Pipes Making Noise When Water Is Turned On: Troubleshooting Guide

Loud pipes can be unsettling, especially when you turn on the faucet and it sounds like a construction site in your kitchen. This noise can be caused by loose connections or worn-out washers.

Air in the pipes can also cause a rattling or banging sound when water is turned on. This is often due to a lack of water flow or a faulty shut-off valve.

If you've recently moved into a new home, it's possible that the pipes are just settling. However, if the noise persists, it's likely a sign of a more serious issue.

The type of pipe material can also contribute to the noise. For example, older homes may have galvanized pipes that are prone to making noise when water is turned on.

A rattling or banging sound at the end of the filling cycle after every flush is a common issue that can be caused by a worn-out ballcock assembly. This assembly controls the filling process of your toilet.

The ballcock assembly is a critical component of your toilet's flushing system, and a worn-out one will cause annoying noises. Depending on the style and how new the assembly is, you might be able to repair it.

Replacing a worn-out ballcock assembly is often a simple and effective solution to the problem, and using a better one can ensure a quieter and more efficient flushing process.

Worn out washers can be a common culprit behind whistling or squeaking water pipes.

A whistling or squeaking water pipe is often a direct result of a worn-out washer in a tap or valve, particularly those connected to the taps or washing machine.

The squealing sound usually comes when using the washer, making it a relatively easy problem to diagnose.

Inspect the washers in the house and replace all worn out and cracked washers.

If the squealing continues, it's likely the washer is not the problem, and you'll need to shut off the house water and contact a local plumber for tap repair or replacement.

The washers of the tap or valve may be worn, forcing the water to pass through a smaller opening, leading to the pipes becoming noisy.

Worn out washers can be replaced, but if they're not the issue, you may need to repair or replace the tap itself.

A faulty main shut off valve can be a real pain, causing squealing water pipes throughout your home. The main shut off valve is usually the culprit, and it's located where the water mains supply your street.

Replacing or repairing the valve is a pretty straightforward process, but you'll need to shut off the water mains first. This will prevent any further damage or mess.

The main shut off valve is usually the source of the problem, but in rare cases, the issue might be with the pressure reducer on your incoming cold water line. Fixing the reducer's manifold can solve the problem in these instances.

Shutting off the water mains is a crucial step in fixing the main shut off valve. This will give you a clear path to replace or repair the valve without any complications.

A worn-out ballcock assembly is a common issue that can cause annoying noises in your toilet. If you hear a rattling or banging sound at the end of the filling cycle after every flush, it's likely due to a faulty ballcock assembly.

The ballcock assembly controls the filling process of your toilet, so it's essential to address this issue. A worn-out ballcock assembly can be repaired or replaced, depending on the style and age of the assembly.

If you try to repair a worn-out ballcock assembly, you might be able to fix it. However, if it's old or damaged beyond repair, it's best to replace it with a new one.

Replacing a worn-out ballcock assembly is a straightforward process. You can simply swap it out with a better one, which will resolve the issue and prevent further problems.

Some sounds from your pipes are just natural reactions to heat, elements, and atmosphere, and aren't anything to be alarmed about. Others indicate more serious problems.

The key to troubleshooting is identifying the type of sound your pipes are making and where it's coming from. Squeaking, banging, hammering, and ticking are four commonly heard sounds from pipes and fixtures.

Loose piping can be a common cause of noisy water pipes. It occurs when a pipe sways due to the large volumes of water moving through it, causing a rattling effect and potentially hitting against walls or objects, resulting in loud banging sounds.

Loose piping can be a problem in any home setup, and it's often caused by pipes not being properly anchored. Pipes are usually anchored every 6 to 8 feet horizontally and 8 to 10 feet vertically.

To identify the source of the problem, you may need to crawl under your house with a flashlight or open the ceiling boards while someone else turns on the tap or flushes the toilet. This will allow you to locate the loose pipe and secure it to minimize movement.

If the drain pipes are the source of the noise, you'll often find them suspended from the floor joists under the house. In this case, you may only need to stabilize them to fix the issue.

Securing the pipe is usually all it takes to resolve the problem, and it's a simple fix that can be done by anyone with a bit of DIY knowledge.

Some sounds that are heard from inside your pipes are nothing more than natural reactions to heat, elements, and atmosphere and are nothing to be alarmed about.

The key to troubleshooting for potential plumbing problems with noisy pipes is identifying the type of sound the fixtures are making.

There are four commonly heard sounds that plumbing pipes and fixtures make: squeaking, banging, hammering, and ticking.

