The beauty of modern plumbing is that it is incredibly effective, convenient and, most of the time, invisible.
In fact, we largely forget about the winding system of pipes and valves in our walls and beneath our floors — at least, until something goes wrong.
Noisy pipes are not just annoying, they can be a sign that all is not right in your plumbing system. Pipes can make a wide range of weird noises, so let’s delve together into how to identify what’s wrong with a noisy system, and more importantly, how we can fix it.
Identifying the Type of Noise
The first is identifying just what kind of noise is coming through the walls or floors.
One of the most common issues is called water hammer (also known as hydraulic shock). This phenomenon is characterised by a loud banging noise whenever a valve is shut off too quickly. The water is forced to stop or change direction rapidly and the resulting force creates a bang.
Whistling noises are generally caused by a buildup in water pressure.
High water pressure is usually the dream, but when it gets too high it can cause a slew of problems, including worn-out or rupturing joints and seals and even cracks in older pipes. High pressure can result from a worn-out pressure-reducing valve. It may also be the result of mineral buildup from exposure to hard water. The more buildup, the less space the same amount of water has to flow and the higher the pressure.
Vibration or rattling can be a sign of loose pipes. Over time, pipes can work themselves loose from their fastenings. When water flows through them, they rattle against the nearest solid part of the house, often the timber or steel frame. This can be fixed by replacing fastenings or securing the pipe with additional fastenings.
Tools and Materials Needed
The tools and materials you need for the job will obviously depend on what kind of repair is required.
To fix banging pipes you may need to replace:
- Valves
- Washers
- Saddle clips
- Arrestors.
To create a solution that dissolves mineral buildup to resolve whistling due to high water pressure, try equal parts of:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Hot water.
If the fix requires access to vibrating or rattling pipes hidden behind the walls, you may need:
- Screwdriver and/or power drill
- Plasterboard cutter
- Plasterboard filler
- Jigsaw cutter
- Screws (different types for either timber or steel house frames)
- Clamps or pipe brackets
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Noisy Pipes
Securing Loose Pipes
1 – Identify the location of the noisy pipe.
2 – Drill four shallow holes in a rectangular shape around the location. (A professional may use a small camera feed to verify the location before cutting further.)
3 – Use a plasterboard cutter to cut the rectangle out and set it aside.
4 – If there is a loose fastening, try to screw it tighter.
5 – If the screw is too loose, apply additional fastenings (such as saddle clips) adjacent to the old ones.
6 – To prevent additional movement, it may be helpful to add something to cushion the pipe to dampen any leftover noise. Secure any loose insulation to add another layer of sound protection.
7 – Use a tap connected to the noisy pipe to test whether it has stopped moving.
8 – Add the plasterboard back in and fix the cut with putty.
Installing Water Hammer Arrestors
1- Disconnect the water supply at the taps.
2 – Screw the hammer arrestor into the wall stop valve.
3 – Then screw the appliance, such as a toilet, sink, or washing machine, into the other end of the arrestor.
4 – Reconnect the water supply.
Other Fixes (Insulating Pipes, Adjusting Water Pressure)
Insulating Pipes
If you find your hot water is not quite as hot as you would like, it may be due to a lack of insulation around your pipes. If your pipes aren’t currently insulated, you could be losing a few degrees of temperature, particularly during cold weather.
1 – Measure the pipes, starting from your hot water system. Exposed pipes will lose more heat than those snug inside walls.
2 – Cut the insulation sleeve to size for each section as the pipe bends.
3 – Cover the pipe with an insulation sleeve. Make sure it is a snug fit.
4 – Secure the insulation sleeve with clamps or cable ties every half metre or so.
Adjusting Water Pressure
It’s normal for water pressure to ebb and flow a little. Installing a water pressure regulator can help you detect whether your water pressure is changing.
If you notice an increasing swing in one direction, it’s time to take action.
The baking soda and vinegar mixture above is effective in clearing out mineral buildup, and if that doesn’t work, consider trying chemical alternatives. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemicals and be extra careful handling caustic solutions.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Noise
Regular maintenance is the key to a happy life free of plumbing headaches.
Prevent buildup by testing for hard water at home. Fill an empty bottle one-third full of water, then add a few drops of dish detergent. Shake the mixture vigorously. If the water is cloudy or milky and there is a lack of bubbles in the mixture, you likely have hard water.
Conduct the test using water from different faucets and showerheads to isolate hard water problems.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re even just a little bit unsure about tackling the above fixes, or you’re struggling to identify the problem, you need someone in the know.
Even basic fixes can have a way of becoming more complicated than they seem. An experienced plumber can quickly identify the causes of the sounds, determine whether there is any damage to the hose, fixtures or appliances, seal up any leaks, and test your temperature and faucet pressure so that, whatever the culprit, your water pipes are back to working as good as new.
The reduction in noise will be well worth it with no more echoes or troublesome air pockets. Plumbers will also have the right fittings on hand no matter the problem and their work will come with a warranty.
If your pipes are rattling around, whistling at you, or making a loud bang, get in touch with the team at The Relining Company. With professional support and a simple adjustment or two, we can get your pipes back to new.
Back to Top