Water pipes are not meant to be loud and noisy when used but unfortunately, some do rattle and make noises due to weather, clogs, loose fittings and a host of other factors. In general, the unwelcomed din from your pipes is usually caused by: Water Hammering.
In the course of the day, it's common to hear the light whooshing of water moving through the pipes when you turn on the tap, the shower or an appliance. Sometimes, pipes that bang or clatter when you turn on a faucet is not unusual; however, this plumbing noise can also mean problems with water pressure.
If you're hearing banging noises at random, even while no water is running, it's likely that there's some sediment buildup at the bottom of your water heater. If this is the case, what you're hearing is the resulting reverberations of steam bubbles coming out of that built-up sediment.
Creaking sounds in your water pipes can occur when hot water flowing through them causes them to suddenly expand as they heat up and contract when they cool again. Expanding pipes can also rub against wooden joists in the floors and walls, producing creaking noises.
To make matters worse, loud noises coming from your piping can actually be an indicator of a bad plumbing problem or series of plumbing problems in your pipes. If left untreated, these clogging and drainage issues can become disastrous over time.
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.
If the humming sounds like it's coming from inside the building's walls or from all taps and appliances (rather than one isolated fixture), it's probably caused by a water pressure issue.
High-pitched whistling from the plumbing is caused by excessive water pressure or flow speed. If your water pressure exceeds 60 psi, it's likely the pipes will give a high-pitched noise. The easy fix for high-pitched plumbing noises is lowering the water pressure to an appropriate level.
Water leaks in underground, pressurized pipes may make many different sounds: “Hiss” or “Whoosh” from pipe vibration and orifice pressure reduction. “Splashing” or “Babbling Brook” sounds from water flowing around the pipe. Rapid “beating/thumping” sounds from water spray striking the wall of the soil cavity.
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.
You can cure water hammer by turning off the water behind the waterlogged chamber, opening the offending faucet and permitting the faucet to drain thoroughly. Once all the water drains from the chamber, air will fill it again and restore the cushion.
Water pressure that's too high
If your water pressure is too high, it can also cause noisy water pipes. Worse, high water pressure can damage water-supplied appliances, such as your washing machine and dishwasher.
Popping Sounds
If you hear one or more loud “popping” sounds coming from a wall in the residence, this noise could indicate pipes bursting. When water freezes, it expands in size. Consequently, chunks of ice in a frozen plumbing system sometimes press against pipe, blocking the flow of water.
Ticking and creaking
Plumbing systems that use copper pipes frequently produce loud ticking noises. The sound occurs when hot water runs through cold metal pipes, causing the copper to expand and rub against any surrounding wood or metal; the ticking sound in your water pipes should cease once they quit expanding.
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.
Install a water hammer arrestor
They use a built-in piston to compress air to help reduce the shockwave created by closed valves.
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.
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).
Water Hammer – A water hammer is a loud hammering sound that usually happens when a faucet or shower is turned off abruptly. 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.
If you suspect a water leak, you should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. Don't delay – ignoring a leak can lead to more damage to your property. If you have a leaking or burst pipe in your home, you should turn off your water immediately.