The mysterious - or rather, let’s face it - annoying - sound of banging water pipes is a common household issue, and tends to be especially prominent at night or when the water is turned on. But why does this banging occur, and what can you do to stop it? Let’s take a closer look.
Water pipe banging, often described as a loud knocking or banging noise within plumbing systems, occurs due to the dynamics of water flow and pressure in the pipes. While it might be irritating or even concerning, it isn’t necessarily a major cause for concern.
This banging noise typically happens when there is a sudden change in water flow or pressure within the pipes; this abrupt change can cause the pipes to move, resulting in banging against other pipes or the internal surfaces of walls and floors.
The sound of pipe banging can vary; it might manifest as a single loud bang when a tap is turned off, or as a series of noises that occur at irregular intervals. Some pipes may even emit an unpleasant foghorn noise, which could indicate that there are loose pipes within your water system.
Water hammer is a primary cause of banging pipes, and is a phenomenon which occurs when water flow is suddenly stopped, creating a shockwave that travels through the pipes, causing them to bang. It's most noticeable when taps are quickly turned off.
Pipes that are not securely fastened with mounting straps or brackets can move when water flow changes, leading to banging noises, and this is often the case in older homes where pipe fixtures have loosened over time.
In hot water systems, the expansion and contraction of pipes due to changes in water temperature can cause banging. What this means is that as pipes expand due to heat, they can rub against and knock on surrounding materials, resulting in an unpleasant banging sound.
Excessive water pressure in your home's plumbing system can also be a significant contributor to banging pipes; high pressure can cause pipes to vibrate and oscillate, especially when a tap is suddenly opened or closed suddenly.
So, why shouldn’t you ignore the sound of your pipes banging? First of all, the noise can be incredibly irritating and wearing, especially if it’s continual - and it could even be preventing you, your household members and perhaps even your close neighbours from getting quality sleep, especially during the quieter hours of the night.
Secondly, any type of continuous strain on pipes (which tends to be the case if they’re banging continuously) can weaken joints and connections within your plumbing system, and can potentially end up leading to leaks or even bursts over time. This not only incurs repair costs but can also cause extensive water damage to your property, resulting in a maintenance bill long enough to make your eyes water.
So, what can you do about pipe banging? Here are just some solutions that a professional plumber might employ to fix the issue:
For persistent or complex issues - whether it be loud pipe banging or the need for drain unblocking in London - professional intervention is often the best course of action. Professional plumbers know exactly how to work around your plumbing system, know where to look for problems, and can get the job done fast. Plus, they can install water hammer arrestors, pressure reducing valves, and expansion tanks correctly, so that the banging is resolved efficiently and effectively.
Ultimately, while water pipe banging is a common plumbing complaint in many households, you don’t need to live with interrupted sleep forever! That said, addressing the problem promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your plumbing system. And overall, professional intervention - such as help from us at FS Drainage - is the best way to prevent potential damage and preserve the tranquillity of your home environment.
