Why is My Plumbing System So Noisy?

Noisy plumbing in the home are annoying, and in some cases can be a symptom of a plumbing problem.

Banging Pipes

If you hear banging while running hot water, the cause is likely copper pipes that are expanding as the hot water runs through the pipe causing it to rub against a stud or joist as it contracts. It is unlikely to cause a leak in all but the most extreme cases.

Unless you are in the process of remodeling or have access to the pipes from a basement or crawlspace, there isn’t much that can be done. If you are fortunate enough to have access to the inside of the wall or ceiling, adding foam rubber to the holes where the pipes pass through can solve the problem. Replacing metal pipe brackets with quieter plastic ones can also help.

If the pipes make a banging noise when running both cold and hot water, you are probably hearing what is called “water hammer”. Water hammer happens when the water is turned off at a faucet or other valve. Lowering water pressure the the pipes to 60 psi or lower with a pressure-reducing valve will usually reduce the noise. Another option is to have your plumber install air chambers, or water hammer arresters to absorb the energy inside the plumbing system.

Have questions about noisy pipes or other plumbing problems? Call ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we’re here to help.