Does your water piping vibrate and make constant noises that drive you nuts? Besides the annoyance, this is also a sign that something has gone wrong in your plumbing and needs to be fixed right away. There are several contributing factors to vibrating pipes, and each can have more significant consequences if not taken care of in a reasonable timeframe. In this article, Rooter-Man Plumbing reviews some of the most common causes of vibrating water pipes and a solution you can utilize to halt the noise and prevent further damage.
High Water Pressure
Probably one of the most common causes for pipe vibration is due to water pressure. If it is high, your pipes tend to hum while making shaking motions. The recommended water pressure of a residential system should ideally fall within a range of 40-80 PSI. Any level above 80 PSI is considered too high and really destructive to the pipes while increasing wasted water and shortening the appliances’ life span.
A PRV is generally fitted to deal with the incoming water pressure. Over time, these valves can wear out. If your water pressure seems to be a little too high, then you need to check out the main shut-off valve that is functioning correctly. Sometimes, if you partly close the valve, it controls the water flow, but this is a temporary fix. For permanent solutions, however, it would be best to call a professional plumbing service like Rooter Man Plumbing to check your system and install a new PRV where appropriate.
Water Hammer
Another common cause of vibrating pipes is water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock. Essentially, this is an occurrence when the flow of water is instantaneously stopped or altered in a certain direction. This produces a pressure surge, or shockwave, inside the pipe. The water hammer usually occurs when you suddenly shut off a valve that turns off something-be it a faucet or an appliance, such as the dishwasher or a washing machine.
Water hammer is very easy to occur in an older plumbing system, resulting in the consequences of damage to valves, pressure gauges, and even, in worst cases, pipes cracking. A professional plumber installs water hammer arrestors that are able to soak up these shockwaves, averting both damage and noise.
Loose Pipes
If your pipes are loosely secured, then when water flows through it, it vibrates on the surrounding surfaces. Pipe clips commonly hold pipes against the wooden framing, but as these clips become loose or fall away, the pipes can start jiggling. If comfortable doing so, one can fix those loose pipe clamps themselves. As for most pipes behind your walls or underground, it is better to let a plumbing service check and staple them right.
The best way to prevent water hammer is having a certified plumber install water hammer arrestors. These specialty devices absorb the pressure wave that causes water hammer and prevent it from continuing through your pipes. Closing faucets or valves very slowly will be another good habit worth adopting to help lessen the pressure surge involved in suddenly stopping the water flow.
Got A Plumbing Problem? Call Rooter Man Plumbing For Help
Are your pipes vibrating and the noise simply will not quit? Do you try to fix things yourself, yet problems still arise? It’s time to call Rooter Man Plumbing for your pipe repair needs. We offer a full line of plumbing services that includes pipe repair, repiping, leak detection, burst pipe replacement and drain cleaning. Our professional plumbers will find out the root of the vibration and perform an appropriate repair, which will last longer to restore your plumbing system.
Anytime for professional and reliable plumbing service, you can call Rooter Man Plumbing.