3 Problems That Can Lead To Rattling Pipes
Few residential plumbing problems are quite as annoying as noisy and/or rattling pipes--especially if the problem occurs every time that you turn on your water. Unfortunately, however, variants on this problem remain all too common. If you would like to improve your knowledge of the things that can cause this issue, read on. This article will outline three possible causes of a noisy, rattling pipe.
Loose Fitting
The most basic reason a pipe will begin to rattle and vibrate is that it is not affixed properly. As a result, the force of the water moving through the pipe will cause it to vibrate, clanking and banging against the nearest framing element, generally a 2x4. The solution here is relatively simple--at least on paper.
All you'll need to do is gain access to the section of pipe producing the unwanted sound, the secure it more tightly against the framing element. This can be done using inexpensive plastic pipe clips, which you can buy at virtually any home supply store. In some cases, you will find that it is far from easy to gain access to the pipe in question. It may be best to hire a more experienced plumber when faced with such a difficulty.
Excessive Water Pressure
High water pressure is another possible cause of pipes that rattle and bang. Here the issue is somewhat more serious, thanks to the fact that excessive municipal water pressure is capable of causing serious damage to the pipes, fixtures, and appliances inside of your home. You can determine whether you are suffering from this issue by investing in an inexpensive water pressure gauge. Simply screw the gauge onto an outdoor faucet and turn on the water; the gauge will more or less instantly give you a reading.
If you find that your home's water pressure is higher than 80psi, there's a good chance that this is tied to your noisy pipe problem. Contact a plumber as soon as possible to discuss the best strategy for lowering the pressure in your home.
Water Hammer
Certain fixtures inside of your home are capable of giving rise to a phenomenon known as water hammer. This problem is characterized by a loud "hammering" sound that occurs soon after closing off the flow of water. This issue stems from the presence of fast-closing water valves in fixtures such as toilets and faucets. Fortunately, it is fairly simple to eliminate water hammer through the installation of what is known as a water hammer arrestor. Contact a reliable plumber to help you perform this basic plumbing upgrade. Professional plumbing services are often best to deal with these issues.
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