Plumbing Noises

Plumbing noises range from hardly noticeable to annoyingly loud! Some noise is expected as water runs through the pipes in your plumbing system.

Some sounds are natural, and nothing to worry about others show there could be a problem in your system that needs looking at.

Here’s a list of everyday Plumbing noises and what they mean

Water Hammers

Probably the most common noise in a plumbing system is what’s known in the trade as a ‘water hammer’ sometimes within the system water’s forced to change direction causing pipes to vibrate or rattle.

Home appliances such as dishwashers washing machines and toilets usually cause the water hammers which are safe and won’t damage your plumbing system or appliances.

Some find Water Hammers irritating, and if you’re one of those people we can fit it air Chambers at different places in the plumbing system which will absorb the excess water and stop the noise.

Gurgling

Gurgling sounds are common in central heating systems. Trapped air in the pipes causes these gurgling noises as water runs through.

The best cure is to bleed your radiators releasing the air this will stop the gurgling noises.

If the gurgling noises continue a faulty or incorrectly fitted pump could be pulling air into the system.

Gurgling noises also occur in the waste traps blow your sink, basin bath and shower; this is due to air being pulled through the pipes.

This sound is nothing to worry about it’s a side effect of design, not an actual fault.

Banging

Banging noises occur when pipes are not fitted correctly to the wall. As water flows through loose pipes wobble and bang against the wall.

An easy fix with pipe clips or insulation. A simple job you can do yourself but the clips or insulation from your local DIY store. If in doubt a plumber can do this quickly and cheaply for you.

Unusually high water pressure can also cause noisy pipes. Some Essex Homes have unusually high water pressure of above 80 PSI (it should be around 50)

Regulate high water pressure with a water pressure regulator which reduces the pressure to the correct PSI, preventing any further banging in your pipes

Pumps

All central heating systems utilise a pump of some sort whether this is a central heating pump attached to the system or pump within a boiler. Some home Essex Homes also use shower pumps.

Noisy pumps should never be ignored as they are an indication of a faulty or incorrectly fitted pump. Always get a noisy pump looked at by a professional Plumber.