When it comes to plumbing issues, you always want to be on the lookout for any warning signs that things aren’t working quite like they should. Catching problems with your plumbing early can help you avoid major water damage to your home and can save you money on repairs. One of the most common symptoms of plumbing problems is a loud knocking or banging noise that sounds like it’s coming from your pipes. Let’s take a look at what this means for your plumbing system and what to do to remedy the issue!
Your house makes plenty of random noises that are typically harmless – the floors might creak slightly due to humidity or the dryer vents might flap against your siding when it’s particularly windy out. These are things you don’t usually have to be concerned about. Knocking sounds, however, almost always indicate that there is an issue within your plumbing system, and these sounds should never be ignored.
The knocking will occur at one of the following times:
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While Cold Water is Running
Knocking sounds that occur when cold water is running usually signals high water pressure. When water flows through your pipes too fast, it bounces off the sides and into itself, shaking the pipe. The shaking pipe rattles against walls and nearby pipes which in turn, makes the knocking sound. Water pressure gauges are available to you which allow you to check your water pressure via the hose bib closest to the water main. The ideal water pressure for the plumbing in your home is between 40-80 PSI. If the meter reads higher than this, a plumber will be needed to adjust or replace your pressure reducing valve.
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While Hot Water is Running
The most likely cause of knocking that occurs only when hot water is running is poor construction of the water lines in your home. If these lines are run through an area or hole that is too narrow, a clicking or knocking noise will be heard whenever hot water runs through the pipe. This occurs because the CPVC piping expands when hot water runs through it. If the piping is lodged in a tight area, the clicking and knocking noises will occur when the pipes have hot water running through them. Your local plumber can help identify these troublesome pipes and give them a bit more breathing room so that the noises no longer occur.
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Randomly When No Water is Running
If you’re hearing knocking noises when no water in the house seems to be running, the noise could actually be coming from your water heater. Sediment can build up over time at the bottom of your water heater. The steam bubbles that rise up as they escape the sediment create a boiling-water-effect inside your water heater, and the reverberations can carry throughout your home and make it seem like the knocks are coming from your pipes. You’ll need a professional to either flush the sediment out of your water heater, or replace the fixture altogether depending on how bad the buildup is.
Looking for a reliable and professional Eldersburg, MD plumber? Contact the experts at Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating today!