Monday, February 23, 2015

How To Silence Noisy Pipes

Do you hear banging, clanging, creaking, and other unusual noises whenever you turn on the tap, water heater, or any water supply fixture? Well, one thing is for certain: your pipes shouldn’t be making those noises at all. Fortunately, there are ways to fix them. 

PopularMechanics.com contributor Pat Porzio relays a simple advice: if your pipes are held by old-fashioned metal clamps, replace those with plastic ones which can expand and contract. These specially designed clamps allow a bit of breathing room for pipes to vibrate, while still holding them in place. 

Home improvement guru Bob Vila chips in as well, advising the use of pipe hangers or plastic/nylon inserts. The latter works well in cushioning pipes running through framing members, though they have to be installed as the plumbing system is being laid out. 

Installing water hammer arresters can also help. These are intended for water hammer, a problem characterized by loud, hammering sounds, which occur when a faucet or valve is abruptly shut off. If left uncorrected, a water hammer can loosen and even completely destroy fittings and valves. Water hammer arresters are small air chambers attached above the water line, which act as cushioning agents that absorb water pressure as the valve is shut off. 

When you hear a lot of unusual noises from your pipes, never ignore them. Such noises may seem mundane, but in reality, they might be harbingers of bigger problems with your home’s plumbing.

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