One of the most common plumbing issues is a banging sound coming from your water pipes. You might hear it when you turn on the water, turn off the water, or when you are taking a shower or a bath. The sound can be alarming, especially if you’re not sure what is causing it. If you hear a banging sound in your water pipes and it’s starting to drive you nuts, you’re not alone. In fact, banging pipes are the second most common noise complaint among homeowners. There are actually several possible explanations for the banging, and it’s a good idea to try to figure out which is causing the sound.
The pipes are clogged
If you hear a banging sound in your pipes when a faucet or toilet is running, it could be a sign that your pipes are clogged. A clog in your pipes can be a serious problem, as it can lead to a build-up of harmful bacteria. To avoid this, schedule regular plumbing check-ups to ensure your pipes are free of blockages and that you’re using the right tools to clean out your sink, shower, and toilet. Clogs can occur for many reasons, but the most common is hair. Hair is not biodegradable, and it can wrap around the drains in your home. Over time, it can cause the pipes to get clogged.
The pipes may be corroded
Pipes can become corroded for a wide variety of reasons, everything from the quality of materials used in the pipes to the type of water in your area. Sometimes a banging sound can be caused by a buildup of sediment (small pieces of mineral and organic matter) in the pipes. If you’ve been noticing a water hammering noise when the faucet is turned on, this may be a sign of a clog in the plumbing.
Generally, water hammering happens when the pipes are close to the final destination of the water flow. The noise occurs when the water rapidly moves past a joint in the pipeline. The pipes may also make banging noises as they expand and contract over time. A corroded pipe may not always be easy to see, but it can cause a lot of noise and potentially become a dangerous situation. It can also lead to water damage from a leak.
Water pressure too high
A common type of banging is the compression banging, which is usually caused by the water pressure being too high or a loose compression fitting. The sound is caused by high water pressure, and the pipe constantly vibrating from the pressure. This can cause leaks inside the walls of your home, and there are could be some repairs needed to take care of the problem. If you have a banging sound and the pipes are actually in danger of bursting, you want to have the problem fixed right away.
If you want to get to the bottom of the issue, then you should call in a plumber. The professional will be able to examine your pipes and pinpoint the issue.