Why Your Plumbing Pipes Are Making Banging Noises in Centerville, Ohio

One evening, while washing dishes or doing the laundry, you hear a loud banging noise inside your home’s walls. The sound startles you so much that you wonder whether your pipes are about to burst. That kind of banging noise in plumbing pipes usually isn’t an emergency, but it’s better to get to the bottom of it.

Below, learn the top causes of noisy plumbing pipes, then call us for plumbing services in Centerville, OH.

Potential Causes of a Banging Noise in Plumbing Pipes, With Some Solutions Centerville Homeowners Can Try

If your plumbing pipes are making a racket, the cause is likely either loose pipes or a phenomenon called water hammer. Your water heater might be to blame as well. Let’s look at how to resolve each type of banging noise in plumbing pipes so that you can restore your peace and quiet at home.

Loose Plumbing Pipes

That banging and rattling sound you hear when plumbing fixtures run water or you flush toilets could be due to loose pipes behind the walls. When a large volume of water flows through loosened pipes, it can cause them to shake or even bump into the drywall. Pipe straps can stop that shaking, but because most pipes are hidden behind walls, you won’t be able to stop the banging unless you’re willing to open up your walls.

A professional would usually use a drywall knife, cut a hole near the point where they hear the pipe vibration, and then try wiggling the pipe a bit. If it moves, securing it with pipe straps could work.

Plumbers would choose plastic straps for plastic pipes and copper or plastic straps for copper piping. It’s important to cut the straps to the proper size using tin snips or scissors and then wrap each strap around pipes at the wobbly points. Pull the straps taut, as loose pipe straps will allow the pipe to continue rattling.

Water Hammer

Water hammer, also called hydraulic shock, is another big reason to hear a banging noise in plumbing pipes. Water hammering sounds occur when the flow of water through your pipes suddenly stops, and the pressure builds. It’s usually caused by dishwashers, washing machines, and water softeners, all of which feature sudden shutoff functions.

Worn valves in your plumbing can cause water hammer, too. When the valves wear out, the water pressure in your pipes increases, causing them to shake and make banging noises.

Water pressure regulation is the answer to water hammer issues. Plumbers traditionally created air chambers inside pipes to absorb pressure. However, these air chambers gradually fill with water and require regular draining, which makes this solution impractical for most Centerville homeowners.

The best option is to install a hammer shock arrestor, which features a pressurized chamber that prevents water from entering. Our professionals can install shock arrestors without much ado, so call us if you’re hearing unexplained banging sounds in plumbing pipes.

Sediment in the Water Heater

Is that banging noise you’re hearing actually coming from the pipes? Could it be your water heater? 

Over time, water heaters can become clogged with sediment that requires periodic draining. If you neglect to flush out the sediment, you may hear bubbling or banging noises coming from the water heater. You may also notice that your water isn’t getting as hot as before.

To stop the racket and restore steamy showers, you’ll want to hire a plumber to inspect your water heater and drain it.

Are Noisy Plumbing Pipes Dangerous?

You may wonder whether a banging noise in plumbing pipes is dangerous or just an annoyance. The good news is that issues like water hammer and loose pipes won’t do any immediate damage to your plumbing system. They’re loud but not serious.

However, excessive vibration can gradually damage pipes, causing them to wear out prematurely. Overly high water pressure can also cause pipes to burst, so it’s always safer to call a plumber for an inspection if you’re hearing loud sounds coming from your pipes.