If you’re like most homeowners, you may not give much thought to your pipes until they start making strange noises. When that happens, it’s usually accompanied by a sense of dread, because you know there’s something wrong and you have to figure out what it is.
So, what’s the cause and how can you fix it? Keep reading to find out!
There are generally 4 main reasons why your pipes may be making that awful noise.
- You have copper pipes
- Your water pressure is too high
- Water hammer problems
- Unsecured pipes
Addressing each of these issues, or whichever ones may apply to you can help you to fix the problem. Sometimes, it’s something that you, the homeowner can tackle but you may also need the help of a professional plumber!
How Do I Stop My Pipes From Rattling?
The project of fixing the rattling noise from your water pipes will depend on what is causing the issue in the first place, so let’s go over each of the 4 most common reasons this is happening and what needs to be done for each situation.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are known for expanding when the water that runs through them is hot. If your home was built around the 1960’s, it’s more than likely that it is plumbed with copper piping. This expansion and contraction of copper pipes can result in noise, such as when they rub against another surface like a wall or bracket.
One quick fix for loud water pipes is to lower the temperature of your hot-water heater, which will avoid expansion and contraction from causing a noise.
High Water Pressure
Here in Georgia, water pressure regulators in homes are required by law. Their purpose is to control the incoming pressure and work to keep it from getting too high or too low.
If you want to test to see if your water pressure is the cause of your noisy pipes you can purchase a threaded pressure gauge. You want to make sure that your water pressure is not higher than 80 psi. If you find out that it is, we strongly recommend that you contact a plumber.
Water Hammer
If you suspect or know that you have a water hammer issue, we strongly recommend that you do not ignore the problem. It can eventually cause some serious damage to your water pipes.
Water hammer is the sound of water hitting a closed valve is often very loud and can be heard up close. When there’s nowhere for the waves to go, they hit with full force making an echoing clap or thud that might wake you from your slumber in sudden ways!
A water hammer arrestor is the product that is needed to fix this problem. You can purchase this at your local hardware store or online. If you are uncomfortable installing it yourself, contact your plumber for help.
Loose Pipe Mounts
Pipes are often mounted or strapped in order to keep them in place and to help support them but after time, these mounts / straps can come loose and end up resulting in that rattling noise that you are hearing.
The solution is to try to find the exact piece of piping that has come loose from it’s strap / mount and then replace that so that it is securely back in it’s place. This may seem like an easy task but it could involve cutting through walls or other areas in order to get to that section of piping.
Is It Normal For Water Pipes To Rattle?
It’s certainly normal for water pipes to rattle in older homes or houses that have not been properly maintained but in general, it’s not a good sign if you are hearing noises from your water pipes.
These sounds generally indicate that someting is wrong and when it comes to plumbing issues, these problems do not fix themselves but only get worse over time. So, as soon as you begin hearing loud thuds or thumps or any kind of noises coming from your water pipes, we recommend that you contact your plumber right away.
If you have any questions about noisy pipes or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.