why water pipes bang ?

Why Do My Water Pipes Bang?

Have you ever been startled by a loud banging or clanging coming from your walls? Don't worry, your house isn't haunted – it's likely your water pipes making a racket. While the noise itself can be annoying and sometimes cause concern, the underlying causes are usually fixable. In this article, we'll explore what makes pipes bang and what you can do about it.

Water Hammer: The Primary Culprit

The most frequent source of banging pipes is something called "water hammer." Imagine water flowing quickly through a pipe, like a river. If you suddenly place a dam in the river’s way, the water comes to an abrupt halt. All that energy and momentum have to go somewhere, and it creates a shockwave that travels back through the pipe, making it vibrate and bang.

The same thing happens in your plumbing. When you quickly shut off a faucet or an appliance like your washing machine stops using water, the sudden change in flow creates that water hammer effect.

Other Potential Causes of Banging Pipes

• Loose Pipes: Pipes should be securely strapped in place. If they're loose, changes in water pressure can cause them to rattle and bang against walls or other nearby fixtures. Learn more about why water pipes rattle?
• High Water Pressure: If your home's water pressure is too high, it puts a strain on the pipes. This constant strain can cause the pipes to make noises and, in worst-case scenarios, lead to leaks or bursts.
• Faulty Valves: Components in faucets or appliances can wear out over time. If a valve doesn't close smoothly, it can create sudden surges in pressure that make pipes bang.
• Air in the Pipes: Air pockets trapped inside pipes can sometimes cause knocking or gurgling sounds as water moves through them.

Troubleshooting Banging Water Pipes

• Secure Loose Pipes: Go into accessible spaces like your basement or crawl space and look for any visually loose pipes. Gently wiggle them to see if there's movement. Secure them with pipe straps, ensuring you don't overtighten them, potentially crimping the pipe.
• Install a Water Hammer Arrestor: These are small devices you can add to your plumbing system near problematic appliances or fixtures. They have a built-in air chamber that absorbs the shockwave from water hammer, preventing the pipes from banging.
• Adjust Water Pressure: If you suspect high water pressure is the issue, you can buy a pressure gauge at a hardware store to test it. Ideal household pressure is between 40-70 psi. If your pressure is high, you'll likely need a plumber to install a pressure reducing valve.
• Drain Air from Pipes: If the problem seems limited to one fixture, try this DIY solution:
  1. Shut off the main water supply to your house.
  2. Turn on all the faucets in your house to drain them.
  3. After the water is completely out, shut off all the faucets.
  4. Slowly turn the main water supply back on. This helps evacuate air trapped in the system.

Preventing Banging Pipes

• Tips for New Construction: During construction or major renovations, proper pipe sizing, using ample pipe straps, and strategically placing water hammer arrestors can do wonders.
• Regular Maintenance: Small changes make a big difference. Regularly inspect your plumbing for visible issues, and consider having a plumber check your water pressure periodically, especially if you live in an older home.

When to Call A Professional

There are times when a plumber's expertise is your best bet:

• If DIY solutions don't work
• The banging seems widespread throughout the house
• You see signs of leaking or water damage
• You're just not comfortable doing the work yourself

Conclusion

Banging pipes can be a nuisance, but understanding the potential causes empowers you to tackle the issue head-on. Often with some simple troubleshooting, you can stop those irritating noises and restore peace to your home. If the problem seems widespread or complex, remember that calling a plumber is always a smart choice for ensuring your plumbing system is operating safely and without damage.

FAQ

• Are banging pipes dangerous?
  Most of the time, they're simply annoying. However, severe water hammer over an extended period can potentially stress your pipes and joints, leading to leaks over time.

• Can I fix banging pipes myself?
  Absolutely! Some solutions, like securing loose pipes or draining air, are easy DIY projects. More complex issues might still require a plumber.

• How much does it cost to fix banging pipes?
  The cost depends on the severity of the problem. Simple DIY fixes are inexpensive, while a plumber might charge anywhere between $100-$300+ for installing a water hammer arrestor and potential additional work.

• Will banging pipes go away on their own?
  Unfortunately, it's unlikely. Typically, the underlying issue causing the banging will worsen over time.

• Is it normal for water pipes to make some noise?
  Yes, some minor expansion and contraction noises with temperature changes are expected. However, loud banging or knocking is typically a sign of a problem.