Banging Pipes

What Is the Reason for Banging Pipes When the Water Is Not Running

Plumbing installation is an essential part of a house, providing water flow throughout the building. Adding this element creates an expectation of a hot-and-cold water supply daily, whether it is for bathing, cooking, dishwashing, or other household chores.

As a homeowner, you might deal with a situation where you hear your water pipes banging at night. The noise may confuse you in deciding what to do to stop the banging water pipes. Consequently, you feel the urge to call a plumber Sydney to help address this issue.

While calling an expert is the right thing to do, it is also important for you to understand the root of the problem and what it may indicate. This blog will help you examine the reasons and potential solutions you can implement on your own before the plumbing technician takes over the task.

Why do my pipes bang?

Generally, you will only hear banging pipes when water is not running. This hammering sound can also be a sign of most major drainage issues. Hence, if this problem is neglected, it will ultimately turn into a bigger disaster. Below are some common triggers of the noises in your water pipes.

  • Entrapped air

The blocked air in your plumbing system can cause the hammering sound. You may notice a running noise as the airlock travels through the pipeline shortly after you turn on the faucet.

  • Groundwater

Using water coming from wells also doubles the possibility of banging water pipes. If this is the case, you are required to adjust the water pressure to 55 PSI (pound-force per square inch) to prevent vibration on your piping network.

If you are unable to adjust the water pressure on your own, it would be wise to hire a skilled plumber to do the job properly to get rid of the bothersome noise.

  • Hot water flow in copper pipes

In deeper observation, the loud sounds may more likely appear due to the circulation of hot water inside the piping network. It particularly brings bigger impacts to the copper pipes.

Hot water increases the odds of pipe expansion and compression that can trigger the hammering sound as it clashes with the building joists, walls, or partitions.

  • Damaged plumbing components

The plumbing infrastructure is built with an extensive piping network consisting of faucets, as well as other items, including several small components, to work properly. When small plumbing parts like nuts and bolts get loosened or damaged, it will cause high-pitched sounds.

  • Clogged drain

Noises may appear when your water system struggles to release excess waste that blocks the water movement. You may not expect that simple waste like soap, hair, food crumbs, and other dirt accumulation can restrict the pipes and cause annoying sounds.

This is when professional blocked drain repair in Sydney becomes necessary to properly clear the buildup and restore normal water flow.

How to fix banging water pipes?

You might hear noises in your water pipes at night and start wondering if something’s wrong with your plumbing and if it could lead to bigger problems around your home.  Thus, it is in your best interest to put an end to this problem as soon as possible.

Several strategies have been proven effective to tackle this issue, such as:

  • Air chamber

An empty room filled with gas or air inside the piping network can prevent pipes from making noise when water is turned off. This space is usually referred to as an air chamber. It can be built with an enclosed vertical pipe that is positioned close to the electrical outlet.

In addition, you can install a water hammer arrestor for an immediate solution to compacted space using a flexible, lubricated gasket tube. This device is usually positioned near a solenoid valve. With this equipment, water continues to flow even when the pipe is shaken, but the arrestor will ensure that the water immediately leaves the pipeline framework.

  • Pipe bracket

Sometimes, your home appliances work in motion and cause the small parts of the machine, such as nuts and bolts, to loosen and cause noise. To address this problem, you can simply tighten those elements on your own.

In addition, you can also utilise a pipe bracket. This component plays a vital role in fastening your plumbing framework to make it remain stable. It helps in pipe movement prevention and reduces noise.

It is advisable to use the clasp with a size of 1.2 cm or 1.9 cm. The type of clasps is determined based on the material of your tubes. If your pipeline is made of plastics, then it is recommended to implement plastic clasps. If you utilise copper pipes, then copper brackets will fit better.

Be careful when setting up the pipe bracket when the high-temperature water flows, because the surface of the pipes can be hot.

The additional equipment covered above may require specific tools or expertise to ensure the appropriate fitting. Hence, it is advisable to contact a skilled plumbing technician to fix the problem.

Conclusion

Now you have gained more understanding about why your water pipes are banging at night. Hopefully, these insights can help you become more at ease in dealing with plumbing issues.

Keep in mind that the right analysis of the problem will help you identify the appropriate technique to get rid of the noise in water pipes at night. Make sure that you look at each part of your plumbing infrastructure carefully, so you can discover the root of the problem.

If you are not confident in your own capacity, you can always rely on a plumber in Sydney, as they have the expertise and experience to fix the issue. Not only can they repair the water pipes banging at night, but also look over your plumbing infrastructure, take care of it, and clear them from any blockages.

So, do not put it off and have the issue resolved right away, so you no longer have to encounter your pipes making noise when water is turned off.