How To:
Fix Banging Pipes
Overview
Noises coming from your pipes?! Don't call an exorcist, you came to the right place...we've got answers! Pipe noises are actually a common problem and are often easy to remedy!
Banging Sounds
Loose or broken piping straps and hangers can cause noise. Pipes are usually anchored vertically:
- Every 8 to 10 feet for iron pipe
- 32" for plastic tubing
- 4' for plastic pipe
- Copper is anchored at each story but not at more than 10' intervals
For anchoring horizontal piping use intervals of 32"for plastic tubing , for plastic pipe 4', 6' for copper pipe up to 1 1 1/4", 8' for 3/4"or smaller galvanized or steel pipe feet with pipe straps. If your pipes bang, you may need to anchor your pipes better by either adding better and newer plastic straps that allow piping to expand and contract, cushioning the pipes with rubber pipe covering, or both. Be sure to leave room for expansion and contraction when anchoring your pipes, especially plastic pipes. Never use galvanized straps on copper or plastic piping.
Squeaking Sounds
If you hear squeaking sounds, it could be coming from your hot water or heating pipes. As the pipes expand with the hot water flow, they move in their straps and cause a squeaking sound. Anchor the pipe as you would with a banging pipe.
Water Hammer
This noise occurs when the water flowing through the pipes "hammers" to a stop after turning off the water. Check for loose pipes and anchor if necessary. Check the water pressure. If above 80 PSI, install a pressure reducing valve to lower the pressure. Check for faulty air chambers. These chambers hold air that cushions the "shock" when water flow is shut off. If these chambers get filled with water, they lose their effectiveness . Air chambers without a defined bladder are no longer used because of this.
Water hammer can occurs anywhere but some of the more usual areas to check are near the supply pipes for washing machines, dishwashers, water softener, or any fixture in which the water can be opened and closed quickly. Activating a washing machine can cause quite a bit of pressure and volume changes in the supply lines. If this is your problem, Watts makes a special water-surge shock absorber that fits on the faucets that supply the washing machine. No sweating of pipe is necessary.
When supply piping is properly sized and installed it operates unnoticed,a licensed plumber can help you to accomplish this.
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