Does your home’s plumbing system make you feel like you are in a haunted house filled with all kinds of creaking and groaning noises? Noisy pipes are not only annoying but they can make you feel like there is a larger issue going on with your plumbing system. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions for fixing creaking pipes.
Install a Hammer Arrester
One of the most common noises people hear coming from their pipes is a banging sound or “water hammer” after the water turns off. This can often happen when the toilet is flushed. The sound happens because the force of the water causes the pipe to rattle as it
Installing a hammer arrester next to where the shut-off values are, prevents the rattling by using air to absorb the force of the water.
Tighten loose pipe straps
Another reason why you might be having problems with noisy water pipes is that your pipe straps have loosened. If this is the case, you will likely notice more creaking when the temperature of the water changes.
Loose Pipe straps can be resolved either by adding more straps or by tightening the existing ones.
Replace old pipe mounts
When pipes are secured too tightly to the wall, they don’t have a lot of room to expand. This can mean that when hot water is running through them, they will push up against their mounts and cause those creepy creaking noises that make you feel like you are living with ghosts.
In this case, the simple solution is to replace your old pipe mounts with plastic ones that allow your pipes to expand more easily. Adding insulation to your pipes will also help prevent their temperature from changing so quickly and result in less groaning.
Drain your water heater
If your home’s water heater has obstructions such as lime build-up, this may be another reason why your plumbing system is making strange noises. You can get rid of these obstructions by draining your water heater. While the exact steps will vary a bit depending on the model you have installed, it is basically done by turning off the water going into the heater and then opening the tap to drain it. In performing this task, many people will use a hose attached to the heater to allow the water to drain outside of the house.
Call in the professionals
While all of the above solutions can be done by the homeowner if they have a little DIY knowledge, sometimes you will run into a plumbing problem that is beyond your expertise or comfort level. In this case, it is best to call a trusted plumber in for an inspection. A trained plumber will usually be able to identify the problem right away and let you know what needs to be done to resolve it.
If creaking pipes are causing you to lose sleep, don’t put up with it another day. Use the above tips if you are comfortable with DIY or call the experts at McKenna Plumbing. Our Oakville Plumbers service the Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and Burlington region.