Forum Topic

Strange sounds from my pipes.

No not from my eating too many beans or broccoli, but from our cold water pipes in the house. The problem occurs when we turn on the cold water taps too quickly(and when we turn 'em off) - there's a quick distant noise like the banging together of the cold water pipes somewhere other than in the kitchen or bathroom. Before we call a plumber to investigate and fix, does anyone know what I could do to stop this strange banging noise - it may be something very simple that I could fix myself - advice please? Thanks.

Gerry Tan ● 4367d6 Comments

Would clipping the pipes be any good?  cheaper anyway

walter coady ● 4360d

You're welcome Gerry. There is a youtube video that walks you through how to clear the air from your pipes.Make sure you start at the highest tap once you are refilling the system after emptying the pipes and tank(if you have one).It's pretty straight forward. Good luck.

Keith Iddon ● 4367d

Thanks Keith, Peter and Nigel, sound advice - I have a garden tap and I've used it recently, it may be that - I'll have the water pipes seen to - thanks again.

Gerry Tan ● 4367d

If you need a plumber Gerry I can heartily recommend Mark CharnockMobile: 07545 508371charnockmark@yahoo.co.ukHe's been used by a number of forum users, including me, with excellent results every time, do mention my name.

Nigel Brooks ● 4367d

Ibid. Ditto. Etc. I agree. It is typically caused by a dead-end in the pipes that has air in it, or indeed the system has air in it somewhere. For example, if you turn the water off and the water drains back through the system leaving a pocket of air between a rarely-used tap or WC. When you turn the water back on this creates an air pocket in the pipe leading to that particular pipe. If you haven't hd it before then make sure your pipework doesn't have any air pockets - remember things like garage and garden taps.Lots of stuff on this topic:http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/forums/curing-water-hammer-t36268.htmlThis is a VERY common problem.

Peter Mcleod ● 4367d

Could be water hammer.

Keith Iddon ● 4367d