Noisy Water Pipes
Since we have been on higher water pressure from a new source, we are
getting more noise in the pipes. Not banging or clunking, just more water
moving through the system faster, kind of a "rushing" noise. The pipe into
the house is plastic, then hooks into copper pipe. The noise reverberates
down the whole line, and since the pipe is strapped to the floor joists,
it makes the noise under the kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom. I know
about having a foot or so of capped pipe going up from a line to trap air
and cushion the noise of "on" and "off" clunking, but this has me stumped.
I am at the point now where I am about ready to rip the strapping off and
putting foam around the pipes before I strap them back up. Before I spend
the money on this, I thought I would check with you to see if that is what
I need to do, or can you suggest something else ? Thanks very much.
A: A reduction of 1.5:1 (typically 3/4" to 1/2" is commonly used to
increase or maintain water pressure throughout a house. The theory is
that, given constant supply pressure, restricting volume will increase
velocity. Released pressure at a fixture will be compensated for by this
increased velocity.
I expect your hot and cold supply pipes are 1/2 inch diameter. What
diameter is the plastic feed? If the reduction is greater than 1.5:1 it's
quite likely that the velocity is great enough to cause noise in the pipe.
Check that all the shut-off valves (below the sinks etc.) are completely
open. They too, can cause turbulence/noise by restricting water flow.
Also, check all the pipes to see if there are any crushed or dented
sections.
Foam wrap is a great for insulating purposes, but perhaps a little too
soft for noise damping (it would crush flat). By all means, wrap the
pipes, but use denser rubber for vibration pads. Extra bracing (for
clamping to) might also help.
Alternative: Before you start pulling out nails, check the water velocity
at your fixtures, and if it is extremely high, a pressure reducing valve
can be installed on the supply line.
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Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec
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