Banging Noise in Pipework: Get a Detailed Analysis
Have you ever heard a loud bang on your walls or floors after switching a tap off? Also, when you switch on the heating systems. A strange knocking sound is heard. It may also shock you to realise how common these sounds are in plumbing pipework.
Especially in old or unused homes. These sounds can be very alarming. These issues include excessive water pressure, the presence of a leak in the pipe, or a water hammer. This guide will help you find the causes of banging noise in pipework. Also, there are ways to prevent them.
What are the banging noises in the pipework?
When your plumbing pipes suddenly turn off or change, you might hear banging noises in your pipes. This is all because of a shockwave going through the pipes. These noises can be made by starting the water heater or central heating system, or by switching off the taps.
The most common cause of this is a water hammer. This is the water within the pipes hitting closed valves. Or sometimes in confined areas with a substantial amount of power. Probably not too much, but these would eventually lead to water damage. Or even broken pipes and waterworks.
Causing the Banging Noise in pipework
Most household members will experience strange noises coming from their water pipes. And they are misinformed about the normal causes of disruptions. It is very important to know what exactly is going on with your plumbing system.
Whether you hear a knocking sound, or knocking suddenly, or repeatedly banging every time you turn the taps. Finding what caused these sounds may prevent other issues, too.
Like leaks or water damage, which can often be a sign of something being wrong, there are several popular reasons why the pipes make noises.
Fix banging noises in pipework at home
Water Hammer
Water hammer is also known as hydraulic shock. It is one of the most common aspects of plumbing problems. It happens when water stops flowing abruptly. Or mostly when a valve is closed or when a tap is closed fast.
There is a banging sound inside the pipes when the rushing water, with no other channel, hits the closed valve. It is more likely to become an issue in homes that do not have a water hammer arrestor. A hammer arrestor is a shock-absorbing device that cushions plumbing pipes.
Lost joints and fittings could occur as a result of repeated vibration. Also, crack or leak plastic or copper pipes. When the water turns off, you hear banging noises with pipes knocking. Then there is a water hammer problem.
High Water Pressure
Water pressure is another frequent cause of the noise of water pipes. Excessive water flow into your plumbing pipes can make the pipes vibrate. Also, to knock on walls, especially at the joints and corners.
This will give a sound hammer and sometimes even a rattle. Having water pressure that is too high not only makes noise but also stresses the heating and plumbing system.
These stresses in heating and plumbing systems are something to be concerned about. In case the water pressure is high, fit a pressure-reducing valve through the plumber. This valve is used to cushion the system to avoid banging.
Loose Pipes
When the water flows out or in, the pipes in the home might rattle or even move. In such cases, they are not well stabilised or bolted. These loose pipes often hit metal beams. This motion may be contributing to the plumbing making banging noises, especially in older buildings.
In these buildings, the wall pipes were not fastened tightly during installation. In certain areas, it is worse. These include the area around a washing machine, under the sink, or alongside the central heating.
So, look at any exposed pipes in these areas. Then see whether they jump or jiggle when the water is turned on or off. It is possible to make the plumbing pipes less noisy by clipping them properly.
Thermal Expansion
Homes in the UK frequently have copper pipes. This is due to their adaptability to both hot and cold water systems, and also because they are very strong. However, copper also shrinks when it is cooled and expands upon heating. Hot water flowing through these lines causes the metal to expand slightly.
It is particularly found in a central heating system or in a water heater. This makes the sound of hammering or knocking. These will often be repeated when the temperature of the water varies. This may be most easily heard in the mornings or nights when hot water is turned on more frequently. To overcome this issue, a plumber could recommend some tools to use.
These include the use of a sleeve, insulation, or brackets to keep pipes away from the surrounding materials, without interfering with their ability to safely move due to variations in temperatures.
Air Trapped
In some cases, after a plumbing fix, renovation, or after a water supply pipe has been drained. Then the air bubbles can be trapped in the plumbing.
When the water is running, the trapped air travels through the system, and the result is the whistling sound, the sound of gurgling, or even the knocking sound. This disturbance of the air can make the flow of water irregular and noisy.
The noise is audible, especially when a tap is turned on. In such cases, air elimination can occur by draining the plumbing line or by bleeding the systems.
Hard Water Buildup
With time, pipes are more likely to have deposits if you live in a hard water area. These deposits can collect on the inside of water pipes. These are mostly calcium and magnesium. They will reduce the size of the water pipes and alter how water flows through the pipes.
Such a limitation leads to banging and noisy pipes. These are due to an increase in pressure and turbulence, especially when hot water is used. This problem is more likely to occur in households that lack water softeners.
The accumulation of hard water over time will also decrease the lifespan of the plumbing system and heating systems. Such problems may be prevented by using water softeners, water filters, or cleansing of plumbing pipes.
These are some of the major causes of banging noises in pipework.
Ways to stop the banging noise in Pipework
There are many ways to stop banging noises in pipework, and some of them are:
- Install the water hammer arrestors because they work to absorb the shocks and stop the water.
- Another way to stop these noises is to adjust the water pressure.
- Check the pipes and then secure and tighten those pipes that are loose. This will also be helpful in this.
- First, draining the system and then slowly turning on the water supply also helps to prevent this issue. In this way, all the trapped air will be released.
- You will also consult a professional plumber for this issue.
These are some of the most common and effective ways of stopping the banging in Pipes.
Final Thoughts: Banging Noise in Pipework
There is nothing annoying than noisy water, knocking, or water bouncing around in the pipes. But the good thing is that they are usually easy to fix. Whether it is a water hammer, excess water pressure, pipe leakage, or fluctuating temperatures, there is a way you can restore sanity in your home. Listen to the sounds of water. Take some time to identify what has happened with your plumbing system. In case of need, call a heating and plumbing expert. With proper care, you may easily eliminate water problems and prevent your pipes from banging forever.
No matter which appliance is not working, contact us for a quick solution. Our team responds fast and works hard to solve your problems without any hassle.
FAQs: Banging Noise in Pipework
Will regular maintenance prevent pipe noise?
Yes, through regular maintenance, you will find the early signs of issues and fix them in a timely manner.
How often should plumbing be checked?
Every 1–2 years, or if you hear any type of strange noises.
Do older heating systems cause more pipe noise?
Yes, especially those who lack modern insulation or fittings.
Are noisy pipes more common in winter?
Yes, due to an increase in the use of heating.
Will replacing old valves help?
Of course, replacing old valves and installing modern valves shuts more smoothly and reduces water hammer.
