Noisy pipes in your home can be more than just an annoyance—they may indicate underlying plumbing issues that could worsen over time if not addressed. If you’re experiencing loud banging or other strange sounds, it’s important to identify the cause and find the appropriate solution. At Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in resolving all types of plumbing problems, including noisy pipes. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the causes of noisy pipes and the steps you can take to fix them.
Causes of Noisy Pipes and How to Fix Them
1. Copper Pipes and Hot Water Noise
If you hear banging or knocking noises when running hot water, the likely culprit is the expansion and contraction of copper pipes. As hot water flows through copper pipes, the metal expands, causing the pipes to rub against studs, joists, or other parts of the structure. This friction can produce the noise you hear. While this is typically not a serious issue, it can be frustrating.
Solution
Accessing Pipes
If you’re remodeling or have access to the pipes through a basement, crawlspace, or open wall, you can reduce the noise by adding foam rubber insulation where the pipes pass through holes in the structure.
Pipe Brackets
Replacing metal pipe brackets with plastic ones can also minimize noise, as plastic brackets allow for quieter movement of the pipes during expansion and contraction.
In most cases, this type of noise is unlikely to cause leaks, but addressing it early can prevent more serious issues later on.
2. Banging Pipes (Water Hammer)
If you hear a loud banging sound when turning off faucets or appliances that use water, you’re likely dealing with what’s called “water hammer.” This happens when water suddenly stops or changes direction in the pipes, creating a shock wave that causes the pipes to bang against walls or other surfaces. Left unchecked, water hammer can lead to long-term damage in your plumbing system.
Solution
Install a Pressure-Reducing Valve
Water hammer often occurs due to high water pressure. A professional plumber can install a pressure-reducing valve to lower your home’s water pressure to 60 psi or lower, which usually reduces or eliminates the noise.
Add Water Hammer Arresters
Another effective option is to have a plumber install water hammer arresters. These devices act like shock absorbers, cushioning the force of water as it moves through your pipes and preventing the loud banging sound.
Why You Should Address Noisy Pipes Quickly
Ignoring noisy pipes may not seem like a big deal, but it’s important to address the issue promptly. Excessive noise can indicate strain on your plumbing system, and in some cases, can lead to loose fittings, joint failure, or even pipe damage over time. By taking early action, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your plumbing.
Need Help with Noisy Pipes? Contact Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating
If you’re experiencing noisy pipes or any other plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating. Our licensed plumbers have the experience and tools to diagnose and fix a wide range of plumbing problems. Whether you need a pressure-reducing valve, water hammer arresters, or general plumbing repairs, we’ve got you covered.
Call us today to schedule an inspection and get your home plumbing system running quietly and efficiently.
