Vibrating water pipes
The first time you hear that banging, clanging sound in your house you are shocked into stunned silence trying to figure out where does this noise comes from. There will be a feeling of despair and fear that your house is going to collapse on itself. There might be different sounds that emits from your walls or the ceiling. Your wife and children might be terrified with your pets barking and yelping. The sounds can vary from a steady low sound that resembles a low groan to the hammering sound of pipes clanging. The next question you might have to answer is; will we be safe and won’t the walls or ceiling collapse when the pipes explode like in the movies. Fortunately there is good news and experienced plumbers know exactly how to deal with the issue of vibrating water pipes.
What causes vibrating pipes and won’t my plumbing collapse. This occurs more frequently than imagined and there is a couple of reasons why it does happen and shouldn’t be regarded as an emergency. The cause of vibrating pipes can normally be attributed to the following reasons;
Pipes that are loose.
The opening of a tap allows water to run through the pipes in your plumbing system, with a force which creates pressure which in turn causes friction in the pipes. This has a vibrating effect on the pipes. Because of this the pipes must be securely attached to minimize movement and the resulting effect is that there is no audible vibration. Special clips is used to secure the pipes. Over a period of time we might find that some clips was loosened or have dropped off because of the vibration in the pipes.
High water pressure in the pipes.
It might be that the water pressure in the pipes are too high which increases the vibration in the pipes. There might also be movement of the pipes. This will help to loosen the clips and even get them dislodged from the pipe, it might also be damaging to appliances which uses water to operate. The modern type of taps which operates with valves is more sensitive to water pressure and might get damaged with the prolonged occurrence of pipes banging because of too high water pressure.
Water Hammer
When there is banging sounds in the plumbing system where it runs through the ceiling and the walls of your house it is indicative of a condition known as “Water Hammer” amongst plumbers. This happens when we quickly close certain types of taps or change the direction in which the water flows. This taps are typical modern taps which operates with a lever and have valves in its design .There normally because of the fast closing of the tap not enough air in the pipes to assist in preventing the banging or “Water Hamer”. It can also be caused by chambers that have filled up with water instead of air. It can also be described as water shocks.
How to fix vibrating pipes.
This is normally not a very difficult process if we follow certain steps. It would be advisable to follow a logical order in trying to locate the problem before we look for the help of a problem. Firstly it is advisable to try and locate any clips that might be loose or lost. If any loose screws are found it can easily screwed back or be replaced. If none can be found, try to locate the area where the noise comes from. Once you have done that try to get to the pipe without have to resort to chipping the plaster away. If you can locate the pipe ensure that you securely fasten it with clips. If this isn’t possible tie pieces of material at the point where the pipe enters into the opening, in an attempt to stop the vibration. The problem of the water pressure that is too high can be solved by first of all checking on the condition of the water pressure regulating fixture and turning it lower. Alternatively a valve that turns the pressure down can be installed where your mains line enters the house. Water hammers can be prevented by fitting arrestors or water valves that slowly shuts down at designated areas. This must be done by plumbers that are qualified. It is not difficult to get rid of vibrating pipes and in most cases can be done by the home owner without special equipment. If you feel that you have done everything without success contact your nearest plumber who ready and trained to assist you.
What causes vibrating pipes and won’t my plumbing collapse. This occurs more frequently than imagined and there is a couple of reasons why it does happen and shouldn’t be regarded as an emergency. The cause of vibrating pipes can normally be attributed to the following reasons;
Pipes that are loose.
The opening of a tap allows water to run through the pipes in your plumbing system, with a force which creates pressure which in turn causes friction in the pipes. This has a vibrating effect on the pipes. Because of this the pipes must be securely attached to minimize movement and the resulting effect is that there is no audible vibration. Special clips is used to secure the pipes. Over a period of time we might find that some clips was loosened or have dropped off because of the vibration in the pipes.
High water pressure in the pipes.
It might be that the water pressure in the pipes are too high which increases the vibration in the pipes. There might also be movement of the pipes. This will help to loosen the clips and even get them dislodged from the pipe, it might also be damaging to appliances which uses water to operate. The modern type of taps which operates with valves is more sensitive to water pressure and might get damaged with the prolonged occurrence of pipes banging because of too high water pressure.
Water Hammer
When there is banging sounds in the plumbing system where it runs through the ceiling and the walls of your house it is indicative of a condition known as “Water Hammer” amongst plumbers. This happens when we quickly close certain types of taps or change the direction in which the water flows. This taps are typical modern taps which operates with a lever and have valves in its design .There normally because of the fast closing of the tap not enough air in the pipes to assist in preventing the banging or “Water Hamer”. It can also be caused by chambers that have filled up with water instead of air. It can also be described as water shocks.
How to fix vibrating pipes.
This is normally not a very difficult process if we follow certain steps. It would be advisable to follow a logical order in trying to locate the problem before we look for the help of a problem. Firstly it is advisable to try and locate any clips that might be loose or lost. If any loose screws are found it can easily screwed back or be replaced. If none can be found, try to locate the area where the noise comes from. Once you have done that try to get to the pipe without have to resort to chipping the plaster away. If you can locate the pipe ensure that you securely fasten it with clips. If this isn’t possible tie pieces of material at the point where the pipe enters into the opening, in an attempt to stop the vibration. The problem of the water pressure that is too high can be solved by first of all checking on the condition of the water pressure regulating fixture and turning it lower. Alternatively a valve that turns the pressure down can be installed where your mains line enters the house. Water hammers can be prevented by fitting arrestors or water valves that slowly shuts down at designated areas. This must be done by plumbers that are qualified. It is not difficult to get rid of vibrating pipes and in most cases can be done by the home owner without special equipment. If you feel that you have done everything without success contact your nearest plumber who ready and trained to assist you.
Thanks for reading this article by Plumbers of Palm Beach. If you'd like further assistance or to hire a plumber reach out to us at 561-220-0065 or email us at [email protected]
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