Are your water pipes making noise when water is not running from your taps or faucets? It is likely the result of a water hammer. This article will investigate what a water hammer is and whether or not it is a cause for concern. We will also discuss other causes of noisy pipes, such as undetected water leaks, to ensure you understand all the potential risks associated with leaving your pipe noises unaddressed.
To learn more about the causes of banging pipes and what to do about them, you need to know why pipes are making noise when water is turned off. Our team of Mississauga plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga ON has the experience and knowledge to help diagnose and resolve this common problem.
The Culprit Behind Your Pipe Hammering or Banging Noise is Likely a Water Hammer
If you hop out of the shower but still hear plumbing pipes making a banging or knocking sound, your pipes may be suffering from hydraulic shock, otherwise known as a water hammer. A water hammer is essentially a pressure surge or shockwave that causes the pipes to make a hammering or banging noise. The common causes of water hammer issues are when the flow of water abruptly stops or changes direction. However, this usually happens only directly after shutting off a faucet or valve, not for a prolonged period of time later.
Here is a bit more of an explanation of a hydraulic shock:
- Abrupt changes in the flow of water: Water in motion gains momentum, so when the faucet gets turned off, the moving water will continue to flow, causing the pipes to shake.
- Pipes can bang against nearby framing: The shaking pipes can vibrate with so much intensity that they will bang against nearby framing or other home infrastructure.
High water pressure and improper pipe connections and fittings can amplify the effects of a water hammer, making it important to invest in a water pressure regulator and to get regular pipe inspections.
It’s important to note that excessively high levels of water pressure can result in burst or leaking pipes. While we all love our strong water flow in the shower, there’s a general PSI level that water pipes are intended to handle, and if the pressure is too high, you risk not only noisy pipes but also costly water damage.
Other Reasons Pipes Make Noise
It may be too early to have a sigh of relief over your noisy pipes. While hydraulic shock is an extremely common cause for a noisy water pipe problem, there are other culprits to rule out first, such as pipe leaks or worn valves. Some of the possible causes for that hammer sound coming from your pipes include:
- Loose pipes or fasteners: Detached, loose, or even leaking pipes can be the cause of your noisy pipes. These fasteners are essential for protecting pipes from touching the surrounding infrastructure.
- Temperature fluctuations: The contraction and expansion of your pipes cause pressure changes, which can lead to noise. This can happen due to temperature drops or by using different temperatures of water. When hot water runs, it can result in thermal expansion, which causes banging noises.
- Clogs or blockages: If you have debris or clogged pipes, you will find yourself hearing water running after you turn off the water, as it cannot make its way to the taps as quickly.
- Worn water shut-off valves: If your main water supply valve or other shut-off valves are damaged, this can result in a loud bang or knocking sound.
- Water pressure issues: Pipes can also be noisy when water pressure is too high or not properly regulated.
Pipe noise can potentially be caused by extensive plumbing problems, including burst pipes, loose joints, or faulty valves. To rule out serious plumbing problems and potential water damage in your home, get a video camera inspection and other leak detection tools from an expert.
Stop Your Pipes From Banging & Knocking With These Plumbing Updates
Now that you know more about the likely causes of pipes making noise when the water is turned off, you are probably wondering how you can stop the problem. There are a few steps that you or your local Mississauga plumber can take to resolve the issue and get your plumbing system operating silently again.
- Test your water pressure levels: You can get your water pressure levels tested by our skilled team to make sure the levels aren’t too high. We will detect the PSI levels by connecting a water pressure gauge to one of your faucets.
- Drain your plumbing system: Shut off the main water supply, open all faucets, and then turn water back on to reset the water system's air chambers. When air gets accumulated in the water line, it can catalyze pressure surges.
- Install a water pressure regulator or water hammer arrestor: Stop water hammer issues once and for all with a water hammer arrestor and water pressure regulator installation. Purchase a water regulator or arrester by contacting your local plumbing experts. While you may hear pipe noises here and there, you will notice a big difference.
- Seek pipe leak inspections & repairs: Seek pipe leak detection services to rule out any underlying plumbing problems. Pipes making noise when water is shut off can indicate leaks or burst pipes.
Tired of Pipes Knocking? Mr. Rooter Plumbing Will Answer the Call and Get the Problem Solved
Stop the banging noise once and for all by seeking a professional inspection from our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga ON. We can help rule out any urgent plumbing problems, as well as address your knocking pipes with reliable water pressure and water hammer regulators.
Give us a call today to get reliable service from our plumbing pros. We are readily available to find an explanation for your noisy pipes.
