If your pipes sound like they're humming, it's likely a water pressure issue. When the water pressure is high, it can cause the water pipes to vibrate and create a humming sound. High water pressure is more common if you have a well for your water, but it can happen with municipal water as well.
Typically, banging noises coming from your pipes infer an issue with water flow or water pressure. Two of the most common causes are water hammers and trapped air bubbles. A water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, occurs when fluid in motion is suddenly stopped when a faucet or valve is shut off.
Water hammer is a phenomenon that occurs when the flow of water in your pipes is abruptly stopped. When the cold or hot water is shut off, the pressure resonates through the pipes, causing them to bang against anything in the vicinity, such as nearby studs, joists or other water pipes.
Water hammer is usually caused in high pressure (e.g. mains pressure) water systems either when a tap is turned off quickly, or by fast-acting solenoid valves, which suddenly stop the water moving through the pipes and sets up a shock wave through the water, causing the pipes to vibrate and 'shudder'.
Because water hammer is most often caused by water pressure that's too high, the first step is to reduce the water pressure if possible. Sometimes this isn't feasible because a reduction in pressure may result in only a dribble of water at an upper-floor faucet if one on the first floor is turned on.
Over time, high water pressure wears on your plumbing system and leads to: Leaking Pipes: High water pressure continuously puts too much force on your pipes. Eventually, your home's pipes will likely wear down until they can no longer hold back the water.
Humming. When your water pressure is too high for the system's capacity, it can leave your pipes vibrating. This vibration may result in a humming noise, especially when the water is running. Overly high water pressure can occur in any home, but is particularly common in homes that rely on well water.
Water pressure is one of the most common culprits when it comes to humming pipes. If your home's water pressure is too high, it can result in a humming sound within your pipes. The water pressure coming into your home shouldn't be more than 80 psi.
Fortunately, noisy pipes are not often cause for concern if dealt with properly. The issue usually lies with simple issues that you can either handle yourself, or that can be dealt with through a routine call-out.
A foghorn sound in your plumbing could be a number of things. It may be a faulty ballcock in the toilet, a loose faucet washer, or a valve in the washing machine. It may also be permeating your entire house, in which case it could be from loose or old pipes or a malfunctioning regulator.
Air in water pipes will sound like a hiss or pop. Alternatively, the trapped air can cause loud gurgling and prolonged vibrating noises. Other sounds are loud noises and bangs emanating from the pipes; this clearly indicates air traveling in the pipes.
The most evident warning sign of water hammer is the noise. It sounds like a loud, abrupt BANG or a THUG. It can often be accompanied by rattling in the piping. Typically, it happens more than once as the supersonic pressure wave bounces back and forth in the piping system.
The water pressure that runs through the pipes can be so strong that when suddenly halted, it can make hammering sounds that can sound like a jackhammer. Most residential plumbing systems are fitted with air cushions, which absorb the excess air pressure, but this can get worn over time.
Water hammer is a phenomenon that can be either a mild nuisance or a severe problem. It is usually considered a safety hazard. The extreme pressure caused by water hammer can blow out gaskets and cause pipes to suddenly rupture, causing serious injury to anyone nearby.
Fixing High Water Pressure
If your pressure is consistently above 80 psi, it's time to add a water pressure regulator to your waterline. Also known as a PRV (pressure regulating valve), the regulator does exactly what its name implies; it regulates the pressure in your plumbing system.
The most common causes of high water pressure include: High supply pressure – In areas where there are tall buildings, fire hydrants, or plenty of hills, the pressure of the municipal water system may be set intentionally high to ensure adequate pressure at all locations.
Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi. While you don't want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80. Instead, you should aim for a psi that's between 60 and 70.
The maximum recommended water pressure for homes is 80 psi; any pressurization exceeding this amount will result in thousands of wasted gallons of water each month.
The Water Hammer Problem
The effect of the shockwaves can damage the pipes and knock them loose, and also damage taps, faucets, and appliances. Enough force from water hammer can even cause pipes to burst. If you hear rattling sounds along with the water hammer, it likely means you have pipes coming loose.
Most often, the problem is a failed gasket in the pressure-reducing valve where water comes into the house. Replacing this valve, including the part and labor, costs less than $300, according to Connie Hodges, operations manager at Wacker Plumbing & Remodeling in Sterling (703-450-5565, www.wackerplumbing.com).