Knocking pipes may burst the connectors and cause a leak.
Knocking pipes can wake you up in the middle of the night or make showering into a noisy experience. These pipes can also be damaged by the movement causing the knocking noises. There are a few different causes of noisy pipes, some of which can be repaired by the homeowner.
Water Hammer
Water hammer, also known as air hammer, is a loud knocking sound that is caused by the pressurization of a water pipe when the water is shut off, according to Inspectapedia. Knocking noises from water hammer only occur when a faucet or water connection is closed. However, if an appliance or faucet switches on and off rapidly, the knocks may sound like they are being caused by the water being turned on. A simple water hammer suppression device can be installed on the appliance or faucet causing the noise.
Loose Valves
Loose or broken valves of all kinds can cause knocking, rattling or other noises in water pipes when water flow is switched on. The Home and Garden Site says that a loose valve at the faucet in a shower can knock or rattle loudly at any time of day, but especially when the water in the shower is turned on. Faucet valve stems and fill valves in toilets will also make knocking noises if they are loose or broken when the faucet is turned on or the toilet is flushed, according to FactsFacts.com.
Loose Support Straps
Water hammer, rust and other problems can lead to broken or loose support straps around water pipes. Once these straps are loose, even normal water pressure will make them rock back and forth, according to The Natural Handyman. Rocking water pipes will hit floor joists and wall supports, knocking on them loudly. This constant movement loosens the connections between pipes, especially at joints, and may lead to leaks. Tightening or replacing broken support straps usually fixes this problem.
High Water Pressure
The experts at IrrigationTutorials.com say that a home should have, at maximum, 60 PSI of water pressure in its pipes. Water pressure above this level causes pipes to move more than usual as water travels through them. This leads to loosened support straps and can put pressure on joints and connectors and cause serious leaks. Hammering or knocking noises when a faucet or valve is opened is often caused by high water pressure, with the sound occurring as the pressure inside the pipe builds.
Related Posts:
What Causes Cold Water Pipes To Knock
When faucets are turned off, pipes can make a knocking sound.If you’ve ever been using cold or hot water and turned off the faucet suddenly, you may have heard a knocking sound somewhere in your p...
What Causes Noise In Water Pipes
Noises in water pipes can range from soft hisses to loud hammering sounds. Figuring out the causes of the noises in your water pipes will help you protect your home from potential water damage.The...
Faucet Pipes Make Noise When Turned On
Pipes make noises due to certain factors.Faucets make many noises when turned on. The noises resemble a hammer sound -- a loud banging or pulsing referred to as water hammer. This sound is often f...
A Knocking Sound In The Plumbing Of The Sink
If your sink pipes make a loud knocking noise when you turn the water on and off your home suffers from a common problem. This noise is a result of stored energy inside your pipes and it has a sim...
Stop Water Pipes From Making Noise
Water pipes can make a variety of different sounds.If your house is occasionally filled with the sounds of banging, clanging, whistling and rattling, you may have a problem with your pipes. Noisy...
