That loud thud or clang rattling through your walls the moment you turn off the faucet is hard to ignore. What causes banging noises in water pipes, and how do you know if the problem is serious? Below, TJ’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc., your trusted plumber in Erie, shares the most common reasons pipes bang and how professionals might fix them.
The Most Likely Cause? Water Hammer
When flowing water comes to an abrupt stop, it may slam against the pipe walls or a closed valve. The loud bang that follows is what plumbers appropriately call water hammer.
Other Reasons Your Pipes Make Banging Sounds
With so many types of plumbing pipes out there, several other issues can create banging noises, including:
- High water pressure: When household water pressure exceeds 80 PSI, the force can cause pipes to vibrate and knock against walls or framing.
- Loose pipes: Pipes that are not properly secured to joists or wall supports will rattle and bang as water flows through them or pressure shifts.
One traditional fix for water hammer is to install an air chamber. Waterlogged air chambers can no longer absorb the shock of fast-moving water and must be emptied.
How To Tell What’s Causing the Noise
Figuring out what causes banging noises in water pipes in your specific home usually comes down to timing. A licensed plumber may ask you to pay attention to exactly when the sound happens and where it seems to be coming from. If you can’t pinpoint the issue, the professional can also inspect your system to identify the cause without guesswork.
Quiet Your Plumbing With TJ’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Understanding what causes banging pipes puts you in a much better position to fix the problem before it damages your plumbing system. TJ’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc., can diagnose the root cause and offer full-service plumbing and heating solutions. Call TJ’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc., at (814) 836-0001 for help with pipes in Erie, PA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that residents ask about banging noises in water pipes and how to fix them.
Why Do My Pipes Bang When I Turn Off the Water?
Pipes often bang when water is turned off due to water hammer. This pressure surge is caused by fast-moving water coming to a sudden stop when a valve closes quickly.
Are Banging Pipes Dangerous?
Banging pipes can be a sign of excessive pressure, which can wear down joints and connections, increasing the risk of leaks and pipe bursts.
How Do I Fix Water Hammer in My Pipes?
Water hammer can usually be fixed by installing arrestors near quick-closing valves. The plumber may also use a pressure-reducing valve or recharge waterlogged air chambers.
Why Do My Pipes Bang at Night When No Water Is Running?
Understanding what causes banging noises in water pipes at night may start with monitoring pressure fluctuations in the water main. Even without water running, thermal expansion and contraction occur. You may also have loose pipes shifting within the walls.