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Ever hear that loud banging noise when you use the hot water faucet? The first time you hear it, it usually induces a mini heart attack, but after that, it becomes old, and a little annoying. This and other unusual noises coming from your plumbing system could indicate serious problems and it is important that you learn how to understand what your pipes are trying to tell you... more importantly - you need to know how to shut.them.up!
Let Anta Plumbing talk you through dealing with noisy pipes
Reasons for noisy pipes include loose anchoring brackets or high water pressure. The type of noise you hear will determine the appropriate solution. Sometimes, adjusting your water pressure or applying additional anchoring brackets or cushioning materials could do the trick. Another popular solution, is a water hammer arrester.
Here's how you can fix your noisy pipes:
1. Check the pipe anchors
Over time, pipe anchors come loose and may have to be tightened or replaced. Installing more anchors might be a solution. If you only hear the noise when using hot water, it could be due to the fact that the copper pipes expand when you use hot water, causing the pipe to rub against a bracket, stud or joist. Avoid using galvanized anchors on copper pipes.
2. Add cushioning material
If the pipes are banging or rattling, wrap a piece of rubber around the area with the metal clip or joist, taking care to leave some room for expansion.
3. Look for water buildup
Ensure that the air chambers behind your plumbing fixtures don't have any water buildup. When the chambers are filled with water, it may cause a hammering noise when the faucet is turned on or off. This can usually be fixed by turning off the main water supply and draining all the faucets. Remember to close all the faucets before you turn on the main supply again.
4. Check your water pressure
Home water pressure testing gauges from local hardware or home improvement stores are inexpensive and a good way to test whether your water pressure is too high. Your water pressure should be below 60 psi, but if it is higher, you can install a pressure reducing valve.
5. Stop the squeaks
If your pipes are squeaky, look no further than the hot water pipes. They are probably rubbing against the anchoring straps when water runs through them. Cushioning the pipes at the anchors as you did for the banging pipes, will help.
6. Install a water arrester
If you're having issues with banging pipes, installing a water arrester should help. While traditional water chambers fill with water over time, water arresters are sealed and can be screwed into place in a position that suits you. Also known as an air chamber, a water arrester is a type of cushioning device that absorbs the energy created by water movement.
Instead of struggling with water hammering and other noises when using your plumbing, call Anta Plumbing for a prompt diagnosis and expert solution and rest assured that your plumbing is in the best hands possible.
