Are you bothered by the sound of water pipes vibrating within the walls of your Atlanta area home? This household annoyance occurs due to a few different causes. Our licensed plumbers walk you through the reasons behind vibrating water pipes and what is done to fix the issue.
What Causes My Water Pipes to Vibrate?
As we mentioned, the issue of vibrating water pipes has a few different causes. Most commonly, the problem is attributed to:
- Loose pipe
- High water pressure
- Water hammer
How to Troubleshoot Vibrating Water Pipes
To troubleshoot vibrating water pipes, our plumbers walk you through the steps to take based on the problem at hand:
Loose Pipe
Vibrations from your pipes sometimes occur when water runs through them because the pipe section is loose and able to knock against a nearby surface, which creates noise. This issue occurs when you run faucets, showers, washing machines, and other appliances throughout your home, depending on the location of the loose pipe.
Plumbing pipes are typically secured to a home's framing with pipe clamps. The source of a vibrating water pipe may be a loose clamp. To troubleshoot the issue, take a look at exposed piping under sinks and other areas of the home to see if you are able to pinpoint the location. If you are able to access the pipe clamps, tighten them to secure the pipe.
However, for vibrations due to loose pipes behind walls, it is best to call your plumber. An experienced professional is more easily able to pinpoint the issue and make repairs, which can save you a lot of hassle hunting for the pipe and cutting holes in your walls.
High Water Pressure
When water pressure is too high, water pipes can vibrate randomly. This is because the increased pressure within the lines has caused pipe fittings to loosen.
To troubleshoot this issue, you need to check your water pressure regulator. It is typically located along the home's main water line - where it comes into the house after the main shutoff valve. This may be in the basement or utility closet, depending on your home's layout.
Keep water pressure set between 40 and 60 psi - adjust the regulator if necessary. Water pressure above 60 psi stresses plumbing components, which leads to more problems than just vibrations and noise. This issue has the potential to result in damage to your plumbing.
If your water pressure regulator has malfunctioned, call your plumber to repair or replace this component. He or she may also recommend the installation of a pressure-reducing valve, which reduces the pressure of incoming water to protect your plumbing and prevent vibrating.
Water Hammer
A water hammer (also called hydraulic shock) happens when rapidly flowing water slams into a closed valve in the plumbing system. When the water suddenly comes to a stop, it creates very loud vibrations.
Most home plumbing systems have air chambers that provide pressure release to lessen the force of a water hammer. However, these chambers sometimes become filled with water over the years and are less effective.
To troubleshoot this cause of vibrating water pipes, follow these steps to empty air chambers of water:
- Shut off water at your home's main shutoff valve.
- Open all faucets and flush all toilets. Start at the top level of your home and work your way down to thoroughly drain your pipes.
- Close all faucets throughout the house.
- Turn the water back on at the main shutoff valve.
Your plumber is able to offer a few more solutions to this issue. Installation of a hammer arrestor can correct the problem. If the issue occurs with toilet valves, valves can be replaced with slow-shutting valves to limit the issue.
Get Estes to Shake the Rattle Out of Your Pipes!
Tired of vibrating water pipes, and troubleshooting hasn't worked? It's time to call Estes Services to schedule a plumbing repair. Our licensed Atlanta plumbers inspect your pipes to find the source of the disturbance and get to work making lasting repairs that restore peace and quiet to your plumbing.
