loud hammering sound. The same goes for natural wear and tear. Over time, pipes become loose and old, and upgrades are usually needed.
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
If you’re using modern mixer taps, they can be incompatible with your pipes. They’re super-efficient and turn off the water flow almost instantaneously, increasing water hammer due to built-up pressure. High pressure of water or air chamber can cause noisy pipes. Too high pressure can also cause long-term damage to your pipes and other appliances (especially washing machines and dishwashers) if the issue is ignored. High pressure could cause a burst pipe, creating a disaster for you and your home.
Solution: Install a pressure limiting valve, water pressure regulator or water hammer arresters. Water hammer arresters can act as shock absorbers and solve multiple appliances connected to the same tap. Installing them is as easy as screwing the water supply line into them. Or the best solution is to call a professional, licensed plumber. A plumber will appropriately test your water pressure in the pipes.
Blockage
Sometimes, your noisy pipe may make a gurgling sound instead of banging or hammering. This could be an indication of an obstruction somewhere in your pipe. Perhaps something accidentally went down your drain and is blocking the flow of the water?
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 control water flow automatically and can control flow within seconds. Water hammer results from a surge in pressure propagating through a piping system when the water flow is forced to change direction or stop abruptly. This shockwave is called a hydraulic shock or hydraulic surge and may be characterised by a marked banging or knocking sound on the pipes immediately 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
Water ripples created by a float valve inside your water tank can be another cause of hammering pipes. When water flows into the tank, the valve float rocks up and down, constantly closing and opening the valve, creating a “wave system” that echoes along the pipes, causing the hammering sound. Plastic water tanks can flex considerably, so they should have a reinforcing plate to stop them from moving.
Solution: It’s always best to consult a professional for your water hammer fix. Mainly when most of these pipes can be found behind the walls, professional plumbers will have a high-tech solution that will not cost you much, 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 some water hammer solutions, you need the help of a licensed and experienced plumber. Their expertise will pinpoint the issue and find a permanent solution to stop the water hammering sound in your water pipes.
For more plumbing tips, stay tuned for more great reads on plumbing and more.
