It’s the middle of the night, and just as you’re drifting off to sleep – bang – a sudden, loud noise comes from the walls. You flick on the lights, check the windows, and wonder if someone’s at the door. The truth is, the culprit might just be your plumbing.
This phenomenon, known as knocking or hammering, may seem like nothing more than an annoying sound. However, the pressure changes behind that noise can gradually damage your plumbing system – which means it needs addressing sooner rather than later.
What Causes Knocking in Pipes?
These noises usually signal a change in water pressure or flow, and over time, that constant force can cause wear and tear on your pipes. Left untreated, it can lead to leaks, water damage, or even burst pipes. So let’s look at what causes it and what you can do to get some peace and quiet back or you can always reach out to the best plumber in Melbourne to put an end to the annoying sounds.
Age of the Home and Plumbing
If your home was built before 1960, it might not have a water hammer arrestor device – a tool designed to absorb the shock when water flow suddenly stops. Even in newer homes, if the arrestor has failed, you’ll likely hear that telltale knock or bang.
High Water Pressure
When water flows through your pipes at an excessive rate and is suddenly forced to stop, the momentum creates a shockwave – that’s the noise you’re hearing. Over time, this constant jolt can strain joints and fittings, potentially leading to bigger plumbing issues. Depending on where these strained joints are located, you might end up needing the services of a leak detection specialist.
Loose Supply Pipes
If your pipes aren’t properly secured behind the walls, they can move and bang into studs or other surfaces when the water flows. This is especially common in older homes or where pipes have been hastily installed or repaired.
Sediment in Your Water Heater
A build-up of sediment inside your hot water system can also be to blame, because as the sediment heats and shifts around, it creates popping or knocking noises – even when no taps are being used. This indicates that your hot water system may need a flush or inspection.
How to Fix Knocking Water Pipes
If your pipes have started getting noisy, here are a few practical steps you can take to quiet things down and prevent further damage.
Check Your Valves
If the knocking is coming from a main supply line, ensure that all valves and taps are fully open. In some cases, adjusting the main valve to increase water pressure can help eliminate the air pockets or gurgling sounds responsible for the noise.
Replace Washers
That persistent leak in your bathroom or outdoor tap might contribute more than you think. Worn washers can cause pressure inconsistencies, which lead to noise – having your replacing these might be all it takes to stop the racket.
Inspect Your Hot Water System
If the knocking happens even when no water is being used, the issue could be inside your hot water unit. In that case, it’s best to have a professional take a look – especially if you suspect a sediment build-up.
When Your Pipes Speak Up, Don’t Ignore Them
Strange noises from your plumbing may seem like a small issue, but they’re often a warning sign of something bigger brewing beneath the surface. Whether it’s old fittings, pressure problems or loose pipes, addressing the issue early can save you from costly repairs down the track – and restore some much-needed quiet to your home.