Squeaking sounds can often be caused by loose or corroded pipe connections.

Banging and hammering sounds usually indicate a more serious problem, such as a loose pipe or a faulty water shut-off valve.

Ticking sounds can be a sign of a loose faucet or a worn-out O-ring.

It's essential to pay attention to the location of the noise to determine which pipe or fixture is causing the issue.

By identifying the source of the noise, you can take the necessary steps to address the problem and prevent further damage.

Periodic pipe thumping can be a real nuisance, but it's often a sign of an easily fixable issue. This type of noise is usually caused by pipes expanding and contracting with temperature changes.

If you have CPVC pipes, you may be more prone to this issue. These pipes are often used for hot water lines and can expand or contract significantly with temperature changes.

Pipes may also be too tightly strapped, causing them to thump periodically. This can be especially true if you notice the noise only happens at certain times of day or when the pipes are exposed to hot water.

To resolve the issue, try loosening the straps and pipe openings around your pipes. This should help reduce or eliminate the periodic thumping noise.

In some cases, the straps may need to be adjusted more frequently, especially if you have a large or complex plumbing system.

Squeaking sounds from pipes are often nothing to be alarmed about, as they can be caused by natural reactions to heat, elements, and atmosphere.

Banging sounds, on the other hand, can indicate more serious problems, such as loose piping or worn out washers.

Hammering sounds are a common culprit behind unwelcome din from pipes, often caused by water hammering or other factors like clogs, loose fittings, or a faulty main shut off valve.

The most common causes of noisy pipes include water hammering, loose piping, worn out washers, faulty main shut off valves, and worn out ballcock assemblies.

Here are some common causes of specific noises:

A squeaking sound coming from your pipes is usually of little concern unless the sound is disturbing the building occupants.

Only a hot water pipe is capable of making a squeaking sound, and this is due to the heat of the water causing the pipe to expand as the water passes through it.

Expansion of the pipe causes it to rub against the anchoring straps, creating the squeaking sound.

The friction is not damaging to the pipes, and repair is only necessary if the sound is an annoyance.

If you're experiencing a squeaking sound from your pipes, it's likely due to the natural expansion and contraction of the hot water pipe.

Here are some possible causes of squeaking sounds in water pipes:

In most cases, a squeaking sound from your pipes is not a cause for alarm, but if the sound is persistent or disturbing, it's worth investigating further to determine the cause.

If your pipes make sounds or shake when you turn your faucet off, you're probably experiencing a "water hammer." A water hammer occurs when high-velocity water traveling through your plumbing suddenly crashes into a closed valve.

This is a common problem in older homes (pre-1960) that are equipped with "T-shaped" air valves. These valves help cushion the impact of water hammers by giving the stopped water a place to back up. However, over time, these valves can fill with water and lose their function.

To fix this issue, turn your water supply off at the main line, open the faucets at the highest and lowest points in your home, and run the water out. Close the lower faucet and turn your water supply back on. Let the upper faucet run until it stops sputtering. This should restore the air in your valves.

If you have a newer home with water hammers, you may need to install water hammer arrestors. These are small, spring-loaded devices that act as shock absorbers for rushing water. A professional plumber can install these devices if you're not comfortable splicing pipes.

Water hammers can also be caused by loose or faulty anchoring. Water pipes are typically anchored every 6 to 8 feet horizontally and 8 to 10 feet vertically. If the pipes are improperly anchored, the water pressure can cause them to rattle and shake, creating a banging sound.

To identify the source of the problem, listen carefully to the sound and try to locate the area where the noise is coming from. If the sound is coming from a specific pipe, try to isolate the issue by turning off the water supply to that pipe and seeing if the noise stops.

Here are some common causes of water hammers:

By identifying the source of the problem and taking steps to fix it, you can eliminate the knocking and banging sounds from your pipes.

Whistling Noises can be a real nuisance. If your water pipes are producing a whistling noise when the water is activated, it's likely due to high water pressure.

A high water pressure reading is usually confirmed by the water supply company. If you have a water well on your property, you may need to call a licensed plumber to properly evaluate the source of the noise.

Installing a water pressure valve is an easy way to eliminate whistling water pipes. The water supply company can often install this type of valve, which will reduce the water pressure and eliminate the whistling and hissing noises.

High-quality repairs are essential to fix whistling water pipes. Consulting with a certified contractor will ensure a proper diagnosis and high-quality repairs.

It's essential to find and hire an honest plumber who provides high-quality services. A standard plumbing repair can be costly, so it's crucial to get it right the first time.