Why Your Water Pipes Might Be Noisy

Noisy water pipes are not just a bother; they might also point to a malfunction of the plumbing system. Below are some of the reasons water pipes sometimes become noisy.

High Water Pressure

Plumbing pipes have a limit to the water pressure they can safely handle. If the water pressure becomes too high, the pipes begin to rattle as the water begins to move more forcefully within the pipes. Typical causes of high water pressure include things like pipe damage, pipe obstructions, pressure valve maladjustment, and problems at the utility company, among others.

Loose Pipes

Loose water pipes might be noisy even if the pressure of the water flowing within is normal. This is usually the case in damaged or worn-out plumbing pipes in old houses. Water in plumbing pipes always has some pressure, and if the pipes are not properly fixed, they will move when the water is turned on. The noise you hear will be made by the pipes banging against other structures (such as walls).

Expanding Pipes

Many materials expand when heated and contract when cool. Different materials have different expansion and contraction rates when exposed to the same temperatures. For example, metal expands and contracts more than plastic pipes. Therefore, if you have metal pipes, they might expand when carrying hot water and contract when not working. The expansion and contraction can make some noise, especially during the cold season when the temperature difference (between the cold environment and hot pipe) is high.

Water Hammer

A water hammer is a phenomenon that occurs when a water fixture is suddenly closed. In such a case, the water that was flowing along the deliver pipes suddenly meets a wall and emits a banging noise due to its momentum. If a water hammer is the problem, then you will only hear the noises whenever you suddenly close your water pipes.

Obstructions

Lastly, obstructions within the water pipes can also lead to noises. For water pipes, obstructions are usually caused by mineral deposits or scales within the pipes. In this case, your pipes might be noisy for two main reasons. The pipes might be noisy due to the resultant high water pressure. Water flowing within the pipes can also make some noise as it forces its way through the obstructions.

As you can see, you should have your plumbing system inspected even if the pipe noises don't bother you too much. Contact a plumber, such as Brother's Plumbing, to help you with the diagnosis and solution.


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