Understanding the Common Causes of Banging Pipes and Its Solutions

It is common for metal pipes to bang loudly when you shut-off the faucet or when you abruptly turn off the water intake of a water-using appliance like a washing machine or dishwasher. This condition is called a water hammer, but technically it is known as hydraulic shock, and it happens when the water stops or changes its direction abruptly.

According to a plumber Randwick, the banging sound that you hear is due to shock waves which cause the piped to move or strike against one another or the wooden frames. Water hammer is annoying, and it can eventually lead to leaking pipes or loose plumbing joints.

Fortunately, there are easy solutions to remedy your noisy pipes. If you are handy with plumbing, you can fix it or call a local plumber in Randwick. In this article, we are going to discuss in depth the primary causes of water hammer and its solution.

1. Loose Pipe Fitting

The most common reason why you have a water hammer is right under your nose. The pipes allow for the movement of water around your home. Since it is carrying water, it results in friction and pressure. When you hear clunking, vibrating or rattling sound from your pipes, it means that you have a problem with the pipe fitting. It could be because it was not properly fitted from the beginning or it has come loose over time. Whatever the case you need to call a plumber Randwick to fix them.

2. Copper Pipes

Traditional homes mostly have pipework made from copper. It is a durable and malleable metal and is used as a replacement for steel and lead. The only downside with a copper pipe is it tends to expand and contract with the temperature.

If you have banging pipes after using hot water, chances are, your home is using copper in its piping system. The noise is because the pipe is rubbing against the joints, brackets and other support structures as it expands with heat.

This is not a significant concern since the metal can withstand stress. The problem lies with the sound because it is annoying. Call a plumber Randwick for the best solution.

3. Water Hammer

When the thuds and bangs in your pipework become too much, it could result in more serious damage. It is often caused by a water hammer. And it occurs when the protection system in your plumbing system fails.

There are air chambers installed near the taps to stop the rushing water from slamming into the valves when the valves are shut down. The water may replace the air over time. Thus, rendering the power of the air chambers useless, allowing the liquid to crash into the valves, resulting in a thudding noise.

To fix this issue, you need to replenish the air supplies of the chambers. A local plumber Randwick will silence the noise.

4. Water Pressure

Another reason for banging pipes is high water pressure. It can cause major damage if not given a correct solution. The noise is coming from the water being forced through the pipes when the water pressure is too high.

The normal pressure should be between 1 to 1.5 psi and anything higher can lead to overworked pipes, causing further damage. Most water systems have a water pressure meter and regulator. You can adjust the regulator if the water pressure is too high.

5. Sludge and Blockages

Wear and tear can happen to your pipes over time, especially when you have hard water in your area. The central heating system can produce a sludge that will circulate through the pipes. The sold particulates that are circulating in the system can cause noisy pipes. Call a plumber Randwick to solve this issue for you.

Civic Plumbing

If you need assistance for your home in Randwick, contact a local plumber right away. Do not attempt to drain the pipes as it could lead to bigger problems.