Noisy pipes in your home can be a nuisance. It can even be a sign of a serious issue that needs immediate attention. However, there are a few simple steps you can follow to attempt to identify the issues. Or perhaps try to fix the problem yourself before calling a professional plumber.
What kind of noise are you hearing?
First, it’s important to identify the type of noise your pipes are making. Here are a few common sounds you might hear and their potential causes.
Humming or buzzing:
This type of noise is often caused by water flow or pressure issues. It could be due to a partially closed valve, a faulty pressure regulator, or even a problem with the water meter.
Thumping or knocking:
This noise is often caused by water pipes expanding and contracting as the water flows through them. It’s more common in older homes with iron pipes but can also be caused by loose pipes or a water hammer.
Squealing or whistling:
This type of noisy pipe is often caused by high water pressure or a water flow restriction. It could be due to a faulty pressure regulator, a partially closed valve, or a clogged pipe.
So, what do I do next for noisy pipes?
Now that you’ve identified the type of noise your pipes are making, here are some steps you can take to try to fix the problem. It’s important, however, that you be confident about your ability to work with the water system in your house. Water is one of the leading causes of damage to homes around the country. Call a plumber now if you’re hesitant to take on these tasks.
Check the water pressure:
High water pressure is a common cause of pipe noise and can lead to other issues like leaks and pipe damage. To check the water pressure, you can use a pressure gauge (purchased at a hardware store) or hire a professional to test it for you. If the pressure is too high, a plumber can have a plumber install a pressure regulator or adjust the pressure.
Insulate the noisy pipes:
If your pipes are making noise due to expansion and contraction, you can try insulating them to reduce the noise. You can chat with your plumber about using foam pipe insulation, which is not difficult to install. The insulation will be cut to the appropriate length and slid onto the pipes. It’s a process that doesn’t take long and isn’t expensive.
Check for loose pipes:
If your pipes are making a thumping or knocking noise, it could be due to loose pipes. To fix this, pipes will need to be secured to the walls or floor using pipe hangers or straps. Make sure the pipes are secure but be careful not to overtighten the straps or hangers, as this can cause the pipes to become damaged, resulting in leaks.
Install a water hammer arrestor:
A water hammer is a type of noise that occurs when a valve is suddenly closed, causing a shock wave to travel through the pipes. A water hammer arrestor is a device that absorbs the shock and can help to reduce this type of noise. You can purchase a water hammer arrestor at a hardware store and install it yourself or hire a plumber to do it for you.
Check for clogs:
If your pipes are making a squealing or whistling noise, it could be due to a water flow restriction. A clog in the pipes could cause this. To check for clogs, use a plumbing snake (a long, flexible tool used to remove clogs) or a chemical drain cleaner. If you cannot clear the clog on your own, it’s best to call a professional plumber. We can use special tools to detect clogs that you won’t likely be able to identify.
My pipes are still making noise!
If you’ve tried these steps and still have noisy pipes, it’s best to call a professional plumber like the experts at Urban Water Works. We have the expertise needed to identify and fix more complex issues. In some cases, the problem may be due to old or damaged pipes that need to be replaced. We can do a complete maintenance check or perform a video inspection that can easily identify the problems.
For more information on our many water and drainage services or to schedule an appointment to address the noisy pipes in your home, call us at 604-790-8993.