How to Quiet Pounding Water Pipes

Ever turned on a faucet and heard a loud pounding noise? This noise can be very loud and annoying and worst of all can lead to a busted water pipe and an expensive repair requiring a plumber. Fortunately the solution is very simple for the do-it-yourselfer and is very inexpensive.

The loud banging sounds are generally made when water is turned off and on. The increase and decrease of water pressure causes the pipe to jump or shake. This may cause the pipe to bang into wall studs, floor joists, and a host of other objects. If this is left alone this banging and constant stress can lead to a busted pipe or joint. Needless to say a busted pipe can quickly cause thousands of dollars of damage to a home.

The solution to this problem starts by identifying where the pipes are banging. Get someone to assist you be turning the water off and on or flushing the toilet, whatever causes the banging, and find the source of the noise. If you don’t have anyone to help, take an educated guess as to the likely location of the noise and look for pipes that wiggle in that area. Once the location of the noise is found, you will need to brace the pipes to a nearby object. Hardware stores and home improvement stores sell many product designed to attach to wood studs. Some are simple wire hangers that support the pipe and nail into the wood. Other hangers are more sturdy hangers that surround the pipe and screw into the wood. The true do it yourself technique is to surround the pipe with a cloth and wire it to a nearby stud or other object. Simple flexible hangers can be made by cutting up old bicycle inner tubes.

Other noises can be caused by different problems. Small ticking sounds are sometimes caused by water pipes heating up. Insulating the pipes with inexpensive pipe insulation bought from any hardware or home improvement store. Other noises caused by only certain actions can be traced to faucets and other devices. Defective valve seating inside a faucet can also cause rattling noise similar to pipe pounding. Replacing defective valves in faucets is relatively simple.

Insulating pipes is always a good idea regardless of noise. Pipe Insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Insulation will be hot water hotter and can save you a lot of money. Insulated pipes are also much more unlikely to freeze during cold weather.

Visit my Content Producer Page for more articles on home repair, travel, and more.