My pipes are making noises!

Pipes should not normally make noise; domestic plumbing systems should be almost silent. However, a number of minor issues can lead to noisy pipes and noisy plumbing systems. You do not necessarily need to contact a plumber if your pipes are noisy. Although the noise can be annoying, it probably does not indicate that there is anything seriously wrong.

Water hammers

Water hammers, also known as hydraulic shocks, occur when water is suddenly forced to change direction. This can cause the pipe to vibrate and make screeching, whining, or rattling noises, and it can even cause the pipe to collapse. The noises typically occur when large water-consuming appliances are used, such as dishwashers and toilets.

To combat this issue, plumbers install air chambers at various locations around the home to ensure that water is not forced to change direction when it reaches the wall of a pipe. Over time, these chambers can fill with water.

To fill these chambers with air again:

• Turn off your mains water supply.

• Turn on all the taps and faucets in your home, starting with the one at the highest point in the house.

• When the water has completely drained from your plumbing system, turn your taps off, starting from the lowest point in the house, and turn your main water valve on again.

For more information about draining domestic plumbing systems, read about how to deal with an air-lock in your pipes.

Wobbly pipes

Pipes should be securely strapped in place to ensure they do not move around. The friction created when water flows through pipes can cause the pipe to move and bang against the surrounding wall.

To reattach a wobbly pipe:

• Turn the water supply on to find out where the loose pipe mounting straps are.

• If you can access the pipe, then add a piece of rubber pipe insulation or foam to it and strap it back into place with metal plumbers’ tape. Do not use galvanised straps or galvanised plumber’s tape on copper pipes, as the metals can react with each other, causing the pipe to wear away and potentially leading to plumbing leaks.

• If you cannot access the pipe, wrap insulation or foam padding around the nearest accessible sections of pipe. If this does not make any difference, you will have to open up the wall to access the rattling section of pipe.

Water pressure

High water pressure doesn’t just put your pipes at risk; it can also lead to appliance breakdowns. If water is pushed into dishwashers, washing machines, and other domestic appliances at too high a pressure, it can wreak havoc on their internal components. Furthermore, it can lead to annoying banging pipes!

You may have a water pressure regulator. This will be located at the area where your water supply enters your house. If you do not have a water pressure regulator, you can check your water pressure yourself by buying a pressure gauge from a DIY or home improvement store. You may also be able to find a water pressure regulator at these retailers, but installing it will be a job and a half if you are not a skilled plumber.

Your water pressure should be around 50 psi. If your water pressure is higher than 80 psi, you should adjust your water pressure regulator; if you do not have one of these regulators, then call in a plumber.

Can’t fix it?

Contact us on 0345 3192 247 and we can help! Our technical teams will run through some simple troubleshooting tips with you to see if your problem can be resolved over the phone. If not, we’ll send a highly skilled and qualified plumber round to get your banging pipes sorted as soon as possible.

here could be a number of reasons for your noisy pipes, so it’s better to trust the professionals. After all, you could end up making it worse, and you could be faced with a hefty bill to pay to repair the damage. We help, we repair, and we care.