How to Quiet Noisy Water Pipes

Noisy water pipes may seem daunting, but you can often fix the problem at its source.

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You Will Need

  • Insulation
  • A washer
  • A faucet valve seat
  • A cushion or straps

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Fix banging noise

    Lower your water pressure at your main water line if you hear a banging noise when you turn off a faucet. The banging is the result of a shock wave moving along the water line.

  2. Consider installing a pressure-reducing valve with the pressure set no higher than 60 psi if you hear banging.

  3. Step 2

    [Solve creaking or cracking noise

    Place insulation around a noisy water pipe if you hear a creaking or cracking sound when you use hot water. Copper water pipes expand when hot water passes through them, causing them to rub against wooden framing and support brackets.

  4. Step 3

    Fix whistling noise

    Replace the washer or repair the faucet valve seat if you hear a whistling noise coming from a faucet. Whistling is caused by water passing through a restricted area.

  5. Step 4

    Quiet a rattling noise

    Cushion the water pipe or strap it down if you hear a rattling sound. Rattling is due to poorly secured water pipes.

  6. The first American waterworks, which were built in Boston in 1652, used pipes made of hollow wooden logs.

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