Loud pipes are a nuisance, and they can put a real damper on the peaceful atmosphere of your home. Imagine a quiet Sunday afternoon, curled up on the couch reading a book, and CLASH. Someone flushes the toilet, causing a cacophony of rattling and shaking. Find out what usually causes pipes to make these loud, offensive noises and what can be done about it.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are famous for creating noise. As hot water moves through the colder pipes, the material expands. This can cause it to make contact with a nearby structure, such as the home’s framing or wood floor. After the water moves out of the pipe, the pipe will contract back to its normal shape and stop rubbing against the other surface. Then, the noise stops.
To prevent copper pipes from making noises, it’s possible to install insulation around them to limit the expanding and contracting. Additionally, it may help to lower the setting on your water heater so that water moving through pipes isn’t quite as hot.
Minerals in Your Water
Water is full of minerals that can get left behind in the pipes. Essentially, these minerals create a coating on the walls of the pipes and cause air bubbles to form. As warm water moves through the pipes or as the water inside the pipes becomes warm, the bubbles pop and make noise.
If mineral buildup is the culprit, flushing out the water heater should help. Flushing is part of annual service a water heater technician provides. Scheduling annual tuneups for the water heater helps it operate efficiently and removes buildup that can harm not just the pipes but the system, too.
Loose Pipes
If pipes are loosely secured to surfaces in the home, they can vibrate as water moving through them creates pressure.
If the problem is as simple as loose connections causing vibrating pipes, tightening these connections should remedy the loud pipes.
Water Hammer
Water hammer creates a clanging or banging noise, which results from a closed valve stopping the force of water flow.
Sometimes, stopping water hammer is as simple as slowly turning water on and off to offset the strong force of water causing the banging noise. However, you may need a plumber to install control valves to absorb the strong force of water when it stops.
Before you can get rid of the annoying noises, you need expert help figuring out the source of the problem. Call a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes and find out the true culprit of the noises in your home.
For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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